Many Web retailers admit they were taken by surprise last holiday season and tried to take precautions to prevent problems this year. Online merchants are trying hard this holiday shopping season to have all their ducks in a row after many were caught off guard and overwhelmed by an unexpected large number of online shoppers. Last-minute shoppers can continue to order on some sites in the week before Christmas, but prices will be at a premium for delivery by Dec. 25. Check for confirmation e-mails. Try shopping early in the morning or late at night.
Most workplace computers have better Internet access than home computers.
Make sure the merchant offers a return policy. Timesaver Online customer Mindy Reynolds of Dallas said shopping on the Internet is far preferable to heading to the stores with her three children . I'm sure closer to Christmas, things will be sold out, but I've had no problem at all. Last week, Ms. Reynolds said, she received seven deliveries in one day from online retailers. I'm doing it all online.