Digital shopping spree

After retailers spend a day of wrangling the stampede of customers from Black Friday, they begin to prepare for the online rush called Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday begins the Monday after Thanksgiving and has easily become the second highest retail sales date for most companies. The term was coined in 2005 in a press release by Shop.org and has stuck around since. The online bargains often beat the sale prices during the 24 hours of Black Friday and can last the entire week.

Since the “holiday” exists completely online, it is only natural that the best deals would be on electronics. Big computer companies like HP and Dell plan to have prices slashed up to 25 percent off the listed retail. For example, the G Series laptops from HP, which are popular among college students, are already about $200 off with an extra 50 percent off the warranty and customer service packages that they offer, plus another 57 percent off a printer if bought with the computer.

For a one-stop shop for all electronic needs, not just computer-related, visit sites like Newegg.com and TigerDirect.com where featured items are 75 to 80 percent off, most with free shipping.

From Xbox 360’s to speakers, computer monitors to video cameras, the Cyber Monday sales cover everything. MSNBC.com said, “Expect to see online retailers meet or beat Black Friday HDTV prices.”

However, Cyber Monday is not just for technology junkies. Clothing is on deep discount, with retailers like American Eagle offering up to 30 percent off. Some items are even 75 percent off at Aéropostale. Both retailers are giving away free shipping on all orders. Even larger companies like Macy’s, which sell everything from clothing to appliances, plan to keep their sales going from Black Friday online, which is an extra 20 percent off almost everything.

Amazon.com, America’s largest online retailer, has their award-winning Kindle e-book reader on sale for $139. Not to mention, all college students can get a free trial for a year of Amazon Prime with their Rocket e-mail address, which gives free two-day shipping on everything and cheaper deals on certain items like textbooks or discounts on over-night delivery.

With the extreme discounts that Cyber Monday has to offer, one could easily go overboard with shopping for everyone they know, but always remember to be cautious when using a credit card number on the internet. Credit card theft is a constantly growing epidemic with online shopping, but there are ways to keep those numbers safe.

Many companies like Discover Card or banks like Citibank and Bank of America offer a one-time credit card number. Similar to a gift card, the companies ask for how much the customer wants on the temporary card and how long they will use it for and they will generate a new credit card number to help avoid fraudulent charges over this holiday season. Companies will also keep a record of all purchases that have been made with the new number.

Another option is a website called PayPal.com, which is renowned for its security features and is accepted by almost any major retailer. When making a PayPal.com account, there is an option to tie it directly to a checking account instead of giving out a credit card number to all the stores.

Cyber Monday is quickly becoming the best way to get all the shopping done this holiday season. With stores offering deals equal to or better than Black Friday, avoid being trampled in the mall this year and try shopping from the comfort of home.