Cyber Monday could mean no lines and great deals

By Abe Nelson

Published: November 30, 2008

If you want to avoid long lines, traffic and every other challenge that goes along with holiday shopping, then Cyber Monday could be for you.
   
It’s the online retail world’s version of Black Friday, and another attempt to lift sales.
   
And, yes, there are deals and dozens of sites to shop.
   
We found a one-stop shop of sorts that might make the experience easier.  You’ll find the savings are just a click away at Cybermonday.com.
   
The website lets you shop at more than 550 stores; all from the comfort of your home or even the office…we won’t tell anyone.
   
The website lets you shop and compare prices for the same product at different stores.  It includes a green category to locate environmentally minded products.
   
You can also sign up for e-mail alerts to find out about the latest hourly deals for Cyber Monday.

Special offers might mean free shipping or exclusive deals from online retailers.
   
There’s even a chance to earn money by spending it.  When you buy something through Cybermonday.com, you earn rebate dollars.  If you collect 10 rebate dollars over three months, Cybermonday.com will send you a check, if your account is in good standing.

The website says you don’t have to worry about your personal information being shared.  Cybermonday.com will only e-mail you about what you buy and about your rebates.  Your mailing address is only for rebate checks, and your phone number for resolving any problems.

You can “opt in” for special offers from retailers, but they don’t share your information with third parties. 

Cyber Monday started in 2005 by Shop.org.  It’s a division of the National Retail Federation. 

It’s not necessarily the biggest online shopping day of the year, but it’s become a recent tradition to see a spike in internet sales the Monday after Thanksgiving.