Guest Author - Cate Brizzell

Are you remodeling your house? Shopping for a new car? Looking to replace appliances?

You may want to check the internet before you buy big-ticket items at your local big-box store (or independent dealer). Shopping online can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

I recently visited relatives (let's call them the Smiths) in the process of remodeling a vacation home. They consulted an interior decorator to help with the interior re-design. The money spent with the decorator was worth every penny, as it helped them pull together their vision for the small but cozy lake home and make the best use of available living space. After their consultation, they had a plan in hand and contracting decisions made.

However, when it was time to choose big-ticket decorating items such as tile, flooring and exterior/interior light fixtures, the retail prices offered by the decorator weren't exactly budget-friendly.

So, the Smiths took to their laptop and researched all the items they'd selected while working with the decorator. They found online outlets that not only offered the exact same items, but offered them for hundreds of dollars less! Not only that, one of their purchases came with free shipping and no sales tax, adding up to over $500 in savings with just one purchase.

Whether it's home-building or remodeling materials, furniture, cars or appliances, you can find significant savings by shopping online, even when you take into account shipping or other fees.

Want to upgrade but not sure where you'll get the money? Shop online and use your savings to buy bigger and better. For example, the Smiths were initially thinking of hardwood, but decided it wouldn't work in their pet-friendly home. They had discovered brand-new tiling that simulates hardwood thanks to their interior decorator, but the tiling was expensive. However, since the Smiths saved $500 on their lighting fixtures alone, they were able to afford the tiling they really wanted, buying it online at a discount.

Online shopping has its downside, of course. Make sure you're dealing with a reputable merchant. Use the internet to research reviews, opinions and customer comments. Evaluate customer service by calling the company and asking questions about your intended purchase, as well as delivery and return policies. If the customer service isn't up to par, buyer beware!

If you're uncomfortable buying something sight unseen, do what the Smiths did. Peruse retail outlets near you to touch and sample products and make your final decisions. Take down the exact model or serial numbers you need, and then research them online. If you're in the market for a used car, test drive one at a dealer new you first.

Use a credit card that has buyer protection. If you have a dispute with the merchant or any problem with your transaction at all, the credit card company can handle it for you. They also have the ability to do a "chargeback" when necessary. A "chargeback" takes the money sent to the merchant by the credit card company out of their settlement account and credits it back to your balance.

Don't forget to double-check all shipping and return policies. Make sure you put yourself in a "no-lose" situation should you receive broken, damaged or unsatisfactory items.

Finally, plan ahead, especially if you're dealing with a home contractor. You want to make sure you have your items in time to meet all the necessary deadlines.