A recent survey indicates that more than half of online shoppers plan to use the Internet more than last holiday season to comparison shop (89%), research gifts for others (86%), buy gifts for others (74%), and buy gifts for themselves (53%). (2004 Shop.org/BizRate.com Online Holiday Mood Study)

So, I thought I’d share a few shopping web sites that you might find helpful as you get through your shopping lists.

BizRate reviews and compares items and stores. Their goal is to list every shop and product in their searchable database. Users are invited to send in review of products and services at the site.

Froogle is a search directory of products that works much like its parent site, Google.

MySimon is a comparison shopping site. They list millions of items and always focus on shopping the least expensive merchants.

Epinions is a consumer review site. Members post their reviews. Often the views are biased, but as a shopper it can be a refreshing resource.

If you sell items online you might look into getting listed on these resources – many provide basic listings for free. In fact I think only MySimon charges to be listed; the others often charge rates for enhanced listings.

Happy shopping!