Waiting until the last minute can pay off when Christmas shopping this year. Stores that offered free shipping with a minimum purchase last week are now offering free shipping on any purchase, some with guarantees for Christmas delivery.

Today when placing an order, I was able to get free shipping because I asked. The main item I wanted to order from a specialty company was not available in the pull down menu for the company’s online site, so I had to call the toll free number. Before completing my order I asked if free shipping was just an online offer and the lady kindly said, since you mentioned it I’ll give you the shipping for free – which saved almost $17.

You never know unless you ask. I was considering placing an order with another online retailer but was dissuaded because I didn’t want to pay the equivalent of half the cost of the item for shipping. Today, I received an email coupon for free shipping on any order.

This goes along with a news story that I heard this morning on the radio that many people were out shopping in the malls and stores this weekend but not many people were making purchases. The closer it gets to Christmas this year, the great the deals will be, even if the choices are fewer – retailers are willing to make deals and customer service is coming back.

Finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be the only challenge you face this shopping season. Every holiday season people are warned about pickpockets and parking lot thefts and robberies. This year since the economy is poor it is important to remind people of personal safety.

Consider this… how many times have you seen people put their packages on the back seat of their vehicle and then go back into the store or mall? That seemingly innocuous event is just an invitation to thieves.

After shopping, especially when you are in a parking lot, do not sit in your car playing with the radio, checking receipts or other things. Lock your doors and leave. Many times I have seen women sitting in their cars like sitting ducks after they have been shopping. Get in your car, don’t dawdle – leave. Before getting to your vehicle, make sure you have your keys out.

If someone asks you for a donation, either keep some money in your pocket to put into the kettle or give to the person asking, but do not fish out your wallet or dig in your purse for money.

Prices that are too good to be true especially on the “hot” items of the season at an online retailer that you are unsure of, pay the extra money to buy from a reputable dealer. When in doubt, check it out. Sites with poor service or undelivered goods generally have many people who have reviews companies online.

An easy way to do your holiday shopping would be to do most of your shopping online at trusted retailers or just give cash.