A couple weeks ago we kicked off the Christmas Shopping Season with ZamFest. In that report, we linked to a chart provided by ZippyCart.com that expected that almost half (49%) off all holiday shoppers plan to shop online. (Up from 42% a year ago.)

Online retailers are in FULL SWING this Holiday Season to capture the increase of online shoppers. I have two folders in Outlook that collect e-mails from retailers. One for retailers I’ve spent money with online – and one from retailers I’ve made money with online. If I didn’t corral the massive amount of promotional e-mails into these folders, they’d overtake my e-mail account. The massive amount of solicitations from retailers is overwhelming as they all try to convince you that they have the best deals this Holiday Season.

While I haven’t been able to read every single promotion, I’ve yet to see one that mentions standing in line at the store during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, many of them point out that the line connected to Internet is not only shorter, but offers a larger selection, and is cheaper to boot.

To take advantage of the increase of online shoppers ZamFest is back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Now, shoppers can take part in all the fun by joining ZamZuu for a savings spectacular without the long lines. Wearing their pajamas while shopping for deals is actually encouraged during the event when it begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 26. The company will begin posting amazing Black Friday Dealz on the ZamZuu Dealz Facebook page.

Personally, I hate shopping and this is a much better alternative for this annual frenzy. The thought of getting tangled up in the chaos of Black Friday is an event I’d rather avoid. Part of it comes from years of working in the retail industry with Gateway (before they closed their stores) and HiFi Buys (before they filed for bankruptcy.) The frenzy – the mess – the extended hours – and the attitudes of shoppers during this time of year did not make my Holiday all that cheerful or jolly.

I know there are shoppers who either camp out all night, or get up way too early to hit the stores before the sun comes up Black Friday to head out to stores. To me, that’s just nuts. Especially when you can shop online and get that same deal in just a few clicks and you’re done. No mad rush, no long lines, and no disappointment that you have to trek to another store when the display has been decimated by crazed shoppers who got there before you did.

No thanks.

Another big push I’m seeing in all these solicitations from retailers is “Cyber Monday”. A growing event over the years that’s designed specifically for Internet shoppers and everyone is getting on board to increase sales, making the most out of the Holiday shopping season. If there’s any doubt that online retailing hasn’t caught on or a significant part of a retailers overall strategy to increase revenue – you don’t need to look any further than annual event.

ZamZuu is also hosting a special Cyber Monday webcast beginning at 12:01 a.m Eastern, Monday, November 29 and rebroadcasting for a full 24 hours of unbelievable deals from ZamZuu. A great opportunity to pick up some great presents with special savings all from the comfort of home.

We did the MAJORITY of our shopping during the same weekend last year and never left the house. We found better inventory, better prices, and a much better atmosphere. (NO CROWDS) These online stores were also open 24/7 so we could shop and buy when at a time that suited us best.

Last year, we had all the kids presents drop shipped to Pittsburgh (Grandma and Grandpas) keeping the presents out of reach from prying eyes! A big plus for us as parents, and the kids where actually surprised last year. (LOL!)

Don’t miss it! These amazing deals are only a couple days away with Black Friday Dealz and the ZamZuu webcast on Cyber Monday!

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This past weekend, I was introduced to a company called Aisle 19, and if you are like me, you probably went “Aisle who?” I never heard of them either, but after checking out the movie, it looked interesting. There really isn’t much out there concerning this company or concept so I figured a review was in order to help those of you who may have been invited, (the only way you can join by the way) to provide some information and answer some questions.

Aisle 19 is somewhat like the Discover credit card. You should know how that works. For every purchase you make; you earn a certain percentage as “cash back”.  The difference in Aisle 19 is it’s not a credit card, but a gateway you pass through in order to earn this “cash back” bonus with over 600 retailers. Percentages will range by retailer from 1% up to 20%, but by going through this gateway in Aisle 19 you are automatically qualify and are connected directly to the online stores you know and trust. Some names you may recognize are NFLshop.com, Barnes & Noble, Gap, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, K-Mart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Staples, Sony….

You get the picture.

In addition, Aisle 19 is a good place to find those special deals, kind of like the Sunday paper, but every day. When I logged in this morning I found an exclusive Aisle 19 offer to receive 20% off the list price of any one item with Borders. The offer expires 1/31 and is good for everything from books and music to movies and kids. Another offer from Target includes free shipping with orders over $50.00. It’s a great place to start your shopping experience to save money.

What’s the cost for something like this? Nadda. There are no additional fees, no setup fees, and no activation fees. There are no inflated prices on shipping or product sales. Product prices and shipping costs through Aisle 19 are the same at the merchant’s web site and sometime even lower with Aisle 19’s Daily Deal specials.

All you need is to be invited by someone else.

So what’s the problem? I honestly couldn’t tell you. For someone like me who’s been buying online for a number of years, it’s really a no brainer. (Seriously) I mean, it doesn’t cost me a thing to join, I shop with retailers I already know (and trust) and I get “cash back” if I arrive at these stores sites via the Aisle 19 web site.

That being said, there are probably some questions, and I’ve seen some out there that I hope I might be able to answer for you here.

• Where is Aisle 19?

Aisle 19 is on the internet. I have seen questions out there believe it or not from people who physically went into the store and looked for an Aisle 19 in the store. (If you’d like to search for them, be my guest, but they will remain nameless here.) Aisle 19 is the online shopping portal or gateway that you can now use to save money and earn cash back.

• How do you make sure you get credit through Aisle 19?

Simply start shopping by going to Aisle 19 first, and then click the store of choice through Aisle 19. Stores will have no way of knowing how you got there without going through Aisle 19 first.

• How do they know it’s me?

Cookies, and we’re not talking Mrs. Fields here. Cookies are computer speak for tracking. It’s not spyware or any type of virus, just a way to make sure that the purchases you make all link back to you. Cookies used by Aisle 19 and it’s network of stores are completely safe and they are enabled by default with most browsers.

• Do all purchases qualify for cash back?

Virtually every “item” you purchase through Aisle 19 qualifies for cash back. Aisle 19 cannot, however, give cash back for taxes, shipping, or any portion of a purchase that is paid for with non-Aisle 19 provided coupons, gift certificates or a store credit. Specials and coupons CAN be combined to maximize your savings. (Unless otherwise stated by the retailer.)

• How do I know I’m saving as much as possible?

One way is to shop from the stores that offer the highest cash back incentives. Simply click on the ALL STORES tab in Aisle 19 and then select the Cash Back pull down. Aisle 19 will then show you which stores offer the highest cash back incentives from highest to lowest. Another way is to always start by checking out the Daily Deals on the main page. Aisle 19 does all the work for you by searching all the specials, deals and coupons that stores are currently offering. This saves you the time of clicking from store to store to find what deals are available. Many times these deals are not available when shopping from the stores directly so by coming through Aisle 19 you get discounts that are often not available to the general public. You can also word search for items in the daily deal section to see if what you are looking for happens to be on sale.

• How soon will I receive my cash back?

On or around the 20th of every month, your cash back check from the previous month’s purchases will be cut and mailed to you. There are special incentive stores that will provide instant cash back for you at the time of purchase. Kind of like an “instant rebate”, and simply take the cash back you receive off the total price.

• What are the shipping policies?

The same as the retailer’s web site. Because you will be shopping on the retailer’s site you will have to check their shipping policies. Some stores like Sam’s and Wal-Mart will allow you to order on-line and pick your merchandise up at the local store. (Cool huh?)

• How safe is my credit card information?

100% secure. When you check out at any of the merchants used, you are on the safest possible connection, a Secure Socket Layer (SSL). Credit card security is of the utmost importance to Aisle 19 and something they look for when partnering with a retailer.

If you’ve been introduced to Aisle 19, I hope this gives you a better idea of what this program is all about, and answer some of the questions you might have had. Personally, I like the idea and it fits in very well with what I’m already doing. It also gives me added incentive to shop for more products online for additional savings of both time and money.

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This is Easy! YTB has partnered with several national businesses for the benefit of our RTA’s. As an RTA, you can access discounts to a number of products and services as long as you maintain the activation of your individual travel site.

Save on office essentials, print services, furniture, and more! Stapleslink.com is Staples’ business-to-business Internet ordering solution. As individual business owners, YTB RTAs can order supplies electronically from your computer anytime at special contract prices or by shopping inside your favorite Staples Store. The site provides access to over 30,000 products, with new additions daily, at YTB’s negotiated low prices!

YTB and Sprint is pleased to announce a partnership designed to offer RTAs extra savings on mobile services. As an active RTA you can take advantage of a minimum 10% discount* on your monthly wireless services and a 25% discount on all phone accessories. You must be a current RTA in order to qualify for the YTB/Sprint discounts. There are three ways to qualify for this discount program:

• Transfer your existing Sprint service to the YTB/Sprint program.

• Transfer your existing service and telephone number from another carrier to the YTB/Sprint program.

• Activate a new line of service with the YTB/Sprint program.

Receive 25% off all phone accessories Receive a FREE Bluetooth headset with a NEW activation in the YTB/Sprint program (offer valid until 12/28/07).

*Minimum 10% discount is adjusted upward based on the number of lines subscribed by RTAs participating in the program. When subscribed lines reach a total of 2,500 the discount is 15%; 20,000 subscribed lines, 18% discount; 30,000 subscribed lines 20% discount, and 60,000 subscribed lines; 29% discount. With over 100,000 RTA’s this is a no brainer!

Dell and YTB are pleased to announce exceptional pricing on new Dell Systems! YTB Associates are able to purchase from corporate configurations, or from our full catalog of products. You can purchase a new Inspiron desktop or notebook PC configured specifically to your needs while utilizing the purchasing power of YTB. You can also purchase a Dell LCD TV, Dell Printer, as well as choose from over thousands of electronics and accessories. As a Dell Member Purchase Program participant, you will continue to receive all current, advertised promotions and discounted shipping, corporate-level telephone technical support and award winning customer service.

Receive special promotional prices on select models of TomTom Navigation Systems. Through a special promotional site you will be able to purchase your favorite model and have it shipped straight to your door.

Guys, we’ll never have to ask for directions again!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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