Ready for Cyber Monday?

Tomorrow is Cyber Monday, a day when most of us will be back at work but many of us will be, ahem, shopping online. Are you ready? Check our tips below.

Many Web sites are expected to whip up your interest with special offers. To keep up with the latest offers, ckeck cybermonday.org for the latest info on national retailers' specials. Free shipping is a popular theme.

Speaking of shipping, make sure to read all the details on shipping and return policies (and costs) before you finalize the order. I have purchased from QVC six times in the past three years with no disappointments. But my seventh purchase had to be returned, and I discovered, to my dismay, that the shipping expense of a return on the defective merchandise was my cost, not theirs. Ouch.

Dealing with trusted sites is always a good idea. If you've had a good experience in the past, you will feel more confident about the Cyber Monday rush.

Need ideas? Check back throughout the day on Monday for links to sites offering Michigan-themed gifts. We'll offer ideas for food, gift baskets and other uniquely Michigan items. As always, add your commentsand suggestions.