FreeShipping

In-store purchasing of electronics is going the way of the horse and buggy.

Best Buy recently announced the closure of 50 stores and experts are speculating the inevitable demise of the big-box company, thanks to stiff competition from e-retailers like Amazon. In 2011, Amazon's revenue rose 69 percent in electronics and general merchandise sales alone, according to the Associated Press. And Circuit City accepted its fate years ago when it closed its brick-and-mortar locations and now operates exclusively online.

Convenience and better prices are the name of the online-purchasing game, but that doesn't mean there aren't pitfalls to the practice. Before you invest in your next pricey gadget, consider these do's and don'ts before clicking "purchase."

DO Compare Prices
Most people know to consult online prices when shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, but the same diligence should be applied when purchasing something online. Though Amazon offers competitive prices, it behooves you to look at other sites and take advantage of sales and promotions. Read more

According to CNN, we can pack up our winter coats and dust off our spring wardrobe, because the warm weather is here to stay. This is good news for those of us on the cusp of the beloved, week-long hiatus from school known as Spring Break.

Before you pack up your family for some fun in the sun, check out these top coupons collected by FreeShipping.org to save on Spring Break essentials.

1. Ulta
Take $10 off orders of $60 or more through March 31 with coupon code 80531.

2. Aeropostale
Save 30% on any purchase through March 18 with code FRIEND30.

3. Lands' End
Save 25% of all things swim plus get free shipping from Lands' End on orders of $50 or more through March 19.

4. Sierra Trading Post
Take 20% off any order through April 4 with code ACJSPRING2.

5. Bath & Body Works
Save 20% on all orders through April 1 with promo code PICKED4U. Read more

Though spring has not yet sprung in most areas of the country, the itch to get outside and enjoy the splendors of nature still begs to be scratched. Unlike the past three years, 2012 offers a unique opportunity to score discounts on sporting-good must-haves in the form of an extra day.

Not all retailers offer deals on Leap Day, but those who do really bring out the big guns. Zappos, for example, offers a four-year return policy for all orders placed on Feb. 29. There's no better time frame in which to evaluate the purchase of those hiking boots.

In an effort to help you "leap" into savings with an extra day to score discounts, FreeShipping.org collected the top 10 sporting-good coupons to help you stock up on athletic essentials during Leap Day.

1. Lids
Save 20% on hat orders of $60 or more through Feb. 29 with code 20LIDS2.

2. Finish Line
Take $10 off orders of $60 or more though March 15 with Finish Line coupon code GAN2011.

3. Under Armour
Get free shipping on any order through Feb. 29 with code FVMJHCJAD6Q.

4. Reebok
Get 50% off NFL items through March 1 with promo code NFL50. Read more

Though President's Day was created to recognize our first president, celebrating the event doesn't require wooden teeth or a powdered wig. These days Americans honor the legacy of George Washington with some savvy spending. After all, his regal visage can be found on the quarter dollar and dollar bill. It's as if he's encouraging us to spend money.

Despite President Washington's pleas, you needn't spend your hard-earned dollars in excess. FreeShipping.org has compiled the top President's Day offers from online retailers to help you get deep discounts and avoid delivery costs.

1. Topshop
Get free shipping on any order through Feb. 21 (no coupon code required).

2. Kmart
Get free shipping on orders of $59 or more with code PRESIDENT.

3. Lands' End
Enjoy Land's End free shipping on any order through Feb. 22 (no coupon code required).

4. Pottery Barn Kids
Get free shipping on any order (excluding furniture) through Feb. 20 (no code required).

5. American Eagle Outfitters
Get free shipping on any order through Feb. 20 (no code required). Read more

How does Christmas creep up so quickly? It seems like just yesterday our shopping concerns were stocking up on stuffing and turkey for a Thanksgiving feast. Now parking lots are full and checkout lines stretch around the store. Many online merchants have already ceased their holiday shipping, leaving shoppers to fight through the last-minute masses.

Luckily, there are still a few stores that can help alleviate your stress. FreeShipping.org has compiled a comprehensive list of holiday delivery deadlines for over 100 stores, and the following merchants offer expedited shipping for free or with a minimum order.

1. Apple Store
Place your order by Dec. 21 to receive free Next Day Shipping on most items, excluding custom or engraved products.

2. Roxy
Any orders received by 10 pm EST on Dec. 21 will include free 2-Day Shipping.

3. Neiman Marcus
To get free rush delivery on orders of any amount, use code NMQUICK and choose "promotional shipping" as your shipping method. This offer is valid until 11:59 am CST on Dec. 22.

4. Under Armour
Enjoy free two-day shipping on any order using promo code FREESHIP.Read more

Clearly shopping "click" instead of "brick" has taken over this year. Online shopping went through the roof from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, and it looks like only holiday shopping deadlines will slow things down.

Naturally, consumers can always depend on Free Shipping Day, the one-day event on Dec. 16 when they can shop from more than 2,000 merchants with delivery by Christmas Eve. Other stores offer extended deadlines, however. FreeShipping.org put together a comprehensive list of 170 merchant holiday deadlines, including dates for standard and express shipping as well as the date offering the fastest shipping with delivery by Christmas.

Best Buy
Standard: Dec. 20, 11 a.m. EST
Express: Dec. 21, 11 a.m. EST
Fastest: Dec. 22, 11 a.m. EST

Cabela's
Standard: Dec. 16
Express: Dec. 20, 9 p.m. CST
Fastest: Dec. 22, 11:30 a.m. CST

Lands' End
Standard: Dec. 14
Express: Dec. 19
Fastest: Dec. 21 Read more