Internet shopping is the choice of many with today's busy lifestyles. It's convenient, quick, and can be done from anywhere - even one's own home computer. However, finding bargains online is not always easy. You've probably seen many advertisements such as "over 35,000 items at low cheap wholesale prices" while shopping on the Web. But, how do you know if the prices really are wholesale prices?" Here's a quick guide to wholesale shopping so you can recognize a wholesale price when you see one.

Keep a Retail Price List

A serious wholesale shopper will keep an ongoing list of item retail prices as they shop or search online. If shopping for electronics, make a list of the general electronic product types and their average prices. Do the same with other products, whether shopping for auto parts, toys, As Seen on TV products, lingerie, luggage, sporting goods, pet supplies, clothing, jewelry, or any other item. Most retailers sell for near the same prices on popular items unless they are offering a sales discount.

Here is a sample list (prices are examples only):

Car video products - Average Price: $99.95
Video games - Average Price: $29.95
Outdoor furniture - Average Price: $399.00
Sporting goods - Average Price: $59.95
Pet supplies - Average Price: $19.95
Toys - Average Price: $9.95
Costume Jewelry - Average Price: $39.95
Real Gold and Silver Jewelry - Average Price: $149.95
Fragrances - Average Price: $39.95

The list can go on and on.

Compare Average Retail Prices to Wholesale Prices

Next, compare the average retail prices you have found with the prices at wholesale shopping malls. The malls that are advertising "over 35,000 items at low cheap wholesale prices" as mentioned above should have their pricing well below the average retail prices for similar items. If not, then they are not really offering wholesale prices.

Compare Apples with Apples

While comparing prices, also compare brand names. Sometimes, quality must come before price. If you find that the brand names are the same, but the prices seem to be at the wholesale level when compared to the retailers, then it's probably a good bargain. Some general items aren't going to matter as much when it comes to the brand name, such as pet supplies, small-ticket electronics, some non-essential outdoor items, or sporting goods supplies that are disposable such as practice golf balls and tees or practice paper targets for the outdoors.

Getting Gifts at Wholesale Prices

During holidays and special gift-giving occasions, you can take the same steps above to find great gifts at wholesale prices. You can get gifts like fragrances, jewelry, video games and toys, glass dcor items, headsets, clothing, etc. depending on the recipient's sex - male or female. You can buy general gifts for large family or office gatherings. If you've always wanted to buy some of those unique As Seen on TV Products, you can find these at wholesale prices as well. If buying for someone who loves to read, you can often find best sellers at great bargain prices. The gift product ideas are endless.

Follow the steps above to find great wholesale bargains, and don't hesitate to shop at the Internet malls with "over 35,000 items at low cheap wholesale prices" once you've done your research. You'll be amazed at how much you can save!