Most shoppers look online these days before buying anything too expensive, even if it is only to research prices and brands. It pays to know all there is about a product before parting with your hard earned money, and using the internet means you can open various websites for comparison without any sales talk influencing your decision.

The advantages of purchasing online is that they offer delivery, and in many cases this is even free. Products delivered right to the door means minimum hassle, and at a busy holiday period like Christmas this is a big selling point for shoppers. Think of the difference between battling your way through the high street stores searching for the perfect gift for the kids, or sitting at home in the warmth in a cosy armchair flicking through various websites, comparing prices and free delivery! There really is no comparison especially if you have limited time for shopping. A stress-free solution for busy parents, it's also more affordable as online merchants don't have as many overheads as their brick and mortar competitors so you generally get a better deal too.

There are plenty of people who now choose to order their tree over the web since they aren't cut down until an order is placed so freshness is guaranteed, unlike the ones you see on the high street for sale which can have been there for days. Check 4 or 5 websites before making a choice as each merchant has something different to offer their customers. Some will have free delivery whilst others will charge based on which area you live in, or they might offer a package deal where you get the tree and a stand for a better deal than if bought separately.

Forums are always a good place to check whether a website is reliable, reviews and honest opinions provide first hand information from those who have already purchased the items you are thinking of buying. They give an insight into whether the merchant is trustworthy, relevant information on the actual products themselves, if delivery is on time, and you can ask questions too if you want to know something specific.

Ordering a fresh product like a tree you need to know exactly when it will be delivered for freshness, and so it's in time for the 25th! Be aware that most online companies will guarantee delivery for Christmas Day up to the 20th of December, so if you're considering buying online make sure it's ordered before this date to avoid disappointment.

Christmas tree care is relatively simple, just cut 1"- 2" from the base before placing it in a stand that can withhold water, only remove the netting once the tree is in its stand and placed in a cool spot. The tree will need to be watered every day and could drink anything between 2 pints to a gallon a day! If it's left to dry out, either because the room is too hot or you forget to water it, the needles start to fall off and the tree will simply die.

Buying Christmas trees from a farm ensures it isn't cut until your order is placed, and then it's either dispatched the same day or the next morning, so you receive it fresh and fragrant with that delicious pine scent only the real thing can provide.

How much you pay can vary considerably from one website to another and this is a time of year when you need to watch the pennies with so many other things to buy. Compare prices between sites and remember to account for any extra costs that might be calculated into the total price, such as shipping charges and Christmas tree stands.