As most of us are on call 24/7 with our BlackBerrys, it becomes a sort of necessity for us to mix personal and professional time to certain extent. But it is advisable to check on your company's policy on personal online activity of employees. You needn't consult HR for that. Just check with your colleagues. No company will allow its employees to use its property and time for their personal work. You get breaks and lunch hours, isn't it? Go ahead with your online shopping during such breaks.
How to do online shopping without disrupting your work? Here are a few tips to keep it going:
Let it be personal
Online shopping may not be impermissible behavior; it is better to use your personal email address and personal phone number to track your order. Your boss may not object to it, you don't like to get coupon codes and sample sale invitations to your office address. If your boss gives a dirty look at you when you are shopping online, use mobile sites on your iPhone or BlackBerry. Certain sites may have been blocked by your employer; so why foil your Cyber Monday plans?
Do it in the morning
You can do your shopping in the early hours instead of the afternoon that is going to be the busiest business period and many sites restock in the morning. Some sites put out their new stock at 7 am and some sample sales sites time their sales. That way, you are not jeopardizing your work.
Judicious use of alerts
Sale notification services get you the best prices in the least amount of time. On some sites you can select brands and sizes and you will be alerted by email when they go on sale. Alerts can also do search for you. For all this, use your personal email address.
Get good bargains
Search such shopping sites that work any day of the week. Then you can save time and money. Shop early in the season to get what you want at your price. To grab the best deals check the search engines for the phrase 'coupon code' along with each online store's name.
