The 1999 Online Shopping Guide

(3 of 5)

Consumer Electronics
IQVC
The king of TV-based shopping makes a seamless leap to the Web with its time-tested order-fulfillment and customer-service networks already in place. There's a ton of products, but IQVC really shines in electronics categories like audio, video and DVD.

CRUTCHFIELD.COM
This mail-order catalog is now online, specializing in car audio and home theater, with a good selection, particularly for Sony gear.

DAMARK INTERNATIONAL
Everything for home entertainment is in this superstore. But a busy design makes it tough to find what you need.

800.COM
This reliable online store has a hefty stock of electronics, movies and music, and prices that are tough to beat.

E-TOWN.COM
An interactive electronics-advice column helps guide you to the right digital camera or DVD player for your personal needs.

HIFI.COM
The support staff at this high-end audio- and video-components store can handle questions from the most technologically savvy.

IGO.COM
Cell phones, handheld devices and other gadgets for frequent travelers abound here.

J&R;
A veteran New York City electronics superstore brings its huge inventory online, though prices could be more competitive.

POINT.COM
Research, review and shop for cell phones, accessories and usage plans.

ROXY.COM
Roxy offers DSS, home audio and video and gadgets. Follow your order with online delivery tracking.

THE SHARPER IMAGE
All the shower radios and massage chairs you never knew you needed are for sale at this catalog merchant's website.

SONY
The entire line of stylish Sony electronics and computers is here, plus tech support and tips--and you can play games online too.

Food -- Wine -- Flowers
GREATFOOD.COM
Shop this cleanly designed website for more than 4,500 specialty-food products like imported olive oils and chocolates, and you will find detailed product descriptions, reliable privacy policies and on-time delivery. A large corporate-gift section has pointers on gift etiquette, with prices $15 and up.

BALDUCCI'S
If you can't walk into this epicurean landmark yourself, buy delicacies like their fine cheeses, desserts and prepared foods online.

HARRY & DAVID
It's time to send Mom the fruit basket, but don't waste time hunting for the catalog--this merchant's gifts of fruit, flowers and gourmet treats are now available online.

THE LOBSTER NET
Fresh Maine lobsters are shipped to your home within 24 hours. Gift packages come with a lobster pot, bibs, steamers, corn on the cob and more.

SEND.COM
Offering single-malt Scotch, caviar samplers and Lindor truffles, this is the place to shop for foodies you really want to impress.

TAVOLO
Here you will find culinary gifts like German pastries, Italian pastas and an extensive selection of kitchenware and cookbooks.

LIQUOR.COM Shop this spiri
ts shop's aisles for familiar names like Finlandia, Jack Daniels and Bacardi. It also sells a millennium gift basket.

WINE.COM
The holiday guide here is an essential tool, helping you choose a perfect bottle of wine for that hostess gift, boss's present or party drink at any price.

FLOWERBUD.COM
You will pay a little extra for your flowers here, but the broad variety, elegant packaging and extra care are worth the expense.

FTD.COM
With a network of 1,600 florists and delivery to more than 150 countries, FTD is a safe bet for sending flowers to remote places.

1-800FLOWERS.COM
Shop here for a solid selection of flowers, food and gift baskets, with timely delivery. But the smooth service costs--these flowers are pricey.

Luxury Goods
GUILD.COM
Original arts and crafts, from a $25 tree ornament to an $800 painting, are presented beautifully and simply on this unique site. Pieces are sent to you directly from the artists, so shipping times vary. But you can track your package online. And anything you aren't satisfied with can be returned for a full refund up to Jan. 15.

ASHFORD.COM
A posh selection of luxury goods, including watches, pens, handbags and jewelry, with free shipping and gift packaging.

EZIBA.COM
Handicrafts from around the world, from Mexican pottery to Tibetan pillows, are for sale on this catalog and auction site.

LUXURYFINDER.COM
Daniel Boulud caviar, Trish McEvoy makeup and Traflagar accessories are some of the indulgences at this high-end site.

MONDERA.COM
A buying guide to diamonds and care instructions for other gems help you make informed decisions on big-ticket jewelry.

REDENVELOPE
On-time delivery comes with a money-back guarantee here, where you will find a good selection of special, under-$50 holiday gifts.