Online stores: Where to find the best prices

So, among the big reputable online stores, who has the best prices? The answer really depends on what you're shopping for -- and don't forget to factor in shipping costs. At ConsumerSearch, we've found the best combination of prices and free shipping at Amazon.com, but it isn't always the cheapest for everything. In an informal head-to-head at the Wall Street Journal, James B. Stewart compares prices at Amazon.com, eBay and Walmart for a number of items, including toys, kitchen appliances and DVDs. The winner here, too is Amazon.com, though eBay finished a close second. Walmart.com lagged far behind.

Doing your own comparison is easy, of course, but each site has some additional advantages and disadvantages that extend beyond price. Amazon.com, for example, makes it easy to snag free shipping  year-round with a $25 minimum purchase. On the downside, items can be out of stock or delayed in shipping, and the free shipping offer doesn't extend to items sold through third parties.

eBay has a lot more than auctions these days, with small businesses operating virtual storefronts at the website. The prices can be great, but the problem here? Shipping and delivery times vary at each store, so it's a mixed bag whether you'll get your item on time. On the plus side, seller ratings can help you choose the most responsive vendors.

Walmart.com's online shopping coup is that you can order items online, but pick them up in the store for free. That lets you pair the retailer's better online selection with the ability to pick up items at your local bricks-and-mortar store, and Walmart doesn't charge you to ship the item to one of its retail outlets. The catches here include a smaller selection overall compared to Amazon.com and eBay, plus Walmart.com's prices can vary, with good deals on kitchen gear and kid's stuff, for example, but higher prices on DVDs and media.

A few other sites we like: Zappos.com for shoes and sporting goods (free shipping and free returns 24/7 and 365 days a year) and Overstock.com (a mixed bag of merchandise, but especially good prices for books and DVDs, plus low or free shipping on most items).