It's time to rally ... the following post is loaded with information key SHIPPING DEADLINES for major online retailers & exoplains why MISSING the deadlines could cost you 3-4 TIMES AS MUCH! We've also got SECRETS for getting "UPGRADED" shipping offers. If you want something MONOGRAMMED you better hustle! Plus, what "GUARANTEED TO ARRIVE in time for Christmas" REALLY means (you may be surprised -- it's all in the fine print). Keep reading ...

* According to a Shop.org survey of 116 online retailers, over 76% say free ground shipping offers will expire on -- or before -- December 18.

CUTOFF DATES FOR FREE SHIPPING:

Amazon.com - December 17; click for details
Target.com - December 18
Sears.com - December 18, 11:59pm; click for details
Nordstrom.com - December 19, noon Pacific; click for details
BlueNile.com - December 22; Free FedEx Priority Overnight on all orders - deadlines vary by item ordered.

Monogrammed & Engraved Gifts:
If you're hoping to order something monogrammed or engraved, THIS IS YOUR WINDOW. If the retailer isn't famous for monogramming, don't risk it.

LLBean -- 12/18 -- 9:30 pm EST

LandsEnd -- 12/18 -- 10 pm CST

NEXT SET OF DEADLINES TO WATCH FOR ARE STANDARD SHIPPING DEADLINES:

- Miss "Standard Shipping" deadlines (even by an hour) and you could find yourself paying for express or two-day shipping, which is often 3 or 4 times the cost of standard rates.

- Most major e-tailers & catalogers Standard Shipping deadlines are between Monday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 19. BUT, on December 19, most also have a cutoff time to order. Make sure you know what time zone they're citing, i.e. Circuity City says orders must be placed by 1pm EST on that day, Crate & Barrel says standard shipping orders must be placed by noon CST on December 20.

SECRET CODES FOR SHIPPING "UPGRADES"
If you miss Standard Shipping deadlines, some e-tailers are expected to offer free upgrades to "express shipping," usually with conditions - like spending $75.00 or more -- and sometimes only with specific promotional codes with controlled distribution.

DROP DEAD DEADLINES ... LAST CHANCE TO ORDER ONLINE:

eBags.com – Dec. 19
ToysRus.com – Dec. 19
VictoriasSecret.com - Dec 19 3PM ET
EddieBauer.com – Dec. 19

Crate & Barrel -- Dec 20 12 noon CST
Walmart.com - Dec 20 11:30PM PT
Banana Republic -- Dec 20 1PM ET
BestBuy.com – Dec. 21 by 11 a.m. ET using Express shipping

CircuitCity.com -- Dec 21 1PM ET

Target.com – Dec. 21
JcPenney.com – Dec. 21 by 12:00 (noon) CST

Overstock.com – Dec. 21 by 12:00 ET
Zappos.com - Dec 21 1PM PT
RedEnvelope.com – Dec 21 9PM ET
Gap.com – Dec. 21 at 1PM ET
OldNavy.com – Dec. 21 at 1PM ET
Amazon.com -- Dec. 22 – last day for One-Day Shipping (order by 3 PM PST – varies by item)
Crate & Barrel – Dec. 22 11 AM CT December for Next Day Air

BlueNile.com – Dec. 22
Nordstrom.com - Dec 22 12PM PT

Another "go to" option – "In-store Pickup" – Buy online, pick up in-store:
This way, you'll know what you want is in stock and you'll avoid a lot of the last minute shopping riff-raff. Just be sure to bring your online receipt.

WHAT "GUARANTEED TO ARRIVE IN TIME" REALLY MEANS:

Here's what this REALLY means. It means GUARANTEED to leave OUR warehouse in time. After that, it's up to UPS & Fed-Ex and if you read THEIR fine-print, it says all bets are off in event of inclement weather. The Fed-Ex famous "money back guarantee" does not apply if planes are grounded or it's dangerous for their drivers. So, if you wait to the last minute -- worst case scenario (and it happens almost every year) -- the gift you paid premium shipping on is sitting on an icy runway somewhere ... it DOESN'T arrive on time & you're out $20 bucks!