Christmas is arguably the most profitable time to make money, especially online, where more and more people are turning to the Internet to make purchases for their friends and family.

Amazon have really changed the way many people shop: their logo with an arrow that points from A-Z is really quite clever – they really do want to be the place everyone finds what they are looking for, no matter how obscure.

You might think that if you only sell used books they are not really the sort of thing buyers want to give as gifts, so you don’t stand to benefit from the great Christmas bonanza – but the ‘footfall’ on the Amazon site allows sellers to cling to the coat-tails of this behemoth and benefit from people searching for gifts.

Why? Because they might look for a book or two to read over the holidays at the same time as buy gifts, or they might wish to purchase a used book that just cannot be found in the high street, no matter how hard you search for it.

Plus, there is little doubt that sitting by the computer at whatever convenient time suits you to buy gifts really is a great way to buy.

You can search for what you want, or browse to see what is out there without having to trudge through rain and crowded shops before carrying packages back to your car or on the bus home.

I do also buy products from local shops: I am very conscious that high streets will just be full of solicitors, hairdressers and estate agents if we don’t make an effort to preserve other types of shops.

For someone who makes a living online, perhaps its strange I should feel so concerned for others who do not: I think there is a place for shops that sell a variety of goods for people who like to touch and see products before they buy – that’s something that’s difficult to do online!

The one downside to online shopping is that there is a deadline to meet in regards to postage. Many people leave Christmas shopping to the last minute. Thus, online shopping might not be the best way of ensuring your gifts arrive before the big day.

So you may find that sales begin to dwindle once the postage deadline passes, so in effect you have an enforced holiday. In fact, I am looking forward to catching up with some reading, relaxing and spending some quality time with my family.