Gadgets sold without batteries. Toys sold in slimmed-down boxes or no packaging at all. More household goods that shoppers ...

Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s.

Finding the cheapest way to ship packages is important for some people, while others say the best way to ship is whichever option is fastest. Depending on your priorities, some shipping companies ...