How to avoid spending too much
For some people holiday shopping is a leisurely and fun experience, for others, it is a dreaded chore, and for others still, it is a competitive sport. Those who treat holiday shopping as sport are the people you will find scarfing down their Thanksgiving meal to get a jump on the Black Friday competition. While there are deals to be had on the big shopping days, they aren’t always what they are cracked up to be. If you are a Black Friday shopping newbie, you’ll need to know a few things before you hit the aisles of a crowded store.
Consider Online Shopping
Cyber Monday often brings excellent deals just like Black Friday. To score the best deals, research what stores will have the items you are after and compare them to online prices. Some online prices will be better than in-store options. Sure, you’ll still need to be awake and ready to purchase at set times, but if you are shopping online, you can do so from the comfort of your living room. Shopping online also removes the temptation of adding additional items to your cart, since you are already out and shopping.
Be Strategic
If you have your heart set on certain items during Black Friday, you’ll need to be strategic about your shopping plan. Find the best price on the integral that you are looking for, and list them by their level of importance. You are unlikely to be able to gobble up multiple doorbuster deals. Pick one heavily advertised item and plan to be at that store before it opens. You’ll need to get to that item first. Remember during holiday shopping, there is going to be a massive rush on these items, so don’t expect to get everything you want.
Don’t Get Discouraged
If you don’t get the holiday deal you were looking for, don’t get discouraged and pick up the next best thing just because you are in the store. If you haven’t gotten the deal you're looking for, don’t be afraid to walk away. You’ll have another shot at great deals online or later in the season. According to retail experts, toys, for example, are generally cheaper ten days before Christmas than they are on Black Friday, so don’t let disappointment or panic discourage you.
Do Your Research
Before you commit to getting up at 4 am to stand in line at Best Buy, do some research on pricing trends on big-ticket items. Often, you’ll find that the advertised prices on Black Friday aren’t the best prices that you’ll see. For example, televisions are traditionally cheapest right around the Super Bowl in February. If you aren’t in desperate need of an electronic item, Black Friday is probably not your best day to purchase it, no matter how much the circular announces it is the lowest price of the year.
Read the Fine Print
Fine print remains an important part of advertising, so dust off your magnifying glass and read the fine print on advertisements before you commit to doing your holiday shopping during the biggest shopping days of the year. You may find that some of the best deals are very limited, or you must complete several steps to get the price that is advertised. It is best to be informed, and reading the fine print may save you some time and money.
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