Here are five tips on how to shop smart on Black Friday and Cyber Monday which will help you avoid buyer remorse and wasting money.
Between roasting turkey and pie baking, we look forward to another exciting thing on Thanksgiving, or after it – shopping. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the times when your savings go out to the market and you grab the hottest deals possible. Yet, beware. There are many shopping traps out there to avoid. Below are the 6 ways to help you bring home the real deal with your pocket still thick.
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1. Pay Cash, avoid credits
You want to take advantage of the sales and discounts so you can save money, however, if you use credit card to pay for the items and you´re not on top of the payment, you end up paying twice as much of the original price because of the interest. Don´t use credits. Pay with cash or use debit card.
2. Make a list early and refer to it when you shop
To avoid purchasing what you don´t really need or want, create a list. Do an inventory of your closet, your kitchen, your living room, your car and of everything. What do you need most? How much money is dispensable? Write it down. Bring your list when you go out to shop and refer to it.
3. Arrive early to your shop
You have your shopping list and your cash or debit card on hand only to discover that your most needed items ran out of stock. You don´t want this happen. I suggest checking out which shops open early and the opening time of each of your targeted shops – from their websites or newspaper announcements – and plan your shopping accordingly. Identify which shop is your first stop and arrive early.
4. Compare prices to ensure it´s good value
Sales are simply marketing tools. Sometimes they´re good deals, sometimes they´re there to get you conned. Don´t jump quickly on a discounted item just because it´s discounted. Go to other retail shops and compare prices. One way to do this that saves time is to have a shopping group. Divide your group and each subgroup can be assigned to check out which shops and tip each other over the phone about the deals and prices. Compare.
Online shops announce their discount codes and rates early so you too can do your homework early. Do online window shopping a few days before the Black Friday and compare prices; you will save even more bucks.
5. Avoid impulse buying
The biggest trap that we find ourselves victimized with when it comes to shopping is impulse buying. When you see something that makes your heart skip a beat, you know you´d want it brought home but only to regret later when the excitement dies down. Whenever you see something that makes you SO want to buy it, ask yourself, “Will this number go with at least 3 items in my closet?” If not, it might not be a good deal.
6. Ban the brands
It´s amazing how much fashion is defined nowadays with brands and how much people are willing to pay for it just to feel good and acceptable. If you are into saving money and not blowing it paying for a brand which often won´t be visible, avoid expensive purchases and go for a good quality but cheaper option. Shop around and find the best price.
So tell me Creative fashionistas, what shopping tip have you got to make the most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Great post and some good advice. I’ll definitel keep this in mind.
I have items that I’m looking for like a new purse, a ruffle shirt, and a new jewelry. I am setting goals – it has to be 50% off or more then I’ll buy.
I like arriving early. In Paris I have learned to hate the crowds. And believe me, there are lots! Shopping with a peace of mind has no price. When the masses come, I sneak out for a walk in the park, and admire my new founds. Then have some coffee and smile!