Right now, you might be solely focused on how to get the best deals on Black Friday – but don’t forget about Cyber Monday!
Coming up on Monday, November 27th, the attention turns from in-store holiday shopping to online holiday shopping. So, if you plan to take the day off to shop from the comfort of your couch, or plan to do a little shopping on your work computer, here are a few tips that can help you score the best bargains.
Start today
The earlier you start the better. If you want to be sure to get the best deals on your holiday shopping list, you need to start browsing today. A lot of retailers will release their Cyber Monday deals ahead of time, giving you the opportunity to plan in advance.
Sign up for newsletters
By signing up for your favorite retailer’s newsletters you could get VIP treatment. Retailers want their loyal customers to be on the forefront of their best sales. Sometimes they’ll even offer special discounts to their subscribers. This way you can keep tabs on your favorite merchants just by checking your inbox. Also follow your favorites on social media.
Save before you even start shopping
Take a look at a discounted gift card site like GiftCardGranny to buy gift cards that are reduced by 5%, 10%, 20% or even more. Opt for the “eCard” option, and in many cases, you can use the gift card the same day you buy it.
Compare prices
A lot of the holiday items you may be in search of will be sold by multiple retailers. It’s a good idea to compare prices and see who has the best deal. The app “Red Laser” can help you scan a barcode of the item you would like and then show you different prices on the internet. It will also give you coupons or purchase codes to use during check out. “Shop Savvy” is a similar one. Both apps could save you a lot of time and money.
Get organized
Before you begin your shopping journey, make sure you have everything you need. Some Cyber Monday sales will end fast, and if you’re not prepared you could miss out. Have your shopping list and addresses ready. The more prepared you are the easier your shopping experience will be.
Pre-load shopping cart
If you want to save valuable shopping time try pre-loading your shopping cart. This doesn’t always work, but when it does it could save you precious time when trying to get the best sales. Sometimes retailers will sell limited quantities of a specific item. It’s best to try this method so you don’t miss out.
Strike up a conversation
Many retailers now have “live chat” capabilities on their websites. Use this to your advantage! As you’re about to check out, start a live chat session and ask the operator a couple of questions about the items you’re buying, then ask if he or she could give you a coupon code for a percent off.
For just a few minutes of your time, this is a great way to potentially save extra money on your final order.
Include shipping costs
Most retailers now offer free shipping, but not all. And unfortunately, shipping can get very expensive. Try to factor this into your budget ahead of time. You don’t want to check out and break the bank due to shipping costs.
The Simply Money Point
It’s important to start early and stay organized. The more prepared you are for Cyber Monday, the better deals you’ll find and the easier it will be to stay within your holiday shopping budget.
Good luck!