Shopping Online for Cyber Monday
For many, online shopping is something of a sport. There’s the thrill of the chase in finding amazing deals that you could never find in a brick and mortar store. The joy you feel when you score a great deal on Cyber Monday more than makes up for whatever in-store experience you might be missing.
But whether you’re shopping for Christmas decorations or gifts for everyone on your list, it’s important to have some sort of game plan in mind. Going into the online shopping experience blindly can backfire if you aren’t careful. While it can happen to the best of us, a little bit of time, effort, and patience can yield major rewards when the day comes to an end. So what’s the secret to scoring those epic finds that you’ll brag about for holidays to come? Here’s how to make sure that your Cyber Monday is the most eventful one yet.
Know What to Expect
You might have certain retailers that you shop without fail. To ensure that you get the best deals on Cyber Monday, subscribe to the company’s e-newsletter. You’ll be in the know with upcoming deals and coupons so you’ll be prepared when the big shopping holiday arrives. If you’ve got your eye on something especially luxurious, like a lush cashmere sweater for women or a high-end handbag, you’ll want to be ready before everyone snaps them up.
Follow Them on Social Media
If you aren’t yet taking advantage of social media as a savvy shopper, then you’re about to enter an entirely new world of amazing deals. When you follow your favorite brands on social, you’ll always be among the first to know about what’s in store for the big day. You’ll find out about their special offers for Thanksgiving weekend, and what you can expect on Cyber Monday itself.
That’s a particularly big deal if the store is known for releasing only limited amounts of products. They might have a “beat the clock” type of sale that you want to take advantage of, for example, that might be limited only to those who follow them on social media. That stunning winter coat could be yours if you act quickly! Take a proactive approach and make sure to follow your favorites on all social platforms. That way, you won’t miss a thing.
Decide On Your Budget
It’s easy to go a little overboard on Cyber Monday. The sales seem endless, the offers are almost too good to be true, and it’s relatively easy to find something great for everyone on your gift list. But before you reach for your wallet, it’s a good idea to approach this epic shopping holiday with a clear mind and a specific dollar amount in mind. Sure, you can shop with reckless abandon if you want, but consider that there are still a few weeks of the holiday season left to go. You might have other areas where you need to spend, too, so you’ll need to reserve funds.
With that in mind, it’s best to create a practical budget. You can break it down by person if it makes it simpler. For example, you might reserve a larger portion of your budget for family and close friends and bring the number slightly lower as you work through the rest of your list. Whether you’re giving a box of chocolates, a cute Christmas ornament, a chic dress, or something else, you should be prepared to spend only what’s within your means. Make a commitment to yourself not to go beyond this. You’ll emerge from your Cyber Monday shopping haul feeling great about your purchases and your success.
Do Some Comparison Shopping
There’s some degree of speed involved in shopping against the clock. If items are limited, for example, you might want to snap whatever you want up as soon as it’s in your shopping cart. But if you aren’t purchasing something rare or limited edition, it’s worth taking the time to do some quick comparison shopping. Many apps are dedicated to finding you the best price on specific products, and they can even help you break it down further by available discounts and shipping costs.
With that information in hand, you can more easily commit to the bigger ticket items on your list. If you’re buying outdoor furniture for example, take a look to see what’s out there, what the best deal, and what your shipping costs are likely to be. This can help you make the most financially savvy decision.
When it comes to Cyber Monday shopping, it’s important to be practical — but it’s also important to have fun during the experience! It only comes around once a year, after all, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to splurge on the people you love the most.