The Busiest Shopping Days of the Year
Black Friday FAQ
Mastering the Ropes of Online Shopping
What Is Cyber Monday?
For all those who hate crowds, are bored at work the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, or anyone who prefers the ease and convenience of online shopping, "Cyber Monday" is the shopping holiday for you! Supposedly, this day is when approximately half of all online retailers make special deals and promotions, including free shipping, rebates, free gifts, and more. However, keep in mind that most online stores offer deals and promos throughout the year, especially from November 20th to Christmas, not just on this particular Monday. So instead of waking up ludicrously early (or sleeping over in a retailer's parking lot), struggling through mobs of enraged shoppers, and going nuts waiting on lines and in traffic, get your deals online.
Research ahead of time to find out which stores will be offering the best deals (see below) and use ShopWIki to cross check prices and research the products you might want to buy. Remember, don't wait too long to shop online. Unlike hitting the stores on Christmas Eve, shipping does take time even if you pay for nextday shipping since the post office is often bogged down with deliveries at this time of the year.
Another thing you might be aware of is that shopping for electronics before Christmas is usually a good time to get deals. On the other hand, clothing usually sells for less after the holidays. This is only really important if you are using this holiday as an excuse to start shopping for yourself.
For more details about how to stay safe while shopping online, please see the following guide,
Internet Shopping Tips.
Surviving the Sales in Store
The battle of Black Friday is not easy, but the stress of it can be lessened by preparing a few crucial elements in advance.
* '''Research and Plan'''
** Don't go to the stores without a very well-laid plan for how you and your family will divide and conquer.
** Research online to find out which deals will be available in store, read the local paper's circulars, and call stores ahead of time to verify that the products you expect to buy will be in stock.
** Make a list of everything you plan to buy and the sale's prices that were quoted for each. If you can, bring the original where you found the information just to make sure that the store will honor the price. If you happen to be in one store where you see an item you planned to buy elsewhere at a lower price, see if they'll offer to sell you the product at the competitor's price.
** If you hope to visit several stores, divide up the work amongst you and your family. Then each person can get to the stores early to beat the crowds.
** If you have several items to buy from one store have a plan of who will buy which item so that you can get what you need quickly and get on the checkout line.
** Some deals sound to good to be true, but are they? Consider whether prices might drop further or go back up as Christmas nears.
* '''Get There Early'''
** Sleeping in front of the store overnight might not be your style. Nonetheless, you've got to get to the stores as early as possible, preferably right at opening.
** If sleeping over is crucial, divide up the task with another person.
** Shop the night before. Certain stores, such as CompUSA actually start their sales at midnight.
* '''Staying Safe'''
** Watch your personal belongings. If you are sleepy and rushing you may be more likely to forget about what's happening around you.
** Don't shop with more in your wallet than you need. Leave important documents and ID cards at home. Only bring one or two cards with you and be sure to keep them discreet so that onlookers can't catch a glimpse at your numbers. Especially watch out for those lingering nearby with camera phones that aren't in use. They could be trying to photograph your credit card.
** Only buy what you can afford!
** If you are tempted with a credit card that offers a deeper discount, only accept if you know you can pay it off immediately. Such credit cards have very high APRs and should be cut up as soon as you can pay off the balance.
* '''Managing Stress'''
** Leave the kids at home.
** Bring a book, CD player, or MP3 player to listen to while waiting in lines. Consider an audio book for the car to keep you occupied in traffic.
** Be kind and considerate. All sorts of people suddenly emerge on Black Friday, often accompanied by lack of manners and shopping rage, and it's not unlikely that people will become vicious as you are both reaching for the last sale item on the shelf. Furthermore, give the sales people a break. They are there to help so try not to unload your emotions on them. It's a hard day enough as it is.
* '''Read the Fine Print'''
** '''Buying gift certificates? '''Check for expiration dates, hidden fees or charges, and any clause that may deduct money from the certificate's worth.
** '''Save the receipts. '''This is a no brainer, but sometimes it's easy to lose track of things. Find a spot, other than your wallet in case it becomes lost or is stolen, to keep receipts. Also, be sure to ask for gift receipts.
** '''Inquire about return policies'''. Are there time limits on returning items? Are there restocking fees (charges for returning an item that has been opened)?
