Honestly speaking: holiday shopping can be potentially awful. One has to brave crowded malls, deal with overpriced items, and face the possibility of listening to the same Christmas carols playing on repeat. But your shopping experience doesn’t have to conform to this cliché; make sure you Shop Smarter.
Tips to shop smarter and have a much happier holiday experience:
1. Shop Smarter By Setting deal alerts
Deal alerts are an extremely handy tool when looking for pricier items. By using a site called Slickdeals.net. You enter the name of the item you have your eye on, go about your business, and the site notifies you when that item is on sale.
By waiting until you receive a deal alert, you can save as much as 40% off the listed price. Deal alerts can help during the holidays if you’re looking for big gifts, such as a new laptop or PlayStation for your favorite gamer.
2. Use free digital tools to help save online
Over the past few years, online shopping has grown gradually. Many sources expect a steep tilt after the pandemic, including Discover, which found that 74% of customers would buy more online this year. Installing a free browser extension will help you stay on top of savings opportunities if you decide to shop online for the holidays. Slickdeals has such an extension whereby the offers pop up as you browse.
3. If you’re shopping in-store, plan
By planning, you avoid the hustle of spending more time than necessary in-store. Make a list of priority items as well as a list of other items you might be willing to consider if the price is right. Being organized makes for more efficient and fruitful shopping
4. Create your sale
If the item on your shopping list is not on sale, make it a habit to try to create your sale by shopping with a discounted promo code, coupons, and discount vouchers. Some come with a varying degree of offers, from 10% upwards to 40%.
5. Shop Smarter by Buying in bulk
It makes sense to buy some of your holiday groceries in bulk, for instance, it is necessary to buy things that you use a lot, like soup stock, beans, olive oil, minced garlic, and grab-and-go snacks, in bulk. By buying in bulk, you can save yourself between 20% and 40% of your grocery bill. This is why it makes sense to open an account with Sam’s Club or join one of its clubs.
6. Shop in your lane
If you tend to spend modestly on holiday gifts, regardless of your financial situation, stick to that trend. It will take some effort to ignore the voice within that compels you to match or better your neighbors, relatives, and friends, but it is advisable to shop and give based on your pocketbook and your values.
7. Go faux
You’d be shocked at the markdowns you’ll find come December 26, even on Christmas decorations, on less expensive pieces. I purchased a heavily discounted artificial tree that lasted until 2018, about 10 years ago, right after the holidays, and I just replaced it with a new one.
8. Don’t underestimate good timing
Timing can make all the difference, especially if you buy something more costly. Buying a high-value item during the holiday sales can save you almost 40% off the list price.
I wanted to get my mom and mother-in-law tablets to help stay connected with us, but I waited until I could pick up some reduced-price tablets I found heavily discounted on Sam’s Club.
9. Shop Smarter by Using online coupons
Stop clipping coupons and shoving them in your pocket before you can use online coupons to get to the right shop. Slickdeals offers deals, coupons, promo codes, and discounts. You can also set up deal alerts to get notified of the latest deals. They also have an app so you can get deals at your fingertips. They have a Slickdeals browser extension that auto applies coupons for you.
10. Save time by shopping online
By doing the bulk of your shopping online, you avoid having to drive to crowded shopping malls altogether. Only make sure you bear in mind the mailing expenses and order your presents well enough in advance so that you don’t have to pay for expensive delivery overnight.
By following these 10 easy steps, you are guaranteed to shop smarter and potentially make big savings this holiday.