by Brandi Savitt – November 16, 2011
Save Your Sanity & Wallet by Shopping Online
From constant news reports to sitcom plot lines, Black Friday marketing has hit fever pitch! And with the economy hurting, stores are making an extra effort to entice you to spend spend spend this holiday season. Many stores will open their doors right after Thanksgiving dinner this year – making all of us feel like we’ll miss the deal of the century if we don’t ditch our families and head out to the mall.
The truth is… the deals have already started – online. Follow our Fab & Fru Black Friday tips to save your money and your mind this holiday season by getting organized and staying home on the biggest shopping day of the year!
Don’t Shop in Stores on Black Friday
Unless you enjoy fighting the crowds and waiting in lines, or you have a very specific item that you want to get in your hands that day, there is no reason to leave your computer and go to the stores on Black Friday. There are very few items on sale in stores that won’t also be on sale online!
Stick to Your Shopping List
Before you start shopping online (or in the stores), make a list of the people you are buying gifts for, what you want to buy them, and the price limit for each gift. Then most importantly, STICK to that list (and don’t buy unbudgeted items for yourself)! Overspending happens when you don’t have a plan. The worst thing you can do is to start the New Year off in credit card debt. Remember – a deal is not a deal if you can’t afford it!
Start Checking Sales Now
Good news for all of us! Start checking your favorite sites and online stores RIGHT NOW for amazing deals. In hopes of moving more inventory, stores have already started running their Black Friday deals – and expect them to last well into the season!
Establish an Account In Advance
Don’t spend an hour filling your cart with fantastic deals only to find out you can’t check out before you set up an account. Setting up your account after you shop could cause you to lose your sale items to a more organized shopper. Protect your finds by making sure you have an account established and login before you start adding things to your cart!
Hedge Your Bets
Afraid to start online shopping now, fearing that you may lose out on even better sales come Black Friday? Don’t worry! Just shop at online stores that have a location near you – and save your receipt. If a better deal comes along on Black Friday, just call up customer service, or go into the store to show them that you recently purchased the item. Most stores will refund you the difference of the sale!
Always Stack Your Savings
Before you start to shop online, do a simple Google search for product coupons and store promo codes. Also, check your favorite bargain sites for extra deals. You are very likely to find an additional sale or FREE SHIPPING code to STACK with a Black Friday or clearance sale to help you save even more. Also, remember to use any gift cards you have to save even more!
Happy Shopping & Saving!
| Print
Fabulous tips!!! Thanks Brandi!
As an major internet supplier, I can tell you that most major sites will be offering their specials starting November 24th and ending January 3rd. I suggest you take advantage as early as possible, while stock lasts. Keep in mind, store stocking levels are low and first come first served, so get your orders in as quickly as possible.