Sales season is approaching, with huge shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day just around the corner. Shoppers across the country are getting ready for some serious bargain hunting, so it pays to be prepared so you don’t miss out.
You can already find popular brands on sale, with Click Frenzy running from November 11-14 and promising discounts of more than 50% off for members.
Here, we tell you how to prepare for the sales season to help you get the best deals before they sell out.
1. Research ahead of time
A little homework goes a long way to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
- Make a list: note down the items you want to buy ahead of time so you can stick to your budget.
- Note regular prices: so you can recognise genuine discounts.
- Use comparison websites: tools like Camelcamelcamel and Price Hipster do the hard work for you, comparing prices and sales on products over time.
2. Add items to your shopping cart early
A simple way to save time is to add items to your shopping cart before the sales begin. Then you’ll be ready to check out quickly when discounts go live, reducing the risk of items selling out while you shop. This is especially useful for popular products, such as electronics and appliances, which often sell out fast during sales events.
3. Set a budget
To avoid overspending, set a clear budget before you start shopping. Determine how much you can afford and make a list of the items you need or plan to purchase. This will help you stay focused and resist impulse buys. Keep track of your spending throughout the sales to ensure you remain within your limit. It’s also a good idea to leave a little room in your budget for unexpected but worthwhile deals, as long as they fit within your overall financial plan.
Hot tip: if you tend to lose track of your spending in-store, withdraw the cash you need and ditch your credit card at home. This way you won’t be tempted to overspend as you’ll only have what’s on hand.
4. Keep an eye on big-ticket items
Sales can a great time to consider buying big-ticket items you were going to buy anyway, such as electronics, tech and home appliances, plus these often come with the biggest discounts. This is a chance to save significantly on things you might have planned to buy anyway. Some of the larger retail stores offer best-price guarantees, so shop around to see if you can find a cheaper price elsewhere. If the retailer matches it they’ll be happy to make the sale and you’ll save even more.
5. Sign up for sale previews
Get in early to snap up the best bargains before they sell out.
- Create a membership account: some brands or sales websites have membership accounts that give you access to exclusive deals or early access.
- Sign up for a newsletter: those pesky marketing emails might actually come in handy during sale periods, with some retailers offering benefits or personalised deals to subscribers.
- Shop online and in-store: retailers might save their best deals for in-store or online, so make sure to shop both to get the best deal.
What’s the catch? Retailers might charge you a membership fee to get access to special deals and early entry to sales events. Make sure it fits in your budget and it’s worth your while.
6. Review return policies
Before you buy, check the retailer’s return policy for items on sale. Some stores have different return rules for sale items, and it’s helpful to know if you can get a refund or exchange. Pay attention to the condition the product has to be in and any exclusions, such as opened bedding.
7. Don’t hesitate if you’re sure
The best deals can sell out quickly, so it’s important to act fast if you find something you want. Many retailers have limited stock for heavily discounted items, so waiting too long to make a decision might mean missing out.
However, ensure you’ve done a price check or comparison to confirm the deal is worthwhile before purchasing. If the retailer has a good return policy, you can feel more confident about buying quickly, knowing you can return it later. Having your payment details and shipping information ready in advance can also save precious time during checkout.
What’s the catch? Sales events can come with plenty of tricks to get you to purchase quickly without thinking. Be aware of phrases like ‘only one item left’ or countdown clocks that tell you when the sale ends. If the item’s regular price seems high, it could be a tactic to make the sale price look more appealing.
8. Beware of scams
- Avoid unfamiliar websites: only go to reputable websites starting with https:// that have a padlock icon.
- Don’t click on strange links: be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media ads. Instead navigate to the retailer’s site directly.
- See what other shoppers say: read product reviews to see if the item is legitimate and good quality.
- Check contact details: verify the retailer’s contact details to confirm their credibility.
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