Whether you plan to brave the crowds on Black Friday or shop from the comfort of your computer or smartphone on Cyber Monday, creating a strategy ahead of time will help keep you organized and make it easier to snag the best deals. Jeanette Pavini, a Coupons.com savings expert, offers the following tips:
BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING TIPS:
- Brand Exclusions
Say you need a new dishwasher and you’re lured into a store by an ad that says kitchen appliances are 40% off. When you get to the store you find out that most of the name brands you would consider are excluded from the promotion. Before you get your hopes up, look for the fine print that lists exclusions. Chances are it’s there somewhere. The big print might make it seems like it’s a blanket deal, but it’s very rare that a coupon or storewide sale doesn’t come with a list of exceptions. - Don’t Underestimate Your Smartphone
Your smartphone can help you locate some of the best deals out there. Make sure to download price comparison apps, utilize GPS to easily navigate your way from store to store etc. Also, don’t forget the Coupons.com app — when you turn on notifications, it will alert you of nearby deals that you might not be aware of. It’s also the only app that allows you to store all your loyalty cards in one place and even offers savings through receipt scanning for stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and more. - Unbundle The Bundle
Bundles can be a great way to maximize your purchase if you actually plan to use the products your item is bundled with. Unbundle the bundle and determine the true value of each item. Don’t depend on what the ad says the value is. All items in the bundle could also individually be on sale making the bundle not so worth it. Determine how much you would pay if you bought the items you actually wanted on their own.
CYBER MONDAY SHOPPING TIPS:
- Make a List and Check For Codes
It helps prevent impulse buys. As with Black Friday, many merchants announce their online offers well in advance. Most of the time you will find a code that you can add in at check-out to garner an additional savings or even free shipping. It only takes a minute to check, so it’s well worth your time. You can find lots of great codes through Coupons.com. - Look Into Price Adjustments
If the items you purchase go down in price within a certain period of time, usually 14 days, the retailer will credit you the difference between the price you paid and the new sale price. If you do qualify for a price adjustment, you usually can make the request by filling out an online form. - Social Media is a Great Tool
If you haven’t already, “like” your favorite stores on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, or find them on Pinterest. In the days leading up to Cyber Monday, some stores will post additional offers exclusive to their social media followers. Plus, it keeps you in the know about latest deals, sales and promotions.
