4 essential pieces of Cyber Monday shopping advice you need to know right now
Cyber Monday is here, and shoppers all over are in a frenzy. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, or want to fulfill your personal wish list, now is the time. This year’s Cyber Monday deals are set to break records. We’ve already been eying some Cyber Monday Amazon deals, as well as the sales at our beloved Modcloth. However, there are a few things you should consider before going all in on Cyber Monday shopping.
Verify deals
It’s easy to assume that every deal you see is amazing, but often that’s not the case. The Chicago Tribune is giving some great Cyber Monday advice: they reveal that some retailers inflate the suggested retail price of an item. This makes it look like a deal is way better than it actually is. To combat this, they suggest using price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel.com to verify a deal, or a comparison service like Google Shopping.
Check out third-party round-up lists
Another way to make sure the deal you’re getting is a good one is use sites that don’t have a vested interest in you buying the items in question. Sites round up the best Cyber Monday deals, often giving you the original price, the sale price, and the link to where you can buy the deals they’ve uncovered. This can be a particularly good way to save a significant amount on a big-ticket item like a new TV.
Do a little prep work
It may seem like you don’t have time because you feel like you have to jump on deals now, but doing a little prep can help you filter out the white noise and focus on those important items. Forbes suggests getting the best Cyber Monday deals by sticking to a shopping list and budget. That way, you won’t be distracted by things you don’t need and end up with serious buyer’s remorse.
Protect yourself
Everyone is shopping on Cyber Monday, meaning it’s unfortunately an opportunity for those looking to snag your personal data, credit card info., etc. PCWorld shares tips for safer Cyber Monday shopping, and it’s something you should definitely check out. Make sure you don’t buy anything when you’re on free public wifi, and only give your credit card information on secure shopping portals. Remember: protecting you information is way more important than saving a few bucks on leggings or a pair of headphones.
