Can you believe it’s the end of November already?
Do you know what that means? Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, etc. and time that I can see all my family or friends and eat lots of food without being judged. There’s that, sure.
Know what else?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals! I love to do all my shopping online! No crowded stores or stress and I can find just what I want at my fingertips. Here are 6 tips to help you keep calm and shop efficiently and make the most out of your online shopping:
Make a List and Determine a Budget
- Who is on your gift list? Do they wear modest clothing or special sizes?
- Write down what you need to avoid impulse buys. Include gift ideas, personal needs, or big-ticket items.
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall and on specific items.
- Create Accounts in Advance: Register on your favorite sites and save your shipping/payment details to speed up checkout.
- Sign Up for Emails: Many retailers send early deals and discount codes to subscribers.
Do Your Research
- Start Early: Deals often start the week of Black Friday, so check early access sales.
- Use Wish list Features: Add desired items to wish lists or carts to monitor price changes.
- Use Social Media, Instagram Facebook, YouTube and X advertise their BLACK Friday deals too.
- Check Shipping dates and fees.
- Check Return Policies: Ensure the store allows easy returns or exchanges in case the gift doesn’t fit or isn’t to their liking.
Lookout for Scams or Disreputable Websites
- Stick to well-known retailers or verified online marketplaces.
- Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the URL to ensure the site is secure.
- Use Secure Networks: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi; use a private, secure internet connection.
- Read reviews to gauge reliability and product quality. (Don’t forget Seller Reviews too)
- Look for a physical address and contact information.
- Beware of deals too good to be true.
Stay Organized
- Track Your Orders: Save confirmation emails and track shipping dates to ensure everything arrives on time.
- Use a Password Manager: Securely save your login details to avoid resetting passwords last minute.
- Avoid Buyer’s Remorse: Sleep on big purchases overnight if you’re unsure; many deals last through Cyber Monday.
- Use a Shopping Email Address: Create a dedicated email for newsletters, deals, and confirmations to keep things separate and organized.
Don’t Forget Yourself!
- Catch up on some of fall’s top trends that you missed out on.
- Now is the time to get that cute and comfy dress while it is discounted and in your size!
- Have a consolidated wish list of your own on a word document with links to those items
- Shop your closet first, don’t duplicate items you already have or have never worn.
- Know Your Key Measurements: Bust, waist, hips, inseam, and shoulder width.
- Pay attention to reviews from people with a similar body type to yours.
Be Flexible
- Have a “B” List of alternative gifts
- Be flexible with colors and patterns, brands or shopping sites.
- Consider less-known or local brands that offer good quality but might not yet be mainstream
- Adjust your budget as necessary
- Consider Gift cards for the person who is hard to buy for.
A few other “Pro” tips:
Take breaks away from your computer and don’t forget self-care. It’s good to price compare, but don’t overdo it and make yourself crazy in the process. Celebrate Small Wins: Appreciate the deals you got rather than stressing over missed ones. By staying organized and focused, you can make Black Friday online shopping a smooth and enjoyable experience!
