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Stay in the Black with Boxing Day Sales - Tuesday 1st December 2009
You are right if you think that the Boxing Day sales have started early this year. Retailers have gone on record as saying that this Christmas will be the biggest ever, and they are pulling out all stops to make sure customers forget what a tough year it has been and spend, spend, spend.
That's not such a bad thing if you are on a tight (or not so tight) budget. You can get some great bargains from the specials that are popping up daily in stores and online. With a little planning you can take advantage of these extra special prices and offers and beat the retailers at their own game.
But don't worry, there will still be bargains to be had on Boxing Day, you can count on it. Use the tools you have at your fingertips to ensure you get the things you want at the lowest price and stay under budget.
In just one day you could knock over your entire birthday and Christmas gift lists and stock up on those household items you will need to replace during they year. All it takes is some thought and a little planning.
Do your research first
Make your shopping list and include a budget for each item. This is the maximum price you are prepared to pay. Collect all the junk mail and visit the websites for all the shops you plan to visit on Boxing Day. Make a note of the current prices against each gift on your list. Compare the current sale price against your list - you may be able to pick up some bargains now and wipe some things off that shopping list. Don't forget to get the coupon or discount codes for any online stores you are planning on shopping at.
Make up a plan of attack
You know what you want and where you're going to get it. Now make up a shopping plan - which store you are going to hit first, then the next and so on. It also helps to have a rough idea of where in the store you need to go - you are on a mission to get your bargains. You have your target so head straight for it.
Double check opening hours
Not all stores open on Boxing Day and those that do often vary their opening time. Some open really early, with dedicated bargain hunters camping out overnight or lining up from as early as 3.30am! If you want to be sure of getting everything on your list you need to be prepared to be early.
While stocks last
As you are making up your list, read the fine print. Supplies of the best bargains may be very limited, so check the catalogue or store website. Most stores don't offer rain checks for heavily discounted items and very often lay-by isn't available either.
Be prepared
Remember, it's going to be a long day. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Carry a bottle of water and a snack. An apple is ideal. Remember your shopping list and carry bags. Charge your phone the night before (in case of a shopping emergency). Get to bed early the night before so you are fresh and ready to shop.
Always get a receipt
Sounds like common sense but if the store is crowded and you are being pushed through a checkout or from a sales counter you may forget to pick up your receipt. You must have a receipt as proof of purchase if you need to return the item for any reason - and a charge on your credit card statement isn't regarded as proof of purchase.
Stick to your list
Don't get carried away by the huge sale signs. Stick to your list and only shop for what's on it, if it is your maximum price or lower. Remember, the longer you spend in the store the more you will spend so get in, get your goods and get out.
Some Boxing Day Sale Don'ts
That's not such a bad thing if you are on a tight (or not so tight) budget. You can get some great bargains from the specials that are popping up daily in stores and online. With a little planning you can take advantage of these extra special prices and offers and beat the retailers at their own game.
But don't worry, there will still be bargains to be had on Boxing Day, you can count on it. Use the tools you have at your fingertips to ensure you get the things you want at the lowest price and stay under budget.
In just one day you could knock over your entire birthday and Christmas gift lists and stock up on those household items you will need to replace during they year. All it takes is some thought and a little planning.
Do your research first
Make your shopping list and include a budget for each item. This is the maximum price you are prepared to pay. Collect all the junk mail and visit the websites for all the shops you plan to visit on Boxing Day. Make a note of the current prices against each gift on your list. Compare the current sale price against your list - you may be able to pick up some bargains now and wipe some things off that shopping list. Don't forget to get the coupon or discount codes for any online stores you are planning on shopping at.
Make up a plan of attack
You know what you want and where you're going to get it. Now make up a shopping plan - which store you are going to hit first, then the next and so on. It also helps to have a rough idea of where in the store you need to go - you are on a mission to get your bargains. You have your target so head straight for it.
Double check opening hours
Not all stores open on Boxing Day and those that do often vary their opening time. Some open really early, with dedicated bargain hunters camping out overnight or lining up from as early as 3.30am! If you want to be sure of getting everything on your list you need to be prepared to be early.
While stocks last
As you are making up your list, read the fine print. Supplies of the best bargains may be very limited, so check the catalogue or store website. Most stores don't offer rain checks for heavily discounted items and very often lay-by isn't available either.
Be prepared
Remember, it's going to be a long day. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Carry a bottle of water and a snack. An apple is ideal. Remember your shopping list and carry bags. Charge your phone the night before (in case of a shopping emergency). Get to bed early the night before so you are fresh and ready to shop.
Always get a receipt
Sounds like common sense but if the store is crowded and you are being pushed through a checkout or from a sales counter you may forget to pick up your receipt. You must have a receipt as proof of purchase if you need to return the item for any reason - and a charge on your credit card statement isn't regarded as proof of purchase.
Stick to your list
Don't get carried away by the huge sale signs. Stick to your list and only shop for what's on it, if it is your maximum price or lower. Remember, the longer you spend in the store the more you will spend so get in, get your goods and get out.
Some Boxing Day Sale Don'ts
- Don't buy on impulse. No matter how great the deal, if it's not on your list and you don't really need it, then it's not a great price.
- Don't go over budget. You are on a limited budget, so stick to it. You have decided how much you are prepared to spend, so look for lower prices by all means. Just don't buy if the price is higher than your maximum.
- Don't feel pressured to buy because it's on sale. Stores have any number of tactics they use to help you part with your money. Stick to your list and you'll be fine.
- Don't get caught up in the thrill of the hunt. Again, stick to your list. The person who has the most parcels isn't the winner, this isn't a contest. It's a strategic shopping expedition.