Making the Most of Your Holiday Shopping Experience
Turn on any holiday movie, and you’ll see a scene of harried shoppers running from store to store in a stressful race against time. Providing customers with an exceptional online shopping experience can eliminate that characteristic stress from their holidays.
Start early. The closer you get to the holiday, the more likely availability and selection will be limited.
Make a List
Whether you prefer to keep a handwritten list or use an app, making one before starting your holiday shopping is crucial. This will help you evaluate who you’re buying for and their specific gift needs, reducing impulse buys and helping you stay organized.
It also helps to create a budget and allocate a specific amount to each person on your list. This will prevent you from going “Hog Wild” and overspending, allowing you to take advantage of sales and coupons if applicable.
Another tip is to consider giving experiences rather than physical gifts, such as a dinner out or tickets to a show. These will often be just as appreciated and are much easier on your wallet!
Set a Budget
Getting caught up in all the sales and promotions advertised everywhere you go, like in Commerce Next is easy during the holidays. This is why it’s essential to set a budget before you begin shopping and stick to it.
For example, if you have five people on your gift list, set a spending limit per person. This will help you avoid overspending and save you the headache of trying to find something for everyone on a tight budget.
Another way to save is by using credit card rewards. According to CNBC Select, shoppers can earn hundreds of dollars in cash back this holiday season by taking advantage of credit card rewards and other resources. This can add up to significant savings in the long run.
Shop Online
While many retailers have already started offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, deals continue to come in all month—plenty of bargains at popular online shopping sites, including Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Another great way to score holiday deals is by shopping for unique gifts at local boutiques and small shops. For example, New Jersey’s quaint towns like Cape May and Historic Smithville offer one-of-a-kind retail experiences filled with artisanal skills.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone with a specific interest, you can often find great options at specialty stores such as Sephora. This popular cosmetics retailer offers beauty sets, hair products, and makeup must-haves for various price points. They also have free two-day shipping on orders for Prime members.
Look for Deals
Whether shopping on Black Friday or from the comfort of your couch, looking for deals during the holiday season is essential. Retailers often offer discounts on toys and clothing; some even provide BOGO offers. However, it would help if you always compared the prices of the items you want to purchase before looking for deals.
According to the latest research from integration platform service provider Celigo, Baby Boomers prefer convenience over price when buying online. Similarly, Gen X and Millennial consumers prioritize quality over price.
As such, retailers should consider offering more days of promotions throughout the holiday shopping season instead of focusing all their sales efforts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This approach benefits customers and retailers by creating a more balanced spending pattern.
Don’t Overspend
Taking extra steps to avoid overspending will help ensure that the holiday season doesn’t end with financial regret. By using a savings plan, setting a budget, and shopping for the holidays online, you can make the most of your holiday experience without blowing your finances.
It’s also important to remember that the holidays come with added expenses, such as decorations, unique food items, travel costs, etc. These expenses can easily bust a well-planned budget, so consider them when setting yours.
One way to control your spending is by paying in cash rather than using a credit card. This will allow you to see exactly how much money is left after purchasing your gifts. It’s also a great way to get into the Christmas spirit!