Welcome to Day 4 of my 5 Ways in 5 Days To Save BIG On Your Holiday Shopping [1] series. Now that you have made your budget, know the shopping dates and have all your online shopping tips it’s time to talk about going to actual Brick & Mortar stores. For many of you, I know you are going to try to do as much of your shopping online as possible. But sometimes you just can’t avoid the store and sometimes you don’t want to wait for shipping. Or maybe you want the adrenaline rush of having the item in your hand (I’m familiar with this feeling).
Here are four things you can do to make your in-store shopping experience frugal and easy:
1. Make a list: Figure out which of your must-have products are most heavily discounted and in highest demand, then give those higher priority. Then map out your route, noting what time each store will open that day. Some of the stores (Target comes to mind) put their electronics in other sections of the store. Often I will find televisions in the middle of the maternity clothes! This way you don’t miss the doorbuster deals.
2. Price Matching: Price matching is a common practice, especially in large stores that stock a lot of merchandise. Stores like Target, Sears, Toys R Us, Walmart and Best Buy are doing price matching this holiday season. If you can find a lower advertised price for the item on-line or in a competing stores ad you can show that in store and they will match the price. Be sure to check out the individual stores policy before you go as some aren’t matching Black Friday weekend and some only match certain websites.
3. Price Adjusting: Some stores will give you a period of time where you can bring an item back to the store if there is a lower advertised price than what you paid. Again be sure to check each store’s individual policy before you go.
4. Know the online price: You should know what you are going to pay for something BEFORE you go to the store. That way you know if you should price match or not.
With these simple steps you can enjoy the holiday shopping rush and not go broke!