Cyber Monday 2023 is just around the corner. Today, online shopping has made it easier than ever to enjoy sales from any corner of the country. However, this also makes it easy to overbuy and overspend. Luckily, there are several steps one can take to avoid buying things they do not need and have a great shopping experience. So, here are 10 mistakes to avoid for a successful Cyber Monday experience:
Shopping without a budget or a list
One should begin with setting a budget, which should outline how much they are comfortable allocating for holiday shopping expenses. With this budget in hand, the next step is to make a list of items that need to be purchased and how much can be spent on each item. This will help one avoid going overboard with their expenses while shopping at Cyber Monday sales. If possible, one can add a little wiggle room for miscellaneous purchases that may need to be made.
Waiting to shop until the last minute
One should not keep waiting for Cyber Monday in anticipation of better deals. Waiting until the last minute could also lead to additional shipping costs. Further, many brands release their best deals early to be grabbed as soon as they are announced. Planning ahead here can also help one avoid expensive last-minute purchases made in a hurry.
Using only credit cards
Credit cards make it easier to spend more and overshoot the budget. Instead of credit cards, using a debit card or a gift card can help one shop within the budget and avoid overheads and interest fees later.
Impulsive buying
During holiday sales, exercising self-control can help one save big bucks! While many deals may look promising around this time of the year, it is important to avoid impulsively buying products one may not need. This can help one stay within the budget and keep expenses in check.
Falling for scams
It is easy to get carried away with exciting deals all around on Cyber Monday. But if a deal looks too good to be true, it likely is! So, before purchasing, one should check the authenticity of shopping sites by looking up reviews. Customers can also check the Better Business Bureau for online complaints. This can help them save their money and avoid getting scammed. It is also important to shop on a private, password-protected Wi-Fi network. Further, while making a purchase, it is safe to check out only if the website URL contains “https” to reduce the risk of credit fraud. Additionally, one should monitor all account activity closely and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Another common way scammers attempt to steal information is by using fake shipping notifications. The Federal Trade Commission recommends double-checking with the retailer or company via their official phone number or email ID if they receive any suspicious emails or text messages.
Failing to check return policies
While some companies offer easy return policies, this may not be true for all retailers. Before making a purchase, always verify the company’s return policy to avoid ending up with unnecessary or faulty items.
Counting on normal delivery times
From warehouse staffing issues to a large number of orders, there are many reasons why orders may be delayed. During the holiday season, deliveries may take longer than usual. For more details regarding the ETA, one can read the retailer’s delivery policy carefully and check if it is suitable before making a purchase.
Not considering other delivery options
Home deliveries are not the only option when shopping online. One can save on delivery charges and receive their products faster by opting for alternative delivery options such as curb-side and in-store pickups.
Ignoring cashback portals and deal finders
When shopping online, several tools can help one find relevant deals and vouchers. Others can help customers earn cashback for their next purchase. While shopping on Cyber Monday, one can use these tools to help save money on current and future purchases.
Overlooking brand apps, newsletters, and emails
One of the best ways of learning about a brand’s upcoming deals and promotions is by signing up for their email list. Many brands host flash sales and will notify existing customers via email and text. Several others also host exclusive in-app discounts and notify their customers via push notifications. Signing up for these services can help one save money and have a better shopping experience. However, one should check the sender’s email address carefully before clicking on email attachments or pop-ups. One should avoid opening any emails sent by an unverified sender, as these could contain malware.
Conducting prior research on last year’s deals and offers and avoiding these common Cyber Monday mistakes can help one be better prepared for the 2023 holiday season and save a lot of money on their purchases.
