Tuesday, 13 October 2009

• Holiday Shopping… Already?!

  
  

  If you’re on a tight budget like me, I’d suggest shopping for holiday presents early.
  

  When I say early… I mean months ago.

  
  Some people may think it is a ridiculous idea to be shopping to early; however, many stores are clearing out their stock to make way for the holiday season. I found in September and this month is the best way to shop for holidays because children are going back to school and much of the autumn stock needs to be gone before the holiday season inventory arrive to the store.
  

  Reasons why shopping early have its advantages:
  

  Lots of discounts:
  The middle to the end of each month, consumers should have signs of clearance or ‘extra savings’ for clothing stores and specialty stores such as Yankee Candle.  They have sales and lots of discounts because they want to get rid of the previous season's inventory. Many online stores discount items up to 90%, but be warned, they usually can get you through the shipping and handling.

  
  For online shopping, free shipping and handling:
  Usually when there is new stock, stores will offer free shipping and handling. Why? Because most of the new items are still in its original price, so the stores give you shipping and handling. Under these conditions, stores will have you buy over a certain amount before you can get that free offer. Plus, it takes longer to ship it to your address. Sometimes, stores offer free shipping to the store itself.
  

  
  No fights during the holiday shopping season:
  The last thing you really need is fight over items with crazy people. Save yourself from the headache (and the injuries) buy shopping early or online.  

  
  You can get items before it is marketed to the public:
  Some items can be inexpensive before companies market out products. Such as electronics, you can also pre-order them before they get sold out in the holidays. 

  
  You’re in less debt when you shop in small intervals:
  Many people go overboard shopping last minute that they don’t even know how much they spend. I find myself being more relaxed and thinking more clearly when I shop ahead of time.
  

  You can enjoy doing other things when everyone else is shopping!
  I did this last year and it was such a relief not to worry for last minute shoppers.

  
  

  
  

  Your disadvantages: 

  
  You won’t get all the deals you want until after you shopped:
  Sometimes the stuff you bought might have gone down on price especially when the store is trying to get rid of old inventory. However, DO save your receipts. Some stores will give you a price adjustment.  However, most online stores will not allow you do this, but you never know, ask them. 

  
  The shipping and handling…:
  You might have gotten what you wanted, but the shipping and handling just wasn’t worth it. You bought a $100 lightweight t-shirt you have to pay $15 for shipping. That’s just ridiculous!

  
  

  Do you have any early shopping tips? Let us know!

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