If you’re not all shopped out or have run out of money once Christmas is over, post-holiday sales are probably the best time to buy essentials for the year ahead.
The power of the New Year sale has been diluted a bit in recent years thanks to Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and those sales that seems to be around forever.
But, if you need stuff for the coming year, post-holiday sales are a good time to shop.
As with all sales, you need to have your wits about you. With a little planning and preparation, you could bag yourself a bargain without overspending.
Here’s how.
Only buy what you need
The golden rule with any sales season is to only buy what you need. If you buy something you didn’t originally want or need, you haven’t saved yourself 50% off the price, you have spend 50% you weren’t planning on spending.
That’s not saving.
On the other hand, if you genuinely need things, post-holiday sales are a great time to get them.
Plan ahead
Just like Santa makes his list and checks it twice, you should too. Make a list of items you need or want.
It could be that fancy winter coat you’ve been eyeing, school uniforms for the kids or a new set of kitchen gadgets.
Having a plan will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.
Compare prices
One of the wonders of the internet is that you can easily compare prices across different stores. Don’t settle for the first discount you see.
Use price comparison websites or apps to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Plus, we all know the price games retailers play. It’s up to us to make sure we don’t get ripped off.
Make your list of things you need and note down their price before sales begin. Then, once the sales arrive, you can see whether the discount the retailer says you’re getting is true or not.
Sign up for newsletters
Many stores offer additional discounts or exclusive deals to their newsletter subscribers. It might mean a few extra emails in your inbox, but it could also mean significant savings.
I would suggest creating a Gmail account especially for these. I recommend doing the same for insurance quotes and any comparisons you do. You’ll inevitably get spam so you may as well direct it to an address that doesn’t matter.
Then you can keep an eye out for those promo codes without clogging up your real inbox!
Follow your favourite stores on social media
Social media isn’t just for cute pet videos and mouth-watering food photos. Many retailers post exclusive discounts and flash sales on their social media pages.
So, hit that ‘follow’ button and be the first to know about the hottest deals in town!
Don’t ignore small businesses
While the big retailers get a lot of attention, don’t overlook small local businesses or online shops. They often have unique, handmade, or niche products, and their post-holiday sales can be real hidden gems.
Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses.
I cannot stress this enough. While Amazon is convenient, our society depends on small businesses. They have a hard enough time as it is, we need to support them wherever and whenever we can!
Be mindful of return policies
Sometimes our excitement leads us to buy things we don’t really need. Always check the return policy before making a purchase.
This way, you can shop with confidence, knowing that you can return or exchange items if they don’t meet your expectations.
If in doubt, pay for more expensive items using your credit card for section 75 protection.
Buy in bulk
If you have the storage space and the budget for it, consider buying non-perishable items in bulk. Things like toiletries, cleaning supplies, tins of food or even gift items can often be found at steep discounts after the holidays.
Just make sure you have enough room at home!
Stay safe online
Online shopping is convenient, but it’s essential to stay safe. Stick to reputable websites, double-check payments and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
A little caution goes a long way in ensuring a happy shopping experience!
Think beyond holidays
Post-holiday sales are not just about Christmas decorations or New Year’s party supplies.
Think ahead to upcoming events or occasions. Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries or new school terms.
Also stock up on gifts and cards for birthdays or next Christmas when the prices are low and thank yourself later!
Remember, the key to successful post-holiday shopping is a mix of preparation, patience, and a keen eye for a good deal.
So, gear up, shoppers! Those fantastic bargains are waiting for you. Happy savvy shopping! 🎉🛒
