It's an undisputed fact that costs of living and child-raising seem to be always on an upward trend. Given this situation, it's rather unsurprising to know that many parents are feeling spread thinly as the season of Black Friday sales nears. There are quite a number of challenges that come with these economic constraints, resulting in parents coming up with and sharing resourceful ways to navigate these challenges, such as planning holiday shopping, and availing public assistance programs, among others.
There's a great value in preparing for holiday shopping with sensibility over stress. Quite a number of parents are indeed applying this philosophy, gathering their best practical advice for secure and cost-effective shopping for this festive period. These tips can greatly benefit those approaching the Black Friday season with a practical, budget-minded focus.
A strategy that has been shared by some savvy parents is waiting for the Black Friday sales to buy baby gadgets and extras. It might seem like a small thing, but these discounted products, when combined, can add up to big savings. However, there are also parents that employ a more cautious approach, keeping an eagle eye on price movements just before Black Friday. Notably, stores are known to increase prices a few days before Black Friday to give the illusion of a substantial discount.
Fortunately, there are methods to avoid falling prey to fake discounts and shady sellers. With adequate planning and some smart shopping tips from seasoned parents, you can get all you need without over-expenditure. Here's a guide on how to maximize your spending power for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Research Before Buying:
Certainly, not all doorbuster' deals are worth the excitement. Therefore, it's wise to start by comparing prices, and focusing on everyday essentials that you will truly make use of, rather than impulsive purchases. For items you have on wish lists or registries, keep an eye on the prices for those too.
Avoid Scams:
It's a general rule that if a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Before purchasing, ensure to check the brand's official site and steer clear of third-party sellers that inflate original' prices. Tools such as CamelCamelCamel can be used to spot genuine deals on Amazon by showing you a product's price history.
Direct Brand Shopping:
Purchases directly from baby gear brands could give you a significantly better deal in comparison to major stores such as Amazon and Walmart. Smaller baby brands might even add perks like free shipping or extended return policies. Make this easier by getting early access to discounts exclusive to their newsletter subscribers.
Seek Out Resale Deals:
Numerous parents have had successful experiences with buying open-box or secondhand items from retail sites. Products purchased this way are often gently used and a fraction of the original price. Reliable retailers that inspect and resell gear for babies include Good Buy Gear and Rebel.
Combine Discounts:
Another handy tip is to use registry completion discounts in conjunction with sales. Many stores let you combine the two for even bigger savings.
Price Matching Policies:
If a product you like gets discounted after you've purchased it, some stores offer price-matching. Commonly, the discount can be claimed within 10 to 14 days of purchase. Also, it's strongly advised to ensure that the return window is flexible, ideally 30 days or more.
Use Discounted Gift Cards:
If your desired deal isn't live yet, consider purchasing discounted retailer gift cards. Stores such as Dollar Tree, Amazon, Walmart, and Target often offer decent savings, particularly if you're open to buying in bulk. These can be used later, effectively granting you additional savings.
Invest in Essentials:
Budget-conscious parents recommend focusing on absolute essentials for newborns such as a car seat, food supply, safe sleep zone, and clothing along with diapers. Other non-essential items such as swings and sound machines can be bought after catering to the essentials first.
Subsequently, it's important to know the key dates for shopping during the Black Friday season. Several stores including Amazon, Walmart, and Target have begun early Black Friday sales, and other baby gear retailers will soon follow suite. This year, Black Friday is on November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1.
However, should you wait until Black Friday for the biggest discounts? Generally, everyday products such as diapers and wipes see discounts earlier, whereas higher-priced items tend to drop in price closer to Thanksgiving weekend.
Regardless, one thing to bear in mind is to focus on being smart, rather than stressed while shopping. With a dash of planning, smart shopping tools, and a few practical tips from parents who have been there, one can achieve value for every dollar spent, and make the most out of every purchase this festive season.