Cyber Monday Deals and Tips 2013: Skip Black Friday and Shop Smarter from Home
Every shopper knows about Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving where stores offer deals that cause a shopping frenzy. But did you know about Cyber Monday? Cyber Monday may be better for those not daring enough to brave the mall at 6 a.m. This Monday after Thanksgiving is when online retailers get the chance to cause their own frenzy. Here is what to buy and avoid this Cyber Monday.
BUY
Clothing and accessories: These items are safe to buy from your favorite brands especially since many online retailers will be eliminating shipping fees. Make sure to go directly to your store's website however and avoid typing things like "gloves" into a search engine. You will get an endless, overwhelming list, and many of it will not be worth your time.
Large appliances: The elimination or reduction of shipping fees can save you a ton on heavy appliances that require a rental truck for delivery.
Home Electronics: These items will have already been on sale on Black Friday, so anything left over from then should be offered at a steal.
"The cyber shopping for the holiday is on the wall in your living room but also on the floor of your closet and in your underwear drawer," Steve Krenzer, CEO of PriceGrabber, told Fox News.
Always make sure to read up on return policies which may be different than normal on Cyber Monday.
AVOID
Digital Cameras: New camera models are usually released in January, so it is best to wait for the newest model instead of saving on what will soon be an outdated camera.
Social Media Promotions: Don't be tempted by an ad on your Facebook or Twitter page or pop-ups and spam e-mails. Often, these ads lead to non-reputable sites that will waste time and money. It's best to go to an online retailer that you know by directly entering their URL into your web browser.
Forgetting to compare: You're on the world wide web, not in a crowded mall, so use that to your advantage. Shop around before making a purchase. Take your time, relax and be smart.
Impulse Buys: Just because everything is on sale and the online retailer is "suggesting" you add-on to your purchase, don't. You're not taking advantage of Cyber Monday if you're spending more than you can afford or want.
"It's event shopping," Krenzer said. "Capital 'E' for event and small 's' for shopping."
According to the Adobe Digital Index 2013 Online Shopping Forecast, shoppers are expected to spend $2.27 billion this Cyber Monday.
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