It's easy to feel a let down before the holidays even kick into full swing. The excitement of blow-out sales has come and gone; the last bit of stuffing has been scraped from the bottom of the bowl; and you’re living with the guilt of what you put your stomach through for the last four days. On top of all of that, it’s time to start thinking about getting your gift shopping out of the way.
Though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are regarded as the last days to score holiday savings, a recent study from Consumer Reports indicates retail prices are at their lowest the two weeks following Thanksgiving. Before you start crossing presents off your list, check out these 10 ways to save money after the big shopping holidays.
1. Keep a Close Watch
There are so many options for shopping -- both online and in-store -- it’s nearly impossible to get a decent price comparison on your own. After you’ve exhausted your search for extra savings, sites like FreePriceAlerts.com and PriceGrabber.com are especially useful. Pick out products you’re shopping for and they’ll do the leg work to track down the lowest price and then send you an alert when the price drops into your desired range.
Related: Important Rules When Giving Gift Cards This Season
2. The Seven Days of Shopping
If you only shop on weekends, you probably want to reconsider your strategy. SmartMoney found prices for certain products fluctuate throughout the week. For example, clothing prices tend to be at their lowest on Thursdays, as stores prepare for the weekend rush. When you can only find time to hit the stores on weekends, don’t forget about price-matching policies. If you notice a drop, you’ll still get the mid-week price.
3. Spending Safety
Stores are filled to the brim with shoppers and merchandise is flying off the shelves. With such a high volume of traffic, a pricing mistake here and there is inevitable. Closely monitor your receipts and bank account activity for any discrepancies. If you paid a different price than expected, act fast because holiday return windows tend to be limited.
4. The Final Countdown
You’re not alone if you didn't skip Thanksgiving to camp in the cold for bargains. Plenty of shoppers spurn the annual spending frenzy to enjoy time with friends and family. Luckily, there's a more relaxed shopping holiday that hasn't even happened yet. Free Shipping Day takes place on Dec. 16 this year, and it’s expected more than 2,000 merchants will offer free shipping and delivery by Christmas Eve. Many retailers also offer additional discounts during Free Shipping Day to encourage extra spending.
Related: Holiday Shopping SCAMS to Watch Out For
5. It Helps to Haggle
With so many spectacular sales, holiday shoppers don’t give regularly priced products the time of day. However, these non-bargains can become better deals if you’re willing to negotiate. Salespeople may be more flexible on items that aren’t reduced in price because they have a larger profit margin. Remember, it’s their job to help you, so don’t feel obligated to buy just because you took up some of their time. Consult Consumer Reports’ tips for price negotiation and get your haggle on.
6. A Whole Armful
Many of us show the self-control of a two year old when presented with a large shopping cart. We wildly toss in whatever catches our eye, only worrying about repercussions when the credit card bill comes. Avoid the temptation of in-store displays by leaving the cart at the front door. Instead, only buy what you can carry to cut down on impulse expenses. Shop with a list and don't add anything that's not on it when you know there's no way your arms can handle the load.
7. Plastic Without the Debt
Gift cards are usually the most requested present during the holiday season, but have you ever considered using them to do your shopping? Sites like GiftCardGranny.com sell gift cards discounted below their face value. Try picking up a few for stores like Target or Walmart, where you’ll find something to satisfy everyone on your list. Gift cards work like cash so you’ll save even more if you use them on sale items.
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8. The Old Switcheroo
You've probably heard the saying, "One person's trash is another person's treasure.” Swap.com has taken that message to heart and based their whole business around it. The site allows you to trade books, video games, movies and more with other users. Exchange those "Sex and the City" DVDs you've watched a million times to score a few seasons of "The Sopranos" for Dad. Swapping keeps you from having to spend any money and turns your clutter into valuable presents.
9. Credit Without the Cost
With a full year of credit card spending under your belt, you've probably managed to build up some decent rewards. Though items purchased through these programs are often overpriced, it's a good way to get a nice gift at no cost. In some cases, credit card rewards can be converted to gift cards, which you can then use to shop for everyone on your list.
10. Stay Out of Stores
Do you find clearance signs and limited-time specials impossible to avoid? If so, your best bet for saving money during the holiday season is staying at home. Avoid the mall and other large retail centers because they use special sales as tactics to encourage spending. Suddenly, one-day events are extended indefinitely and buying right now doesn't seem like such a priority.
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