Tips for shopping on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday has a reputation for being the leftovers from Black Friday. However, it can actually have the better deals. Americans spent an estimated 27 percent more money online on Cyber Monday than on Black Friday last year. One reason is probably it’s more convenient to order deals on Cyber Monday than fight the Black Friday crowds.

Tips for shopping on Cyber Monday include:

Make a plan. You need to have a holiday budget for spending. Don’t let possible deals on Cyber Monday lead you to overspent.

Do research. Know what the prices are for the items on your list. That way, you won’t be fooled by deals that really aren’t deals.

Abandon your cart. Sometimes, when you leave items in an online cart, a company will say they noticed and will send you a 10 percent off coupon to try to get you to go back and purchase the items. However, again, compare prices. Make sure you’re not paying more.

Try social media. Follow your favorite stores on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch for deals that may be offered.

Get apps. You can install apps for your favorite retailer, such as Home Depot, Macy’s, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, which give you information on the latest deals and perhaps bar code scanners and comparison pricing. And, you can try apps like Flipp, Shopkick, DealNews, and RetailMeNot to get information on sales, coupons, and in some cases, cash back.

Skip some items. You may find better deals later on winter clothing, white goods, luggage and backpacks, and fitness equipment.

The best stores to watch for Cyber Monday bargains, according to Dealnews.com, are:

Walmart. Home goods, toys, TVs, electronics.

Best Buy. Electronics, TVs, laptops, smartphones.

Amazon. Clothing, electronics, housewares, toys and tabletop games, movies, books.

Target. Electronics, games and toys, home and garden products, clothing and accessories, books.

GameStop. Console video games, consoles, accessories, pre-owned games and consoles.

Good luck with your Cyber Monday shopping. I hope you find some great bargains.

Copyright 2019, Rita R. Robison, Consumer and Personal Finance Journalist

Comments

[Jennifer]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing.

[Rita]

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for stopping by.

Rita

[Baby_boomster]

I had no idea about the abandon cart idea. That's good to know.