Shopping tips for Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday used to be the leftovers from Black Friday. However, it’s becoming one of the biggest shopping day of the year – if not the biggest.

In addition, in this year of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re all used to doing so much more shopping online.

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:

Amazon – Everything, if you’re willing to search for it

Walmart – Toys

Target – Bedding, clothing, and many other products

Dell Home and Dell Technologies – Computers and TVs

eBay – Refurbished and open-box products, especially smartphones

Home Depot – Tools and hardware

Samsonite – Luggage, bags, and backpacks

Reebok – Shoes and sports apparel

Nautica – Casual to business-casual clothing

Check the Dealnews.com website for the latest Cyber Monday deals.