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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal: Bargains in Hamilton and Middletown > Archives > 2009 > November > 27 > Entry
Tips to bag a bargain this holiday shopping season
Everyone’s goal in today’s economy should be to bag a bargain while doing their holiday shopping. And believe it or not, that does not mean you need to be in line at 3 a.m. shivering at a big box store.
Here are some simple tips from bargain Web sites, financial gurus and the Better Business Bureau to help you get a handle on your holiday shopping.
- Tips
- Make a list. It’s not just Santa who should be making it and checking it twice, either. Start with a realistic budget for holiday gifts. Split that between the people you want to give a gift to. Consider gift exchanges for siblings and friends to save money. Write down an item for each person and stick with it. That way you won’t be sucked in by the glitz and glam at the mall. Consider shopping online to avoid further temptation, but make sure to budget for shipping charges.
- Plastic is not fantastic. I got a postcard in the mail offering “Double Rewards Points for All Purchases Made on Black Friday With Your Credit Card.” Despite temptation, I tore it up. Getting $5 extra in rewards is not worth the debt and possible regret you’ll feel come January when the bills come in. Budget using money you have in savings and checking. Make this the gift to yourself to come out of this holiday season debt-free.
- Get coupons. There is a coupon for virtually everything. Go to hotcouponworld.com and click on their coupon database to find online, printable and newspaper coupons available on certain items or even at certain stores. Visit GoPromoCodes.com to find coupons for online shopping.
- Research it. The Web is a valuable tool for checking competitor prices and customer reviews. Find the item online and use the product number in a search engine like Google to check prices and find reviews. Amazon.com is also a valuable tool for reviews. Consumerworld.org offers an online price checker.
- Some things are too good to be true. The Better Business Bureau that especially when shopping online, have the due diligence to check out the company before making a purchase. Run their name through the BBB’s Web site to check their rating. Also, icons with VeriSign, IQNet or TRUSTe should be clickable, taking you to another site that verifies the certification authenticity.
- Get free shipping. Many retailers are offering free shipping up to Dec. 17, the last day most will guarantee you’ll get it before Christmas. To find out which retailers are offering specials, visit FreeShipping.org.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings tips
Comments
By MasterShopper
November 30, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
I want a new TV. First of all, which one should I get? Finally, where should I buy it. And last, but not least, how much will it cost? If my math is correct, I should be able to make money overall with these bargains.
By Agolipox
December 13, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this
hm.. thanks for thread..