The rush of excitement. The surge of adrenaline. The tap of the finger. Click. Online shopping is a paradise for impulse buyers — and retailers know it. In 2016, Cyber Monday is predicted to be the largest online shopping day in history, according to Adobe Digital Insights.
It’s human nature to see a sale and spend feverishly, rather than to pay for essential goods and services. Don’t carry all that buyer’s remorse into Christmas. Instead, find Cyber Monday deals for what you truly need. Here’s how.
1. Identify Your Needs
It may seem to go without saying, but just for kicks, let’s start at square one. Take stock of your needs. What have you and your family been wanting all year? What item has been on your spouse’s Christmas wish list for the past three years? What do you anticipate needing in the next six months? Make a list in a Google Doc, so you can edit it from your phone when you’re obsessing over your lunch break.
2. Commit to a Budget
Set a budget before you start Googling your wish list. How much money can you afford to spend in one day? Good. Now that you have your list of wants, start assessing each item’s worth. Estimate the cost of each item based on current listed prices at three different retailers. Jot down those prices and retailers next to each item on your list, along with the highest price you’re willing to pay.
3. Beauty Steals
Get the hair and skin care products you normally buy at a steep discount this holiday season. Or, buy a premium product as a Christmas gift for friends or family members. Check out the Aveda, Clinique, Avon and Sephora deals at CyberMonday.com, or visit Amazon.com to find deals on everyday products you love.
4. Tech Stuff
If your family desperately needs to replace an outdated PC, this is a great opportunity to score a deal. Dealnews.com estimates laptops, androids and data storage deals are hottest on Cyber Monday (compared with Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day, anyway). Small electronics, like bluetooth headphones, are also hot items, according to Kiplinger. Check out those deals at TechRabbit.com, and compare to about 40 percent higher prices at Best Buy.
5. Clothing Deals
Cyber Monday is a great time to shop for high-quality necessities like jeans, shoes and outerwear. Last year, Levi’s offered an additional 30 percent off its 40 percent Black Friday discounts, plus free shipping on Cyber Monday. Lands’ End also offered half-off on outerwear and 40 percent off everything else, plus free shipping. For great deals on durable shoes, check out Zappos.com, Ugg.com or Crocs.com.
6. Tires
Admittedly, car stuff is not the most glamorous thing on your list. But when thinking about the upcoming winter slush, ice and snow you will inevitably face, new tires might be exactly what you need. Check out Tire Buyer’s Cyber Monday deals at TireBuyer.com.
7. Travel
You know you need (and deserve) a great vacation more than stuff to fill your closets. Satisfy your vacation needs with great hotel deals from sites like Travelocity, or browse for discounted flights at OneTravel.com. You may even score a steal on luxury stays, such as complimentary spa service, breakfast for two, and 25 percent off accommodations at Carillon Miami Beach in South Florida.