The holiday shopping season is officially here, which means stores are ready to help you deck your halls… hopefully with some killer deals and deals to grab.
In order to save as much money as possible (and, of course, stay sane), you may be wondering whether it’s better to shop online or in-store on Black Friday. Whether you enjoy the excitement of heading to the store bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (and escaping your family’s Thanksgiving gathering), or you’d rather hide under the covers with your laptop and click “Add to Cart,” there’s a shopping experience here to satisfy various needs. But which approach will yield the best deal? Settle in because we’ve got the scoop from some savvy shopping experts.
If you’re looking to stick to a tight budget (and who among us isn’t these days?), you might actually want to brave the crowds and shop in person, says Dr. Michele Frank, associate professor of accounting at the University of Miami’s College of Agriculture. .
“In the past few years, online deals have been almost identical to deals offered in stores,” she explains. “However, shopping in person may make it easier to stick to a budget, whether during the holidays or otherwise. For example, it’s often easy for online retailers to spend an extra $10 or $20 to qualify for free shipping, which makes shoppers willing to Add items to your cart that they don’t need and wouldn’t buy if you were shopping in person.
Additionally, before buying an item, use your own two eyes to see what it will look like, adds Kandi Arrington, executive vice president of customer development and retail consulting at Mars United Commerce. bring some benefits. “Online transactions are convenient when they are not possible in real life, but online transactions are limited and often not everyday versions of the items. Live streaming allows shoppers to understand whether the items displayed are typical Everyday items versus smaller versions of items and/or lower-quality limited production, she notes, and you may be able to buy specialty items you can’t see by browsing online.
Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback.com, notes: “Shopping in person also facilitates local transactions, avoids shipping costs and gets your purchase immediately.”
Generally speaking, though, all experts agree that you’ll find the same or similar deals whether you’re shopping in-store or via the device of your choice. Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer expert at Smarty, said: “As far as major retailers are concerned, most sale items are available in-store and online, with some exclusive offers available only to online shoppers and/or in-store shoppers. ”
Make a list…and check it twice
Regardless of how you prefer to shop, Frank says it’s crucial to plan ahead, especially so you don’t make impulsive decisions that negate any potential savings.
“If you find yourself overspending or often making impulse purchases because you’re a busy parent, then you should set aside time to create a detailed shopping list and set a strict budget,” Chatman adds. “Whether you’re shopping in store or online , making lists and budgeting are both the best ways to hold yourself accountable, but shopping online can help you stick to your list and avoid those tempting product displays.”
Consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch adds that for those who brave the Black Friday crowds, adjusting their expectations and sticking to a strict shopping strategy can help minimize stress and frustration. “I’ve noticed that retailers don’t do full-store sales on Black Friday,” she says. “So unless your local retailer has a specific item on sale, browsing may end up disappointing you in the long run. , because the goods are limited.
Whether you’re walking down the street or cozy up on the couch, make sure you have your favorite snacks and drinks on hand to help you stay hungry, hydrated, and happy. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and enjoy everything you have always wanted because God knows you deserve it.
