Make a List but Check the Price Twice!

The holidays are near, and during this time a year, there is a lot of shopping. There are plenty of sales to choose from - Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and general holiday sales. Even more, with the pandemic, stores have extended their sales over multiple days, weeks, months even! One thing you can count on is promotions that pressure you to buy and to buy now. 

Buy Now!

Phrases like "limited time offer," "lowest prices of the season," and "while supplies last" can invoke a sense of urgency and give the illusion that you'll miss out if you do not act fast. Sometimes this is true, but often times it is not. While you may feel pressured to buy now to get the best price, just make sure that you really are getting the best price. Sales come, and sales go, but you'll almost always be able to get the item at a good price on more than one occasion. Do your research and try not to shop impulsively. It's almost always a recipe for disaster. When a store advertises "lowest prices of the season," that does not mean that everything in the store is at its lowest price. Maybe an item here or there, but many things won't really be at it's lowest offered price. 

Are these really the best sales?

Days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have some sales worth your time, but that is not always the case. A few years ago, I debated if I should purchase on Black Friday or wait until Cyber Monday. I decided to wait and found that the price increased, but a new sale made the item cost the same as it did on Black Friday. They wanted me to believe that I would not get the best price if I did not purchase right away, yet I did. The point is to always do your research, but be especially cautious when making impulse buys on something you had not planned on buying in the first place. Being unprepared could end up costing you. With purchases you have been monitoring, at least you have some idea if the sale is actually good.

Getting the Best Price

Sometimes you make a purchase and then go about your business. This could be a mistake. Sales change, and sales change often. With some stores, if you purchase an item, you have a window of time to price match the item. I've done this on several occasions. 

A Price Match Example

I recently purchased an electronic that I had been watching for some time. I would check different sites looking for the best sale. One site had a price lower than the other sites, but it remained the same and did not seem to ever go on sale. Finally, one day the price dropped by $50. I was beyond excited and figured I better purchase it now since this was finally "my chance". Well, I made the purchase and was feeling pretty good. I happen to check the site the day after my purchase, curious to see if it went back to the original price. To my surprise, the price actually decreased by $20, meaning that it was now $70 off the original price. Of course, I wanted my $20. How dare they lower the price just the next day. Fortunately, this store provided a price match guarantee. My purchase was still in the return and exchange period, so I contacted customer service to have the lower price matched, and my account was refunded the difference. 👏 🙌  

These types of things happen every day. You may shop thinking you're getting the best deals, but sometimes those deals could be better. It may not be easy to remember to check a price shortly after purchase. Still, it could be worth the trouble - especially on big purchases. It's the holiday season and while you're out shopping merrily, remember to not only check your list but check those prices twice! Getting extra savings may feel naughty, but it's nice! 😄

Managing money like a boss sometimes means you're doing what others will not do. Researching an item before a purchase is important, but remember there may be some savings even after the purchase - if you're lucky. Get the items on your list, but do match the price!