Are you prepared for the busiest shopping day of the year? How many of you have been buying things they do not need or would not use? Have you ever spent money you have not earned yet? Are you feeling nervous when you think about waiting in those long lines outside?
Why have I asked you these questions? Apart from being the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday is the most stressful one. Many studies showed that stress is one of the most common causes of many illnesses and health problems. Most of us lead a stressful life, unable to relive the stress and fight it.
The prolonged stress is the most dangerous, and sometimes even the so-called “small stress” regarding one particular situation can cause chaos in the organism. Stress can increase heart rate and cholesterol levels and elevate blood pressure.
On the other hand, shopping on Black Friday can be very stressful as well; thus, you need to be prepared to avoid situations that can trigger stress.
Tips for smart buyers
If you want to be a smart buyer, you need to follow some rules. These rules are new shopping habits you need to develop and use. That will help you avoid stress.
Although some think that more people will start shopping on Thanksgiving Day, many still prefer Black Friday. Whatever your choice is, the first thing you need to do is take the day off work. In recent years, some retailers started Black Friday on Thanksgiving Eve, and some even the week before.
Make a shopping list
The second most important thing is to make a shopping list and to check it twice. Your first list might include the things that you do not need and that you might not buy if you just had more time to think.
You need to recheck the list to scratch off the products you have been attracted to just because of a great marketing strategy. This list will benefit you enormously, and it will help you avoid impulse purchases.
When compiling a list, you need to think about four things:
- If you are buying gifts, and you know what someone wishes for, do not substitute one product for another (for instance, if someone wants for an iPad, do not buy them something similar). Brands are important, but it is not only about brands. The gift also tells the person how much you think about her or him, and how much effort you put into choosing the right present. Standing in long lines to buy and then return the gift is pretty much tiring and frustrating.
- When compiling a list, think about the money you planned on spending on the presents.
- Remember that you need to research, and you can do it easily – search online for the prices and products.
- Make your list on time. Do not make it two or three days before.
Prioritize your items
What you also need to do is to prioritize your items. You might not be able to buy everything on your list, so buy the most expensive items first. This way, you may also save some money.
Plan your shopping route
You need to plan your shopping route, otherwise, you will find yourself visiting the same shop twice or going from one part of the city to another, again. Remember that you cannot be in two places at once, as well.
Decide if you want to shop in malls or go to the individual stores. Think about your transportation, especially if you are buying large items.
Check your credit or debit cards
Another thing you need to do it to check your credit or debit cards. If you do not check them, you will be very embarrassed when you discover that your credit card is not accepting the charge, and frustrated after hours of waiting in the line.
Some people choose to carry cash, and although it is a great way to keep track of your budget, it is less secure. If you wish to take some money, carry your purse close to you and keep it in front of you all the time.
A debit card is another option, but credit cards are the safest, although the most dangerous to your budget. Use coupons to save money, check local newspapers and check it online as well for printable coupons.
Everybody should read the fine print carefully, and ask about the return policy before they buy. Some retailers charge restocking fees as high as 15 percent, so do not buy an item just because it seems like a good deal.
Arm yourself with patience
You need to be prepared to wait, whether outside or in. Wear suitable and comfy clothes and shoes, bring a snack and water. Lines can be very long.
Stay organized
For a smarter and safer shopping, stay organized and keep all of your receipts in an envelope. Do not forget to get a receipt for every product you purchase.
Online shopping
If you are shopping online, check the websites. Use only legitimate websites that have a secure address for payment and check the online consumer reviews. Also, compare the prices and shipping rates.
Some stores have limited quantities on the best bargains, so if you can, be there as early as possible.
A few more recommendations
If you are not sure what to buy, buy gift cards. Some people are just not easy to buy for, and others may live far away. Thus, get them a gift card so that they can choose from several things.
If you cannot prepare yourself for this shopping fever, stay at home, skip Black Friday and do your shopping later or even before. Avoiding stress is the most important thing you need to have on your mind.
When you are appropriately organized and when you have your shopping list, Black Friday or any other shopping day is, in fact, stress-free and fun, do not forget that.
Everyone feels great when receiving gifts and vice versa, however, be creative, it is not just about the presents you are buying, it is also about the person you are buying a present to, and why. Sometimes, the best presents are those you make yourself. And today, you can easily learn how to make things.
The best gifts I have ever received were those that were made for me, and I am sure making them did not cause any stress.
Images credit: DepositPhotos and 123RF Stock Photo
Last article update: 11/13/2019
