Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Five Helpful Tips for Holiday Tech Shopping!

The holiday season can prove to be very stressful for many people.  So much to do with not enough time in the day to get everything done.  We are all concerned with buying the perfect gift for everyone on our list and often times forget to stop and relax.  A little "me time" and relaxation can go a long way, especially this time of the year.

One of the big things on many holiday shopping lists are electronics.  For me, the task of buying electronics can be very frustrating.  I'm not tech-savy and no little to almost nothing about all the latest electronics and gadgets.  Here are a few tips for tech-savy holiday shopping.

1.  Shop Around!  Don't buy the first one you look at.  You might not even buy the second or third ones you look at either.  Make sure you shop different stores, both local and online, to make sure that you are getting the best possible deal.  Saving money may be as simple as driving across the street.  Plus, many stores nowadays will price match and even offer a little extra % off as a bonus for shopping their store.  Sales and clearance deals can save you a bundle!  All of those little things really add up.

2.  Don't Be Afraid to Shop Online!  Often times the best deals are those you find online.  Many online retailers will offer free shipping, cash back and other discounts that local stores don't.  Ordering online is fast, free and easy.  It's also safe, credit card companies guarantee your consumer safety from fraudulant purchases.  You also avoid traffic, crowds, winter driving conditions and having to pay for gas.

3. Do Your Research!  Make sure that you research the products that you have on your holiday shopping list!  Many people make purchases blindly and that can often lead to problems.  Just because something sounds good doesn't always mean that it is.  You can easily do your research online through several different sources. 

4.  Read Customer Reviews!  They always seem to be the most helpful because people tend to be honest.  If they bought a lemon or got ripped off, they are going to tell people about it!  Bad reviews are just as helpful as good reviews.  Amazon.com, Target.com and Staples.com make posting a customer review and reading them simple for everyone!

5.  Take Your time!  Impulse buying can be brutal.  Don't make a purchasing decision that you're going to regret later.  There is always time to stop and think about the item that you're wanting to purchase.  I know how hard it can be to wait, espeically when you really want something.  However, taking your time might just pay off in the long run.  Then you will be thanking yourself.


Just last week, I got a great deal on a Tom Tom GPS online and ended up saving a total of $129.  It was an item that was on my shopping list, but I wanted to get a good deal.  By knowing ahead of time, I was able to watch sales ads in advance in order to get the best possible deal. 

My husband has been wanting a new TV for the living room.  He wants a big one, atleast 47" and possibly 55".  It's an important purchase and one that is a little pricy.  I've been saving for several months now, waiting and looking for the "right" deal to come along.  My husband has been doing his research and I think we are finally close to making a decision.  Maybe!

I think that it helps by knowing what you want and not having to be in a rush to get it.  Patience is a virtue!





About Staples:

Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston.



**I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Staples blogging program, making me eligible for a $50 gift card.

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