If ever there was a time for us to re-learn to shop, 2009 was the year. Coupon clipping became a craze and retailers offered major deals. The Black Friday sales were planned, shopped, and documented like never before, and Cyber Monday took ‘sales event’ to a whole new level with some retailers continuing the events through the new year.
Geeks like myself were drooling over the holiday shopping deals offered by stores like Best Buy, Office Max, and Radio Shack. While I didn’t make any big purchases over the holidays, I learned something… Retailers can afford to slash prices to get my business. They’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the checkout that handles my money is theirs.
While coupons for electronic items and gadgets are few and far between, retailers often run specials several times a year. Sometimes, these are brand specific, (ie. All HP Printers are on sale!) and other times it’s something like “Get $25 off when you spend $200 or more!”
As expensive as electronics are, it pays to compare shopping prices! I never just see a deal and make a purchase. Instead, I check several sites for the same item, or a comparable one, and make sure I’m getting the best deal possible. I also look for things like free shipping, cashback, and online coupon codes. Sometimes these little extras aren’t mentioned in bold letters on a retailer’s ad or website, but can be easily found via a Google or Twitter search!
With a little time and care I’ve saved a lot this past year! The economy may be on the mend, but I’ll continue to shop smart, saving every penny possible!
What big purchase is your family planning this year? A new refrigerator? Home stereo system, flat screen tv, new Macbook Pro? Or, maybe you’re just looking for a new cell phone?
Whatever it is, I challenge you to hunt for the best prices. Your wallet will thank you!
This is a sponsored post. All content, ideas, and opinions are mine.
The trouble with always buying at the cheapest store is that this may not be the place to get the best advice.
That may be OK if you know what you are doing and are prepared to accept the consequences (eg. incompatibility with current systems, dealing with the manufacturer directly if there is a fault later), but for non-tech people you need stores that can advise them on what is best for them.
Since most people will not want to actually pay a consultancy fee for such advice, the stores have to calculate the wages of their staff into their prices and maybe are not making such a big profit on those higher prices as you might think.
Of course, some people go to the stores that give the best advice, but then having found out what is right for them go out and search the internet for the best price. But is that really fair?
Graham,
You're right about people who don't know… they need to go somewhere with knowledgeable sales folk who can point them in the right direction. Fortunately for me, my husband is even more of a geek than I am and always knows what's good.
Also, the only places in our town to buy anything electronic are Walmart, Office Max, and Sears (very small department there) so we order most of our stuff online. Because of this, we're used to shopping around.
If I have to buy something instore, the service I receive has a lot to do with where I buy, sometimes more than price. The folks at Office Max are always very helpful and I'd much rather shop there than Walmart.
I def. agree with you! I never do any shopping until I look around online and in stores for the best price.
Kasandria,
Thanks so much for stopping by EricaSays.com and for the comment! I am all about living frugally, from couponing, to meal planning, and comparison shopping! We work too hard for our money to spend it foolishly!
I have been a bargain hunter for years. And it has paid off numerous times. Whether it be brick and mortor stores or online there are deals to be found. I especially love shopping online through My Points because not only do you get a great deal but you get points on your purchase.
Patty, I use Ebates, and also have Swagbucks for search. I never shop anywhere without going thru Ebates first! Gotta get my cashback!
I love it! Have heard good things about MyPoints tho… seems I may even have signed up when you blogged about it. 
Patty, I use Ebates, and also have Swagbucks for search. I never shop anywhere without going thru Ebates first! Gotta get my cashback!
I love it! Have heard good things about MyPoints tho… seems I may even have signed up when you blogged about it. 