Here are 15 holiday shopping tips:
- Roll call. Prepare a shopping list, prioritize it
and then do it again with an alternate list of present suggestions.
- Ahead of the pack. Want to beat the sale? Shop the
day before it is supposed to start, but after 6 p.m. Most retailers will have
programmed their cash registers by then to ring up the sale prices.
- Take advantage of those early-morning hours or the late-day extended hours.
Its not as busy or hectic then.
- Detective work. Looking for a sale on a big-ticket
item? Ask. Nearly every sales associate will know when then next big sales event
is planned and wont be shy about telling you.
- Card sharps. Gift cards arent just for stockings
anymore -- dont be afraid to bundle them with other items.
- Have ads will travel. If shopping from an ad, cut it
out and carry it into the store so there wont be the slightest bit of confusion
about what product youre talking about.
- Dont wait. Shop early -- and most retailers will
like it if you shop often too -- for that collectible, hard-to-find or difficult
sized item. That must-have toy, such as T.M.X. Elmo, is going to be on the lists
of a lot of other children too and kids dont find substitutes acceptable.
- Ask for gift slips. Put them in the box right away.
Its just easier for returns.
- Dont forget to ask for boxes. If youre shopping at
Tiffany, the blue box is a given; but many people still like gift boxes from
their favorite stores, whether its Bloomingdales or Childrens Place. Dont
forget many people recycle gift boxes too.
- Its better to give. Remember who youre shopping
for -- and that its what he or she wants or needs thats important, not what
you might want or need. If in doubt, get a gift card.
- Save receipts. Put them in an envelope and hold them
for at least a month after the holiday. Do the same with warranties, but keep
them for the life of the product.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Seems like a no-brainer, but
many people forget that theyll be walking on cement, marble and wood floors all
day.
- Know your limits. Were not just talking credit
limits either. Know that eight hours of shopping is wearing and will include a
couple food, beverage and bathroom breaks -- and tired children if theyre in
tow.
- Be aware of who and what is around you. Holiday
shopping is a holiday for many shoplifters who are watching you and looking for
that break to steal a purse or snatch a wallet or credit card off the counter.
Dont depend on someone else to watch your things.
- Keep a good attitude. They dont call it the busiest
time of the year for nothing. Stores are packed with people and sales associates
who get weary as the day goes on. Dont let rude behavior beget more rude
behavior. Be nice to fellow shoppers and sales associates alike.
