Get To Know The Major International Sales Events
First things first, you need to know when and where these sales are happening. Here’s a quick guide to some of the biggest global shopping festivals:
- Singles’ Day (11 November): Originating in China, Singles’ Day has grown into the world’s largest online shopping event. Think of it as Black Friday on steroids. It’s the perfect time to grab deals on electronics, fashion, and even luxury items.
- Black Friday (Fourth Friday in November): This American shopping holiday has gone global, with retailers around the world slashing prices. You’ll find everything from electronics to home goods on sale. It’s a great opportunity to kickstart your Christmas shopping.
- Cyber Monday (Monday after Black Friday): If you missed out on Black Friday, don’t worry. Cyber Monday focuses on online deals, often with discounts on tech gadgets, software, and more.
- Boxing Day (26 December): Popular in the UK, Canada, and Australia, Boxing Day sales are a great way to grab post-Christmas bargains. It’s a good idea to check out deals on fashion, electronics, and clearance items.
Knowing the dates and focus of these events is the first step in making the most of international sales.
Plan Ahead And Set Your Budget
One of the best ways to maximise your savings during these sales events is to plan ahead. Start by making a list of what you really need or have been wanting to buy. Whether it’s a new laptop, Christmas gifts, or even some home essentials, having a list helps you stay focused.
Setting a budget is equally important. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overspend, so decide on a spending limit before the sales begin. This way, you can enjoy shopping without the stress of post-sale regrets.
Use Price Comparison Tools And Alerts
With so many deals flying around, how do you know if you’re getting the best price? This is where price comparison tools and alerts come in handy. Websites and apps like CamelCamelCamel and Google Shopping allow you to compare prices across different retailers and even set up alerts for when prices drop. By doing this, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Shop Smart: Timing Is Everything
Timing can make a big difference in the deals you get. For example, during Singles’ Day or Black Friday, some of the best deals go live at midnight. If you’re serious about snagging a hot item, be prepared to stay up late or set an alarm.
Also, consider shopping early in the event. The best deals and most popular items often sell out quickly. If you have your eye on something specific, try to buy it as soon as the sale starts. On the other hand, sometimes you can find even better deals towards the end of a sale when retailers drop prices further to clear out stock.
Don’t Forget To Use Vouchers For Extra Savings
If you really want to take your savings to the next level, don’t forget about vouchers! Many retailers offer additional discounts through promo codes or digital vouchers during major sales events. Don’t forget, TrustDeals will be your best friend in this process. Some stores also offer exclusive vouchers to newsletter subscribers or members of their loyalty programmes, so make sure you’re signed up before the sales start. By stacking vouchers on top of already discounted prices, you can shave off even more from your total bill and stretch your budget further.
Take Advantage Of Rewards And Cashback Programmes
Why not double up on savings? Use credit cards that offer rewards or cashback on your purchases during these sales events. Some cards even offer special bonuses during shopping festivals, so check your card’s benefits beforehand. Additionally, signing up for retailer loyalty programmes can give you access to exclusive discounts, early sale notifications, and sometimes even extra savings on top of sale prices.
Keep An Eye On Delivery And Return Policies
Lastly, don’t forget to consider delivery costs and return policies, especially when shopping internationally. Sometimes the savings you make on a great deal can be offset by high delivery fees or restrictive return policies. Look for retailers that offer free delivery or easy returns, so you can shop with confidence.
Make The Most Of Global Sales Events
International sales events and festivals are fantastic opportunities to save big on a variety of products. By planning ahead, setting a budget, and using tools to find the best deals, you can make the most of these shopping festivals. So get ready, set your alarms, and happy shopping!
This article, originally authored by Gabriela Willems was first published in TrustDeals.co.uk on October 29, DOI: https://www.trustdeals.co.uk/articles/making-the-most-of-global-shopping-events. It is reprinted here with permission from the publisher and the author(s). Any modifications made to the article since its original publication are noted in the text.
