Can it be that time once again? Oh, yes – Black Friday is one week away.
There’s no question that the malls will be crowded next Friday. Whether or not the shoppers actually BUY remains to be seen. If you are a buyer, you need to do a little homework.
"You need to know your prices. You can do research on line, you can compare your prices, also look at – do some product research. Often times, retailers may advertise low, rock-bottom prices but the product may be a no name brand," says Susan Utsugi of Central Pacific Bank.
Part of your homework may involve going on line to look for bargains.
"There are web sites that offer coupons. Often times, retailers will allow you to use your discount coupons on top of the sales price for an additional discount," Utsugi says.
Most important, according to Utsugi is to have a PLAN. She says you shouldn’t wander around aimlessly picking out items willy-nilly.
"You don’t want to get in a situation where you’re buying things that you don’t need. So have a plan. Make your Christmas shopping list and look at the ads on line as well as in the newspaper and fulfill your Christmas shopping list based on the ads that you see," Utsugi says.
Here’s another thing – if it’s not on your list or you don’t have a reason to get it – DON’T.
"Don’t overbuy. Buy specifically for your list or maybe if you have a birthday or an event that’s coming up that you need a gift for, buy for that purpose, but don’t overbuy and hold onto it just because it’s a great deal," Utsugi says.
What about folks who might be a little agoraphobic, reluctant to be in the crowded malls?
"Well, there’s Cyber Monday which is the Monday after Black Friday and on line retailers will offer great deals on Cyber Monday. Last year, CNNmoney.com reported that over one billion in sales were completed on Black Monday," Utsugi says.
If you have a question for our financial experts, e-mail us at dollarsandsense@khon2.com.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
