Getting The Most Out Of The January Sales

Shopping for the holidays is often stressful and can become very costly

. In an attempt to say we have completed our shopping, we often spend more than we planned and more than we can afford. Many people are now choosing to do their shopping way ahead of time with the help of the amazing January sales that can be availed after Christmas! Others use the January sales as a way to buy products they've wanted but found too expensive at the regular price.

The post-Christmas sales provide some great deals but for maximum benefit you have to know what you're doing and what to look for! Shopping at jumbo sales may sound like a no-brainer! However, to get the maximum benefit of the January sales you need some preparation and thought. Here are some simple but helpful tips.

* Make a list before you hit the stores or mall. Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothing, and household incidentals or just catching the after-Christmas specials, you need to have a list of what you're looking for. You can certainly deviate from the list for great bargains, but with a list, you'll save more money and buy the necessary stuff.

* Know beforehand what you want to buy. A lot of people think that a clearance item is a bargain while this may not always be the case. Prior to Christmas, take note of what you're looking for as well as the actual price for the item. Many stores increase the price just to lower them to make them look like a huge savings. For instance, an item marked as $29.99 may have the price to $40 then lower it to $20 and advertise it as a 50% discount. If you know what you're looking for as well as the pre-Christmas price, you won't fall victim to this type of sale. Although this is not exactly a scam it can be deceptive.

* Buy Christmas products that are used year after year. Stuff like ribbons, cards, wrapping paper are used each year. January sales offer are a great way to save money on these items as they are sold on substantial discount

* Do you need to buy some linen for your home? January sales often have special deals on linens and towels. Shop around in different stores and compare the prices.

* Use the opportunity to buy next years Christmas gifts as well as future birthday gifts. You may have friends and family members that ask for almost the same gifts every year. It can be good idea to buy these gifts at January sales. You will end up with advance shopping done at great prices! If you have any weddings coming up then you can also buy a gift for those occasions at the January sales.

* Only buy what you can afford to buy. While it's great to be able to get some shopping done and save money in the process, it won't be beneficial if you're spending so much that you're putting yourself more in debt or ignoring your routine expenditures because of it.

* Make sure you do not buy faulty item. Often stores will offer defected items at a discount. Look over the item carefully before you buy it. Beware of products listed "as is" as this usually means they cannot be returned if you learn they're faulty.

* Check on the warranty or the store's return policy. If you buy a faulty product then you have made a loss and saved nothing. Don't be shy to ask the sales personnel any questions you may have about the item.

* Try to shop online for your post Christmas sales. Your local stores and malls are not the only place that offer January and post-Christmas sales. An online search is sure to help you get some great deals with some sites offering free shipping as well. Online shopping will not only save you money but also offers you ease of buying from your home. You won't have to worry about driving through heavy traffic or standing in long lines at the store. Online shopping is convenient, easy, fun and a great way to get the most out of the January sales.

by: Michael Molloy

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