Author Jason Jack here, interneters, with 5 ways for you to have a positive holiday shopping trip. Let's go :)
1. Know What You Can Spend (AKA What's Your Budget?)
Stay upbeat by allotting a max budget for your shopping season, and STICK TO IT. You'll save yourself from being disgruntled compared to if you didn't have a spending budget. Live within your means and you won't have to worry about a stacked credit card bill or unexpected payments in the future.
2. Know Where You Are Going
Map your destinations for easy travels. This is especially important during the holiday rush where there are way more people on the roads, increasing traffic and possible accidents, and an abundant amount of shoppers in stores. Long lines and congested shops are things we can't control, but creating a list of stores we want to go to will limit the unnecessary, "Where should we go next?" and kill wasteful trips to places we end up not buy anything at all.
3. Know What You Are Going to Buy
Tying closely in with know where to shop is knowing what you are going to buy. This is arguably one of the most important steps to having a positive shopping experience. Window shopping and perusing is for the rest of the year, being a laser pointed shopper is a must during the holiday rush. More people shopping means more demand which means less product for the majority. If you don't know what you're getting, it may not be there when you do. Always be prepared beforehand.
4. Don't Forget Your Money!
I've done this maybe once or twice before and I tell you, it's not fun. Standing in line, making it all the way to the cashier with your lovely loot, only to realize you left your wallet or debit card at home is the opposite of positive. Always remember to bring your allotted money with you whether it's in card or paper form for the most seamless transaction and upbeat shopping experience.
5. Just Don't Go Shopping
Yes, the best way to have a positive shopping experience is not to shop at all :) If you were to go, I have you covered with the four tips above. But in reality, things/toys/objects are just things and they'll be there next week. Or, a newer model will come out in a couple of months. If you lived without a new electronic, book, or purse yesterday you can live without it today. Why get stuck in long lines, spend money you can put elsewhere, and endure the hostile crowds when you can be realizing at home? Whatever you choose, choose what's best for you :)
WRAP UP
The holiday shopping season is an interesting time of the year. Just experiencing it is a delight for some, for others it's a lightning storm of bad. But whatever our unique perceptions of this time of year, we can conduct ourselves in a prepared manner and do what's best for us whether we shop or not.
What places will all of you be shopping? Or are you sitting this year out? I've done a little of both :)
Until next time, have a safe and positive weekend!
Author Jason Jack
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