For hard-core bargain hunters, there's one day of the year that gets their pulses racing faster than any other: Boxing Day.
Debbie Frye, general manager of Flyerland.ca, is one such shopper. She once lined up outside an electronics store at 4:30 in the morning to get the Boxing Day door-crasher deal, a $5 VCR. "It was just the coolest thing," she recalls.
This year, Ms. Frye is doing things a little differently. She has made a list of the things she wants to buy - a new TV, digital camera and laptop - and is using the Internet to find the best deals before she even leaves the house. First, she will research online consumer reports to find the best make and model to suit her needs. Then she'll check the online flyers of at least four retailers and set up e-mail price alerts at Flyerland.ca that will notify her when the price of her chosen product drops.
"When you're shopping on Boxing Day, it's buyer beware because big signs with flashy savings do not mean they're a good deal," Ms. Frye says. "So it's key to do your research and plan before you shop."
Stores print their Boxing Day flyers well in advance. Flyerland.ca, for example, posts flyers from hundreds of retailers at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24. Other good sites to try are RedFlagDeals.com and SmartCanucks.ca.
Before you join the shopping fray, make sure you're rested and well-stocked with snacks and drinks, so you won't have to line up for food, Ms. Frye says. And consider bringing cash, since some stores will have separate, shorter lines for cash-only purchases.
Most of all, be patient, Ms. Frye says. "Boxing Day shopping can be even more hectic than last-minute Christmas shopping, so just relax and accept the fact that stores will be busy and the line-ups long. If you're prepared for the frenzy, you can go with the flow and have a fun shopping experience."
Ms. Frye offers some additional tips for Boxing Day shopping:
1. Research before you shop
Just because an item is on sale does not mean it's the best price out there. When shopping for popular items, you can easily view multiple websites and store flyers and compare prices online before you shop to be sure you're getting the most for your money.
2. Prioritize your purchases
Determine your "must-have" items and plan to visit those stores first so you won't be disappointed. And remember, a deal is only a deal if you really need the item, so shop with care and don't be tempted by the low prices.
3. Set clear goals
To make the most of Boxing Day shopping, planning is important. Make your list, set a realistic budget and determine how much time you will spend at the malls and stores. Having your list and budget in hand will help you avoid impulse purchases.
4. Plan for future purchases
Retailers want to clear out their seasonal stock at the end of the year, so it's a great time to pick up treats for your New Year's Eve party or decor for next year. It's also a good time to buy gifts for upcoming occasions, such as birthday parties and Valentine's Day. Some stores will start their in-store sales a day or two before Christmas, so keep your eyes peeled.
5. Stay home and shop online
If the post-Christmas mall madness is more than you can manage, remember that many online retailers offer Boxing Day deals. Create and update your online accounts at retailers ahead of time. You don't want to be spending precious time filling in personal information when there are hot, limited-quantity deals to be had. Bookmark the products you plan to buy so you can add them to your online shopping cart as soon as the sale begins.
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