2020 has been an interesting year, to put it mildly. For many who’ve been furloughed, or made redundant, it’s been a challenging one, too. Just about everyone has been impacted financially by the coronavirus and the lockdowns which have come along with it – and much of this impact has been negative. Therefore, the prospect of a round of expensive Christmas shopping might not be especially tantalising.
Fortunately, there are plenty of time-honoured tricks that’ll allow you to save money during the season, as well as new tricks that take advantage of the new retail environment.
Budget
Your plans should start with a budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend, decide how many people you’re buying for, and allocate the funds accordingly. Simply establishing a budget won’t make you spend less money – you’ll still need to stick to it, and resisting the temptation to splurge.
Look for Sales
Newly-established online businesses will be eager to draw in new loyal customers with discounts. Look for them and take maximum advantage. It might be that you need to surrender your email to secure a discount.
Go beyond Amazon
Amazon is, by some distance, the world’s biggest online shop. And for many, it’s the only shop. But if you restrict yourself to a single shop, even if it’s a very big one, you might find that your options are limited, and that you actually pay over the odds for certain products.
Go Local
If you want to support your local economy, then Christmas is a great time to do it. The chances are good that the shops in your area are in dire need of your custom – and they might be able to provide the products you need that little bit earlier.
Go Niche
Not every small shop has been able to pivot to online. Thus, if you want certain kinds of gift, you’ll need to do a little bit of travelling to a real-world store. This might mean hopping on a train and contending with the Christmas crowds. Provided that the trip is short and you’ve taken the necessary precautions, you might find that the experience is less painful than you expect.
Look into Vouchers
A voucher is a great substitute for a present. The person you’re buying for won’t be encumbered by a present that they don’t really want, and you’ll be able to stick to a precise budget. Vouchers are also a great way to support businesses who’ve been impacted by the lockdown. A spa break might not be viable in 2020, but a voucher for a treatment will give the person you’re buying for something to look forward to later in the year.
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