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7 Smart Tips for Holiday Shopping Online
PHOTO CAPTION: Major sales like 11/11 and Black Friday are worth the wait, especially if you’re making big-ticket purchases.
'Tis the season for gift-giving and fulfilling your wish list. And now that the norm is shopping online, you can prep for the holidays without leaving home. But don't be fooled by its convenience–you still need to be smart when you shop online. How do you make the most of sales, secure the best haul, and avoid getting scammed? Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind.
Seasoned online shoppers know November is the biggest online sale month of the year. While many e-commerce sites throw double-digit sales monthly (i.e., 9/9 on September 9), they typically save their top deals for 11/11, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
Remember to browse the official websites of your favorite brands, too. From athletic apparel and casualwear to home goods and tech, you're sure to score big when shopping in any category throughout November.
PHOTO CAPTION: Make your list and check it twice! Going into a sale without knowing what you want is a recipe for overspending.
Online shopping can be a minefield, especially when there are back-to-back sales competing for your coin. Avoid overspending by preparing a list of what you want, budgeting, and researching. Here are a few other things you can do to improve your experience:
- Use the "wish list" feature. You can usually add items to your wish list by clicking a heart icon (or similar) somewhere on the product page. This feature acts like a “bookmark,” so you can easily save must-buys for later.
- Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Ask yourself if it’s truly an awesome purchase, or if the deal just seems too good to pass up.
- If you're shopping for gifts, have backups for each recipient. It's better to have thoughtful alternatives than to change course without a plan. That's how impulse buying happens.
- Start shopping early. The best deals usually go first, especially during the busy holiday season. Beat the rush by filling your cart before a sale starts, so all you have to do is check out when it does.
- Compare the prices of the same items on different platforms before checking out. Your favorite brand may have better offers on their official website than on their partner retailer's.
- Stay within budget. Treating yourself shouldn’t put you in debt. Prioritize the items you’ve been eyeing for a while, then save the rest for next year’s sales.
Besides slashed prices, online stores usually offer free shipping, vouchers, and cashbacks during their sales. Some brands also give first-time buyers additional discounts upon signing up for their website or newsletter. Check if you can get deals when you use credit cards and other payment methods, too. Stack those promos!
Small businesses can't beat the prices of big retailers, but they get points for having unique offerings. Those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones may have better luck with specialty stores.
Try Instagram shops for curated thrift finds, candles, or handmade trinkets and jewelry. Some local artists have online storefronts for art prints, pottery, handsewn bags, knits, and more. Their discounts won’t be as big, but whatever you get comes with a lot of heart.
Be wary of scam websites and seller profiles. They're not always easy to spot, but one telltale sign of a shady business is shockingly low prices. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
You can also look up brands online for more information, including customer reviews. Don't click on suspicious email links from unknown sources that promise "wild discounts" on items you've been searching for. If you're eager to buy a specific product, do a web search and look for official or reputable sources to shop from.
PHOTO CAPTION: Shopping online is now safer than ever, thanks to reliable and accessible payment methods like GCash.
Using secure payment methods when you shop online lowers your risk for financial fraud and keeps hackers from accessing sensitive information. These added protections help safeguard your accounts. One reliable method for making safe, seamless, and fast payments online is GCash.
You can link and authorize GCash on numerous platforms, so there's no need to log in for every purchase. GCash requires an OTP (One-Time Pin), meaning your account won't incur charges without it. You should be the only one who has access to this code, so don’t share it with anyone. GCash also has the Customer Protect program, which keeps users safe from fraudulent transactions.
Besides using secure payment methods, these are some additional steps you can take to protect your details online:
- Use strong passwords and activate two-factor authentication (2FA). These add multiple layers of protection to your accounts and make them less vulnerable to security breaches.
- Avoid using unsecure and public Wi-Fi networks, especially when you're inputting sensitive information.
- Update your web browsers with the latest security patches and install reliable antivirus software on your devices.
- Use a permanent marker or stamp to block out the confidential details printed on packages upon delivery, like your full name, contact number, and address.
When shopping online, be on the lookout for sales, have a game plan, and practice constant vigilance. Keep your accounts safe by using secure payment methods like GCash or the GlobeOne app. You can also enhance your knowledge of safer digital practices through Globe's cybersecurity tips. If you follow these tips, you'll have a stress-free experience. Happy shopping!
