Beating the day after Boxing Day Blues

December 20, 2012

By Sheryl Smolkin

The day before Black Friday money-saving maven Gail Vaz-Oxlade tweeted, “Only in the U.S. do people trample each other to acquire more STUFF exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have!” Gail agreed when I tweeted back, “Actually Canadians do the same thing on Boxing Day.”

I think the problem is we all have selective amnesia. December credit card bills won’t arrive until January so we forget that our bank accounts are tapped out and hit the stores looking for “just one more great deal.”

But to make Boxing Day shopping worthwhile you need to know what you are looking for and stick to the plan. Here are my suggestions to help you beat the December 27^th, day after Boxing Day blues:

1. Set priorities: Decide what you want most, where it can be found for the best price and make that your first stop. If you are looking for several big ticket items on sale in different places, consider a “divide and conquer” approach where individual family members each head for a separate store.
2. Know the real price: Whether or not the sign says it’s a sale, the item may not be much of a bargain. Also, either before Boxing Day or after when the store is less chaotic, the manager may be willing to drop the already low “Boxing Week” price, particularly if the item has a scratch or dent.
3. Shop online: Check online to see advertised deals which may not be available anywhere else. The specials may also be posted after midnight and long before your morning newspaper arrives with the sale flier. My daughter got both a front loading Samsung washer and dryer for $800 on Boxing Day several years ago. This price was only available online and delivery was free.
4. Pre-shop: If you have your eye on a new winter coat or a pretty dress for New Years, visit the store as late as possible on December 24th to scout out the stock and try things on. That way you can be pretty sure it will still be there on Boxing Day and you will be able to grab exactly what you want without wasting valuable time and energy waiting for a dressing room.
5. Shopping apps: Smartphones can scan barcodes and offer real-time discounts. They can also help you more easily compare prices without driving from store to store. While high tech shopping apps are just starting to catch on in Canada, a recent survey by wireless carrier Mobilicity revealed that 43 per cent of 18-to-34 year olds planned on using features and apps on their mobile phones to help with holiday shopping.
6. Check sizes carefully: Dressing rooms can be chaotic on Boxing Day and typically you can only take a few items in with you. When you have tried multiple sizes and styles to find what looks best on you, it is easy to inadvertently take home a top in size 12 and pants in size 14. By the time you get back to exchange the item in the wrong size, there may be nothing left to choose from.
7. Understand the company’s return policy: Even stores that generally allow you to bring items back within 7 or 14 days for a cash refund with a receipt may suspend or modify that policy on Boxing Day, particularly if you are purchasing ends of lines. Unless you are sure the items are suitable, don’t buy things you can’t give back.
8. Travel light: Park indoors or close to the mall, if possible. That way you can leave your coat and boots in the car. Also, take the junk out of your purse or consider a money belt to lighten your load for the expedition. If you are comfortable, you will be less likely to make rash purchases just to get it over with.
9. Watch your wallet: The Boxing Day crowds are prime territory for pick pockets. Hold on to your wallet and make sure you get your credit card back after you make a purchase. When you are entering your credit or debit card PIN shield the keypad so no one else can see and record the information.
10. Count your bags: By the time you have spent several hours shopping you may have multiple bags of all shapes and sizes. Keep track of your growing haul so you don’t collapse in the Food Court for a snack and then head for home without a significant portion of your loot.

Finally, if your excuse for shopping on Boxing Day is to use your gift cards, make sure you can actually afford the difference if you buy items that cost significantly more than the gift you received.

These are just a few of my ideas for beating the Boxing Day blues. Tell us about yours by sending an email to so*********@sa*********.com. If your tip is posted, your name will be entered in a quarterly draw for a gift card.

27-Dec	New Years	Financial New Years resolutions
4-Jan	Getting in shape	What to look for in a gym membership

And remember to put a dollar in the retirement savings jar for every dollar you save by using savewitspp.com tips to beat the day after Boxing Day Blues…….

financial planning, Holiday Savings, Money saving tips, Sheryl Smolkin

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