Complete your Christmas shopping—without stress and overspending

Part of the magic of the holiday season is buying gifts. The planning, browsing through different stores, visiting various malls, and finding the perfect item to give loved ones—the entire process embodies the spirit and joy of giving. 

But nowadays, some people do not have the luxury of shopping the way we used to. Especially with the popularity of ecommerce sites and the many promos that come with it. The deals are too good to pass up!

Choosing to shop online for the convenience doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be just as fun as the traditional way of shopping. All it takes is knowing how to plan, where to shop, and how to do it safely. 

Is online Christmas shopping worth it?

Nothing beats the experience of seeing and touching the items you may want to give as gifts when shopping in store. But when it comes to practicality, online Christmas shopping can be more beneficial. Buying items are a few clicks away and all you have to do is wait for them to arrive at home. Most ecommerce sites also offer free returns in case you receive the wrong item or if it arrives damaged. With high inflation among many other factors in play, online shopping especially for the holidays seems like the most obvious choice. Another great benefit: it can help you better manage your finances since you won’t be easily teased to buy more than intended as online shopping is more strategic. Here are some helpful tips for a stress-free online shopping spree.

Make a “wish list” before  making a shopping list

Yes, you should create a shopping list—but let’s be honest. We all have trouble sticking to it sometimes. While having a shopping list is important, it’s also helpful to not put pressure on ourselves to abide by “the list.” Make it easier on yourself by “window shopping” on various sites and ecommerce shops—without committing to purchase anything yet. List down all the items you like and who you intend to give them to, then compare the items in terms of cost, relevance, quality, return policy, and other important factors. Narrow down your list until you come to a final decision on items to buy. 

Adopt safe shopping practices

The accessibility to online shopping comes with the need to be extra careful of your data. Scams and security breaches are increasingly getting sophisticated and it is your responsibility to keep your information safe. Here are some quick tips when shopping for Christmas gifts:

• No company offers a discount in exchange for a card or bank details. 
• Double check any card and bank deal from the respective bank’s website or official social media page. 
• Check the credibility of the website to ensure you are not shopping from a fake website. 
• Track every purchase you make using your bank’s online facility or mobile app. 
• Do not share your OTP, CVV, and PIN with anyone, including your bank.

Shop early to avoid delivery delays

Due to high demand, products are likely to run out of stock in the months of November and December. If you do get lucky and buy the item you want, the holiday rush may lead to logistical and delivery delays as providers strive to keep up with high demand. Do not wait until the last minute to shop. Shop early to receive your items just in time for Christmas.

Use social media to find unique shops

Popular ecommerce sites offer the convenience of housing lots of brands and sellers for a one-stop shop experience. But that also means there is a risk of giving the same thing as someone else. If you want to give unique items as gifts, you should also explore social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok to discover local sellers for clothes, toys, make up, food, novelty items, and Christmas decorations online. Just make sure you do your research to verify the legitimacy of their business before you purchase. 

Read the fine print

Websites are obligated to disclose their return and refund policies for every product sold on their site. Take note that not all products can be returned or eligible for a refund. So, you need to stay cautious and check the policies and process to avoid wasting your money and effort when shopping. The same applies to warranty and guarantee on products. You need to be well informed about the conditions in case  you receive a damaged or incomplete item. Make sure to document opening the package so you have the necessary proof to present when filing a report.

Christmas shopping can be fun especially when you’re not stressed over a small budget. This season of giving is all about being thoughtful so make sure you have access to enough funds to complete your gift-giving list. We got your back, buddy! We at SAVii can help employees looking to loan some cash to shop for Christmas. Apply for a loan with SAVii today to get funds at a competitive interest rate.