Ways to Shop for the Holidays on a Budget

E-commerce and online:

E-commerce and online shopping continue to grow. About 20% of all retail sales will come from online shopping and digital channels. Many big box stores and malls have closed, making shopping online an option for finding the gifts you want to give.

Front door delivery, curb side pickups, and personal shoppers all help with convenience. About 76% of consumers shop online. Large department stores and some mom and pop stores have revived their retail presence by opening online stores and website presence.

Deals, “Opt ins,” and discounts

Some retailers may decrease their margins to encourage customers to buy from them. They will send text messages, emails, and other engaging communication to offer consumers deals and discounts to gain business. If you are looking for a particular item, this may be an option to save money.

It always amazes me how many people shop on senior discount day at a local store. Who’s kidding who I shop on the day to get the discount and end up buying more than I initially planned on.

These marketing campaigns work for the business, but also for the consumer if you shop wisely.

Plan ahead for shortages

Supply chain shortages are evident when you go to the store. Planning ahead is important if you are planning on a certain gift for a special someone. There are “opt-in” opportunities to receive a notification when a certain product becomes available. This will save you time and money by not making unnecessary trips to try and find the special gift you are looking for.

Take advantage of loyalty campaigns

Text blasts, campaigns, emails, and other forms of marketing will create a transparent process between you, the consumer, and the business you are buying from. Keeping informed is important for most people, and in today’s shopping world, this hasn’t gone unnoticed. Chatbots, automated text messages, and automated callbacks have made instant information possible.

Businesses are improving their marketing efforts to reel in prospective customers and turn them into loyal customers. Take advantage of their efforts and shop at businesses willing to save you money.

Think about pawn shop layaway programs 10-10-10

Many communities have pawn shops, and pawn shops near you may offer a layaway program. Pawn shops ask for a percentage down, and then monthly payments until the total price of your purchase is paid in full, typically within ten months.

Layaway programs help you shop for and purchase pawn items while they are available. Pawn shops bring in quality luxury items suitable for gift giving. They have gold jewelry, silver jewelry, fine jewelry, diamonds, name brand electronics or tools, luxury handbags, and designer watches, pawn shops have them all. These preowned beauties are available at affordable prices.

Layaway Program Process

1. Select the item or items you want to purchase

2. Set up a layaway account with the pawnbroker

3. Pay a down payment according to the pawn shops layaway program

4. Establish a monthly due date and pay on time

5. Determine how long your items will be on layaway, so you get them in time to give

The layaway process is simple basic process, and sometimes pawn shops charge a cancellation fee or restocking fee, so make sure you understand the terms. Monthly payments can be as low as ten percent of the total purchase plus fees and the payment varies depending on the items purchased. The layaway plan is for a specific amount of time, typically ten months, thus 10-10-10.

Pawn shops authenticate and appraise items before they go out on the retail floor or into the shop’s online inventory. The basic process in the pawn shop who offer layaway is honest and forthright. Pawn shops wouldn’t stay in business long if they cheated people or bought and sold fake items.

Setting up a layaway program and determining when the final payment is due will help you have special gifts set aside and paid for through small payments throughout the fall months.

Determining what your purchases add up to and how much the small fee is to have a layaway program account all enters into what your layaway plans look like. In some situations, having a layaway plan means interest free purchasing in most stores, which helps save money, and the shops don’t require a credit check.