Many people enjoy shopping as a relaxing pastime, but they may not realize the challenges and preparation involved in shopping during major events like Cyber Monday. Securing the best discounts and promotions during this highly anticipated shopping extravaganza can be challenging as products get sold out as soon as the deals are announced. Therefore, to simplify the process and make the most of this shopping event, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 10 Cyber Monday hacks.

Analyze the previous year’s sales trend
One of the best hacks for finding the best sales is to analyze the sales trend from the previous year. This can give an idea of which products are likely to have the best offers, such as clothing, electronics, apparel, and cosmetics. To analyze the trend more thoroughly, it’s helpful to look for Cyber Monday flyers from the previous year. Simply search for the retailer’s name and the Cyber Monday year to find the flyers online and access all the necessary information.

Track and compare product prices
To ensure a fair product price, it’s best to compare it to the listed prices from a few weeks or months ago. Online price tracking tools can help with this and allow one to make informed decisions about whether it’s worth waiting for Cyber Monday sales for a specific product or brand.

Have a backup plan
Shopping during festive sales can be hectic, and grabbing a highly sought-after product at an unbeatable price can be challenging. With so many people vying for the same item, it’s not uncommon for it to sell out quickly. It’s wise to have a backup plan to ensure one is not left empty-handed. Consider identifying the next best alternative, so if one cannot buy one’s desired product, one can still make a purchase that meets one’s needs. This proactive approach can help one save time and frustration during the shopping rush.

Subscribe to newsletters
Perusing retail newsletters can be an incredibly beneficial practice when it comes to preparing for Cyber Monday sales. These newsletters often contain valuable information regarding upcoming promotions and offers, allowing individuals to get a head start on their holiday shopping. While subscribing to e-newsletters can sometimes result in an overwhelming influx of promotional emails, signing up a few months before the shopping season can be helpful, and then unsubscribing later. This way, shoppers can benefit from the valuable information provided by the newsletters without being inundated with an excessive number of emails.

Know what to shop for and when
As a shopper, it’s important to be aware of when certain product categories go on sale. For example, the Black Friday sale is the best time to snag electronic gadgets at their lowest prices. On the other hand, Cyber Monday is the ideal time to shop for fashion and clothing products. If looking to buy toys, it’s best to hold off until closer to Christmas, when they are typically heavily discounted. Knowing these sale patterns can help one save money and make the most out of the Cyber Monday sale.

Go to the stores to grab instant deals
Although many retailers have moved online, it is still possible to find great deals at nearby brand outlets. These physical stores also provide attractive offers, much like their online counterparts. In fact, on some occasions, the deals available at these brick-and-mortar stores can be even better than those found online, particularly if one chooses something from the clearance sale.

Be alert throughout the day
It’s important to keep in mind that during Cyber Monday, retailers tend to stagger their deals throughout the day to maintain steady website traffic. To stay on top of the best offers, it’s a good idea to turn on notifications and download website and app extensions. This way, one will be alerted when one’s desired products are at their best prices.

Be aware of the price protection policies
It’s important to be aware of a store’s price protection policy before making a purchase, especially during sales. Some brands may not honor these policies during festive sales, which means one won’t be able to request a refund for the difference if one finds the same product on sale for a lower price within a specific time period. To avoid any potential regrets, one must understand the protection policy before making a purchase.

Follow retailers on social media
Numerous retailers and brands share exclusive deals on their social media pages for their followers. Therefore, to stay informed about these exceptional discounts, it’s recommended to follow popular brands and retailers on their social media platforms.

Abandon the cart a few days before the sale
To take advantage of Cyber Monday deals, add items to the shopping cart before the day arrives. Then, abandon the cart and wait for an email from the brand with an exclusive discount code to encourage one to complete the purchase.