I have never shopped on Black Friday and on Cyber Monday, I have only window-shopped.
Get it? “Window” shopped? You know, Microsoft Windows? Oh well, anyway, I have found myself unable and unwilling to participate in this holiday tradition. Ah, but there is a method to my madness, I find even better bargains on another, less-hyped shopping day, which this year is known as Whirlwind Wednesday.
Christmas Eve has always been my shopping day of choice. There is a heightened sense of awareness. An urgency and suspense – much like watching an episode of “24” – that engages me. I can almost smell a sale or a discount – especially at a technology store or virtual storefront.
Half-price laptop computers, red-tag specials on digital video recorders and digital photo-frames, drastically reduced and close-out prices on HDTV’s, computer peripherals, digital cameras, memory cards, software and the list goes on.
This is the day to really score on tech items! But beware, many of these sale items are “non-returnable” because of their closeout status. Technology stores know they need to make room on their shelves and in their stock rooms for the onslaught of returns, so this is how they do it.
The key to a successful Whirlwind Wednesday shopping extravaganza is to first decide what you need to fulfill the technology gift wishes of those on your list. Next, keep your finger on the pulse of what is popular, where it is available and the varying price levels. This is accomplished by simply going online and doing a search for the item.
A favorite site of mine for technology product prices and reviews is http://reviews.cnet.com Most of the items listed are available exclusively from online vendors. However, stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, Staples and Fry’s Electronics are often listed, as well.
Other matters for consideration are: “in-store” specials, free shipping, coupons, discount codes, open box discounts and double/triple miles for credit card purchases. Oftentimes these are last-minute marketing gimmicks designed to inspire the Whirlwind Wednesday shopper to buy, buy, buy!
The key is to plan for your Whirlwind Wednesday shopping excursion. Eat a good breakfast and be sure to have your cell/smart phone and Bluetooth device fully charged. If possible, have someone at a computer who can look things up and do some “on the fly” price comparisons – those “in-store” specials can take you by surprise, but you still want the best deal. If you are unable to have someone at a computer, do your best to arm yourself with the most thorough and up-to-date information on the items your shopping for.
Good Luck out there!
Wayne Nelson and Jeremy Self own and operate Wired Northwest, LLC in Redmond. Submit your questions to: techtalk@wired-nw.com. Contact Wired Northwest, LLC at www.wired-nw.com or call (206) 788-7975 or (206) 788-7898.
