November Sale: Consumer Opportunity or Sophisticated Trap?

by time news

Welcome to the November sale celebrations. It happens every year, but it seems that every year the promotions become deeper, more aggressive and longer. Until a few years ago, the discounts and promotions were focused on single days during the month, but in recent years and this year even more so, November has become the global shopping month. It is almost impossible to “slip away” from the promotions and the various publications that only try to stimulate us to purchase more in thousands of websites, stores and chains.

The Corona period has increased the ability of users and websites to make online purchases, when the expected volume of sales for the upcoming sales month is estimated at more than a trillion dollars worldwide! Experts predict that in light of the wave of price increases in Israel and around the world, an increase in the volume of sales is expected this year, due to the desire of users to save the next price increases and accumulate groceries and dry products that can be stored.

The surge in sales that we experienced on the last election day here in Israel, indicates the expanding trend of sales growth in online channels and the desire to look for and find deals, which somehow balance the fear of a recession and/or dealing with the cost of living.

So what’s in store for us this month?

11/25 – BLACK FRIDAY – the last Friday in November – the American shopping celebration.

11/28 – CYBER MONDAY – Monday after Black Friday – another round of American shopping celebration.

It is important to know that around the aforementioned dates, the network is full of additional sales, and in fact the whole month is full of sales. But are the prices really that attractive? Is it worth waiting all year for shopping in November? What to buy and where? How to buy and what is the right thing to do?

The question of need: The main question. It seems that in the face of promotions and discounts, most of us forget to ask ourselves a simple question: Do I need it at all? Is it now? Isn’t this an unnecessary expense? So don’t be tempted to buy products you didn’t plan in advance. point.

Smart consumerism: In free translation – price comparison is mandatory. It’s true, the promotions are rampant in November, but also throughout the year (for holidays, end of season, special events, etc.). It’s worth spending some time and simply comparing prices on shopping sites, customer clubs and different stores. Time is worth money – this is not just a cliché.

The fine print: It is important to read everything. Product specifications, shipping prices, buyers’ opinions, taxes not included in the price, delivery times and more. Don’t be surprised by additional costs that can be added along the way, unsuitable electricity, a damaged product, etc.

Is it worth it? The question of the questions – if we are focused and know the “normal” price of the product, then we can verify that the sale is indeed real. There are promotions that cut 40-50% off the price and they are indeed worthwhile, if the shipping costs or taxes do not burden a cost higher than the discount. Therefore, it is recommended not to be blinded by the headlines, but to check and check again, and only then buy.

There is no doubt that amazing opportunities can be found in this crazy shopping month, but pay attention, be sure to dig deep, don’t rush to buy without comparison and maintain a smart financial balance.

Eyal Karolitsky is the CEO of “Together for You”, the social consumer club of the Histadrut, which has over 360,000 members.

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