CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — If you’ve still got some shopping hunger after Black Friday, Cyber Monday is right round the corner!
If you didn’t get everything you wanted or needed on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday still offers plenty of chances to snag deals from your couch, the Grainger, or at Café Kopi.
Here’s a few tips to make sure you tackle Cyber Monday with ease:
• Make a plan. Know what you want before the day hits. Compare prices ahead of time so you can spot a true deal—whether it’s new tech for finals week or gifts to take home for the holidays.
• Shop safely. Scammers target Champaign-Urbana shoppers, too. The Better Business Bureau advises double-checking URLs, especially when buying secondhand, spelling and contact info before entering payment details. Secure sites only!
• Hunt for coupon codes. Browser extensions and deal apps can apply extra discounts automatically, giving you more room in the budget for a burrito from Maize or boba from Kung Fu Tea.
• Watch shipping costs. Free shipping is ideal, but when it’s not offered, make sure the sale price still saves you money.
• Ship straight to family. If you’re not heading home to Chicago, St. Louis or anywhere else soon, sending gifts directly can be cheaper than paying to ship them yourself.
• Shop off-peak. Early morning or late evening tends to be smoother. Midday, when everyone’s on campus Wi-Fi, can slow things down.
Cyber Monday may be online, but with a little strategy, it pairs perfectly with Champaign-Urbana living.