Christmas Shopping Tips

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Christmas shopping can be a nightmare, it’s true. I have here some tips for you to make your shopping experience much easier. Don’t forget, if you’re shopping online, be sure to check out my blog for all kinds of great coupons and deals to save you money!

• Very early in the morning, and two hours before closing, are the best times to shop. The stores are generally less busy then, and you won’t have to fight crowds or wait in long lines.
• Have your money or debit/credit card ready. Don’t get suckered into applying for a store credit card just to “save 10% today.” You may be shocked later with terms, rates, and conditions you weren’t expecting. Don’t apply for these cards unless they’re for stores where you frequently shop, and then only after you check into all the hidden fees and such.
• Digging for small change or your debit card makes the cashier and the customers behind you mad. If you still use paper checks, start filling them out before you even get to the head of the line. This saves you time, as well as the time of everyone else.
• Your digital camera does not say on it anywhere what type of SD card it uses. Don’t go into the electronics department and say “I have a Casio camera, and I need a card for it.” The clerks will have no idea what you need. Write the card type down off of your old one, or from your user’s manual for your camera.
• If you are buying an item of clothing that doesn’t have a bar code or tags on it, be sure to grab another size (of the same item) to take to the register with you. This will save everyone a load of time, because the cashier will not have to call for the department to find the item and bring it to her/him to scan.
• BONUS TIP! If there is an item in your cart that you decided not to buy after all, give it directly to the cashier instead of throwing it on some random shelf. Not only will this save the employees’ time, it will be easier for the customer who does want it to find it. Also, it’s just plain courteous.

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!