The Best Day of the Week To Shop for Holiday Gifts If You Want To Score Deals
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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The countdown to Christmas is winding down, but if you still need to buy gifts, it’s not too late to score deals. While the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales may be over, being strategic about when you do your online shopping can help you save money.
Due to dynamic pricing, prices fluctuate throughout the week and even throughout the day. That’s because retailers adjust prices based on factors like how many people are currently shopping and what prices other retailers are charging. Because prices go up and down throughout the week, it’s useful to know the best times and days to shop.
Smartproxy.com’s dynamic pricing discount index analyzed pricing data from major online shopping sites to discover the times when prices are at their lowest. Based on this analysis, here’s a look at when you can get the best prices — and when to avoid.
Best Time To Shop: Tuesday Mornings
The Smartproxy.com analysis found that the best prices can be found on Tuesday morning between 6 a.m. and noon. The next best times to shop are Thursday morning between 6 a.m. and noon and Friday afternoon between noon and 6 p.m.
Overall, the best time to shop is the morning between 6 a.m. and noon if you want to score the lowest prices.
Worst Time To Shop: Friday Mornings
The exception to the rule is Friday mornings — on Friday between 6 a.m. and noon, prices tend to be at their highest. Other days and times to avoid are Tuesday early morning (midnight to 6 a.m.) and Tuesday night (6 p.m. to midnight).
More Tips To Save on Holiday Shopping
Being mindful about when you do your online holiday shopping is one of the strategies you can employ to save on buying gifts this year. Here are a few other tips.
Compare Prices
You might want to do all of your holiday shopping in one place, but this can mean missing out on lower prices.
“Compare prices where you can to ensure you’re getting the best deal,” said Michael S. Cocco, CFP at Beacon Wealth Partners.
Use Promo Codes and Coupons
Whether you’re shopping online or in person, make sure to take advantage of any discounts that may be available.
“Spending just two minutes searching for a code or cash-back offer can save you up to $20 during the holiday season,” said Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot. “Using sites like RetailMeNot to find the best deals is always a great strategy. Additionally, you can see which brands might be offering cash-back offers.”
Cash In Your Credit Card Rewards
If you have credit card rewards saved up, now is a good time to use them.
“The holidays are a good time to take a look at your credit card rewards,” Cocco said. “Many credit cards offer cash rewards, which you may consider using for your holiday purchases.”
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