10 ways tech can save you money while holiday shopping
For gadget lovers, there's often a discrepancy between what we want to buy and what we can afford.
After all, many of us would love a new flat-panel television this holiday season, or to buy your significant other a sleek new tablet — but shopping for the latest tech toys can be costly.
So, what to do?
Here are ten different ways tech can help you get a better deal on your purchases — for gadgets, games or even non-tech products — as well as ways tech can help avoid buying a lemon.
And be sure to check out this short video, too, which offers a deeper dive on some of these tips.
1. Smart apps, sites
There are dozens of clever apps and sites that can save you money.
RetailMeNot is the biggest coupon site, whether it’s for buying products at retail or online. With more than 500,000 coupons that can be redeemed at more than 50,000 stores, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for after typing in a product name in the search window. For instance, there was a coupon code to buy the Roku Streaming Stick for $10 lower than the regular sticker price, plus more than $40 of TV, movies and music from Hulu Plus & Rdio Unlimited. Each coupon shows you when it was used last, user comments, and more. The newly redesigned RetailMeNot mobile app can also show you nearby offers that can be used in-store at the register (opt-in, of course).
Another newly-updated app called Raise lets you sell and buy gift cards and merchandise credit with others. For example, if you’re not a coffee drinker you can sell that Starbucks gift card to a Java lover and use the cash on a Best Buy card. Listing is free, and Raise says the average card sells in about four hours at a 16 percent discount; the company verifies and insures all transactions. Search to find discounted cards for more than 800 stores.
One more app: Consider Flipp the ultimate flyer aggregator. Available for iPad, iPhone and Android devices, simply use your fingertip to select what retailers matter to you – whether it’s a supermarket, big box electronics store, clothing chain, and so on – and you’ll be able to see the latest flyers that showcase new products and sales around you. Flip through flyer pages to see high-resolution images and text for all the items and if there’s something you like, tap the product and it’ll drop it into your “clipped” area which creates your shopping list. A handy “discount finder” lets you slide a bar left or right to only see deals by percentage off the full price (such as 5 to 50 percent off).
2. Compare prices, social 'coupon' services
Speaking of the web, there are a few handy websites that can cross-reference a product for you and find the best price across multiple online and brick-and-mortar retailers. With Yahoo Shopping, for example, you’ll find three stores that have the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, ranging in price from $629 to $749.99. And in many cases, these sites can even figure out shipping costs and other fees.
On a related note, there are a number of shopping-based apps that let you take a picture of the product (or its bar code) to compare prices. Apps like RedLaser will find you the best price online or near you (using the phone's built-in GPS).
Also consider “group buying” services like Groupon, LivingSocial and DealFind as they can also help you save cash.
3. Auction sites, classifieds
Don’t forget about online marketplaces, such as eBay, or online classifieds sites like Craigslist and Kijiji.
Contrary to popular belief, not all goods on eBay are "previously enjoyed" (about half are brand new, says the company) and if you don't want to bid for something, many items can be purchased outright.
But if you're buying from another country, be sure to factor in shipping costs, currency exchange and any duties or customs fees for importing.
Also read the reputation rating of the seller before you buy and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you got ‘em. If you prefer to buy local and with cash (and avoid shipping charges altogether), try visiting the aforementioned classifieds sites.
4. Ask about price guarantees
When you go to your favorite retailer, be sure to ask if they'll match or beat advertised prices from rival stores. Chances are you'll find they will.
Be sure to bring the flyer or printed website special with you, though. Some will match or beat the other guy's price up front and others might honor a price drop after your purchase for a period of time (say, a month or so).
It doesn't hurt to ask – after all, the store doesn't want you to walk out their doors and purchase it elsewhere.
5. Can it wait?
Those who buy technology products might be early adopters who pay a premium to be the first on the block with the new gear. But is it really worth it? You might remember Blu-ray disc players were about $500 but just over $200 a year or so later. Now they’re $50 and with Internet-enabled apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and YouTube.
If you can wait, wait.
Not only do prices always drop over time, but it also gives time for these tech companies to fix glitches and such (after all, no one wants to be the guinea pig).
6. Be specific, be modest
When it comes to electronics, we often buy more than we'll ever use, be it a high-end computer you only want for email, a big-screen smartphone you just need for calls or a professional-grade digital Single Lens Reflex (dSLR) camera for simple point-and-shoot images of your pets for Instagram.
If you're looking to cut costs, consider products with more modest features.
Do you really need a Smart TV when you can turn your existing television into a “smart” one with a $35 Chromecast? Wouldn't your 6-year-old be just as happy with last year's video games (at $20 a pop) as he or she would a $60 current hit? You get the idea.
Sometimes it’s all in a name. Just like apparel, tech products from well-known companies tend to cost more than lesser known, competing devices. Arguably, the 7-inch Google Nexus tablet can do more than an iPad mini, yet Apple’s product starts at $100 more. While you need to ensure quality is comparable (read reviews), you might be able to pocket some extra cash but not going with the big player.
7. Do the digital
While many still prefer media that's tangible — such as a video game, DVD, Blu-ray disc, book or music CD — remember prices are generally better if you buy that media digitally.
In other words, if you're shopping for a murder-mystery lover who owns a Kindle, gift a digital best-seller they can download via a code. Or what about an iTunes gift card to download the latest Pixar animated flick instead of buying it on disc? Same goes for today’s video games, which you can also gift digitally, and save money in the process.
8. Forget the extended warranty
Generally speaking, it doesn’t pay to buy an extended warranty for your consumer electronics, as they aren’t likely to break down during the extended service contract period.
Consumer Reports also warns of extended warranties that have fine-print terms that limit or void your claims.
That said, if the extended warranty is very affordable and can extend the warranty period significantly, perhaps it’s worth the peace of mind. Usually, it’s not worth it. Ditto for stores that want to install and calibrate your new TV for you. You can find a DVD or Blu-ray disc you already might own and use the integrated calibration tool to optimize the video and audio settings.
9. Trade it in
Some electronics retailers will let you bring in your old gadgets or media (such as video games and movies) and use it as a store credit to buy something new. If you're not enjoying it anymore, this can be a convenient way to clear some clutter and pocket some cash at the same time.
If you prefer, sell your old stuff on an auction or classifieds site like Craigslist and put the money towards a purchase for something new. Hey, aren’t you worth it?
10. Research rules
Whether or not you shop online, do your research on the web by reading professional (and customer) reviews so you don't buy something that doesn’t live up to its promise.
There are thousands of columnists, bloggers and organizations (like Consumer Reports) that critically evaluate products, but also read feedback from people who actually bought the products; online retailers like Amazon list customer reviews along with the official ones.
Or use social networks like Twitter and Facebook to ask if anyone has the such-and-such and if it's any good.
