Cyber Monday Means Bargains For Shoppers And Big Profits For Retailers
Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year, and this year, the glorious event falls on December 2. Many retailers offer huge discounts for shoppers looking to avoid the wild crowds and cold weather they may find at the local department stores and malls on Black Friday. They trade long lines and chaos for the comfort of their home computer to save big on online purchases.
The annual Cyber Monday sales have proven to be more desirable than “Black Friday” for many people looking to enjoy their private shopping experience. This year savvy shoppers are estimated to spend over $2.27 billion from the comfort of their own home.
Cyber Monday is celebrated by many of the biggest online retailers as well as traditional stores looking to boost their online sales. It allows department stores to market to a larger customer base, specifically shoppers who might be put off by the long lines and low inventories that are often found in late November and early December shopping.
According to CNN, FedEx estimates they will ship more than 22 million packages this holiday season. This means hiring tens of thousands of part-time and seasonal staff, creating jobs for workers hoping to earn extra income this winter. The shipping business has grown faster each year as more shoppers shy away from traditional brick and mortar retail.
Yahoo News reminds shoppers there are some concerns to remember when shopping on this special day. While a price may seem cheaper, you must remember to include shipping costs. Also consider in-store pickup options and read the fine print on “Free Shipping” offers.
There are many scams and security issues to consider, according to Yahoo Finance. If you are going to take advantage of cyber deals, make sure you are mindful to use trusted websites and protect your information. Watch out for emails from sites you didn’t use and check your purchase activity regularly to insure you are not the victim of fraud.
Another drawback to consider is that no matter how quiet it is, you are not alone. Millions take advantage of Cyber Monday, and this can cause some websites to slow to a crawl or even crash. The best advice is to use a site that allows you to save your information in an in-store account. Preferably, without requiring you to enter your credit card information before you are ready to complete the transaction.
Cyber Monday is an excellent way to save big and preserve your sanity. Every year more people use this day to complete their holiday shopping and avoid the mayhem of Black Friday. More retailers than ever before are offering special promotions to entice computer users to shop from home.