Halloween is just around the corner, and as people prepare to purchase decorations and Halloween costumes, experts are offering shopping advice, from spotting price drops to checking returns policies.
The savings experts at BravoDeal share six important budgeting tips for shoppers during the event.
"During Halloween, several online retailers like Amazon or Walmart often offer online-exclusive discounts and free store pickup options,” Marco Farnararo, CEO and Co-Founder of BravoDeal said. "When purchasing items during a busy sale, it's important to be strategic to ensure you're getting the best deal and value for your money.
“Therefore, it is important to be prepared, monitor any items you are interested in buying, and compare prices to external websites to ensure you are getting a deal.”
The experts share six pieces of advice to help you find the best prices, save time browsing, and avoid any potential scams.
1. Set and stick to a budget
It is easy to get carried away while shopping for Halloween online, as your next purchase is at the click of a button.
However, for those who do not want to overspend, setting and sticking to a budget will help you shop with discipline.
First, set a clear budget, factor in your financial situation, and avoid going over this amount. BravoDeal's top tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or PocketGuard to track spending in real-time. These apps help you monitor your online shopping and alert you when you're nearing your limit.
2. Research in advance
Before Halloween sales begin, check the current prices of any items you are interested in so you know whether they are a good deal based on the standard price.
Other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target often have competing sales during Halloween, and sometimes you can find better deals elsewhere.
Tools including CamelCamelCamel or Keepa are good for tracking price history.
Reading product reviews and ratings on websites such as TechRadar or Consumer Reports will help you determine whether the products you are interested in are actually worth purchasing.
If you see any items you like in advance, add them to your Amazon wish list. This will make it easier to spot deals when they go live.
BravoDeal's top tip: If you have specifications in mind, list what you want from the product to avoid impulse purchasing.
3. Check returns policies
Return windows are essential; some electronics may have shorter return windows or restocking fees.
Amazon sale items typically have a return window, just like regular purchases, but the specific return period can vary.
The standard return window for most items sold by Amazon is 30 days from delivery.
However, this can change depending on the seller (if it's a third-party seller), the item category or the specific terms of the sale, whether it be for clearance or holiday sales.
BravoDeal's top tip: After purchasing items, test the product as soon as it arrives to ensure it works properly and meets your expectations.
4. Look for coupons and discounts
Some online products will have additional coupons or promotion codes applied during checkout. You can also find extra coupons on product pages.
For products you regularly buy, Amazon’s “Subscribe and Save” program offers discounts when you subscribe for monthly recurring orders.
BravoDeal’s top tip: Bravodeal.com offers several Amazon discount codes, including "Halloween Finds for under $50 with Amazon Deals."
5. Use a prepaid card or a separate account
Use a prepaid or gift card with a set amount that aligns with your budget.
Once the funds run out, you can’t spend any more.
Alternatively, you can create a separate bank account or e-wallet (like PayPal) for shopping and transfer your budgeted amount. This keeps your finances separate and limits overspending.
6. Beware of fake reviews and manipulated ratings
Some sellers use fake or paid reviews to artificially boost their product ratings. They can also manipulate reviews to make poor products appear highly rated, tricking buyers into thinking they're receiving a quality item.
To identify this, look for overly positive reviews without much detail or repeating similar language.
