In the frenzy of Black Friday, Weekend and Cyber Monday, sometimes you can loose sight of what the season is all about and your goals. Here's a list of things to remember on Black Friday, Weekend and Cyber Monday, especially if you are shopping for cell phones and smartphones.
Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, after reading the ads in our local paper, we hit a few of the stores that were open and today we will be returning what we bought...Why because we didn't read the specs and also got caught up in the belief that there will never be a better deal. It turned out the item we bought didn't have the same kind of connectors as the another item we will be buying.
Editors Note: If you are looking specific cell phone and smarpthone deals look at our Black Friday, Weekend and Cyber Monday page or our Top Ten Deals article.
Remember, last year, a sales associate was killed at Walmart so here are our tips:
Watch Your Back
If you are going to a store today, and see a big crowd forming, or a stampede begin, just get out the way. No deal is worth dying for.
Wear Comfy Shoes
If your feet hurt, you won't be able to make good buying decisions.
Eat Well
If you haven't eaten, it will affect you shopping skills. If you eat junk-food the sugar and grease can wreak havoc on your body's systems. If you eat well and take your vitamins you can deal with everything better.
Be Prepared
Prepare before you shop, keep a list, check it twice, and stick to it. Know the features of the phone or device you need and will use. Don't let cute sales associates, persuade you need something you don't.
Research Deals
Use the research power of publications like Wireless and Mobile News' Top Ten Best Cheaperst Black Friday, Weekend and Cyber Monday Deals. We scoured the knowledge base and found the deals and then sorted them all out for you. The most recent deals are listed on the Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals Page. You can also check reviews of cell phone and smartphones, to get the real scoop on if you really need it.
Check the Math
Bear in mind that although something may be advertised as one price,
the add-ons add up. When you buy a cell phone, there is an activation
fee (Except at Wirefly this weekend.) If you buy a smarpthone a data
plan will be required, then on top of the plans are state, local and
federal taxes that increase what seems to be exponentally. The
different carriers all have different plans and when you look at what
you will pay monthly, you'll may be surprised.
Check Return Policies
Most carriers offer a 30 day return policy, so if you are giving a phone as a gift, the gift receiver may only have a few days to return it after hey receive it.
Breathe
Here's where Yoga, running or any sport can help. If you stop
breathing while shopping it cuts off oxygen to your brain and you can't
think clearly.
Back to the Future
In the cell phone/smarphone world, the hottest phone today, will often
be offered as free phone with a plan in six months. Although we love
the power of the latest cell phones with social networking, email,
web-surfing and navigating. In six months there will be somethin even
better. The most important thing is that you take care of yourself and
don't loose you sanity.
Shop Online on Cyber Monday
Speaking of taking care of yourself. Take the day off today, go to the
beach, rest in a hammock, go for a hike. Do something you love to do,
that renews you. Almost all of the best cell phone and smartphone deals
are offered until Cyber Monday. Then when you get back to work on
Monday, check out our Cyber Monday deals and click away while sipping
your tea or coffee.
For the latest deals check out, Wireless and Mobile News’ Top Black Friday, Weekend and Cyber Monday Cell Phone, BlackBerry, Android and Smartphone Deals Page.
I got a really great Straight Talk phone from Walmart which I can recommend as a good gift. The unlimited talk, text and data for $45 per month is very good for teans and cheap considering what they can spend on texts alone. It's on Verizon's network which is nationwide and has the best coverage.
The Straight Talk plans were launched in mid-October. Here's [our article about the different Straight Talk options.](http://www.wirelessandmobilenews.com/2009/10/straight_talkers_go_straight_to_walmart_for_45_unlimited_txt_web_min.html)