Budget Friendly Tips for Shopping Black Friday Scrapbook Sales

Every time I open my email box, I find that it is stuffed full with sales and specials. There are the “pre” Black Friday scrapbook sales mixed in with the sneak peeks of upcoming offers. Coupons. Reminders to shop. Earlier this year, I pared down my email subscription list to only stores I use or wanted to keep. I thought the list was short, but now, my inbox is telling me otherwise. It’s enough to drive you crazy and it just might make you over spend. So what can you do to stay on budget if you want to buy new scrapbook supplies during the big sales?

Delete Unwanted Black Friday Scrapbook Sales Emails and Sale Flyers

You can’t be tempted by what you don’t see. If you don’t have lots of money to spend, delete any extra sale emails or flyers. Could you possibly miss out on a great deal? Sure, but you have to ask yourself if it’s a deal on something you really need or will use. Those flyers are often meant for you to be impulsive. They want you to click on the deal, go to the website and either buy what you first saw or find something else on the page to purchase. If you don’t look, you will never see all of the stuff you just simply don’t need.

Make a List of the Items You Need and Stick to it!

We all know there will be deals on scrapbook supplies. The choice in what to get can be overwhelming and it’s way too easy to add extra items into your shopping cart. Make a list of what you really do need and stick to it. Now is a great time of year stock up on scrapbook albums and page protectors. Adhesive will also be a good bet as well. Yes, this is a boring list, but let’s face facts…it’s not any easier to shell out the money on these items when they are full price at any other time of the year.

If you want to treat yourself to a new tool or a paper collection you have been eyeing, then now is a great time to consider making the purchase. Choose a few stores to compare( try to limit it to 3) and then choose the best price option. Remember that the more you shop around, the more likely extra items may decide to find their way into your cart. Shop with purpose!

Consider a Subscription Over a Physical Product

Many subscription sites often run specials during this time of year. If you have been considering a subscription, now might be the time to do so when the price may be lower or you receive extra gifts for subscribing. In some cases, you may find that a class subscription will be more satisfying than purchasing a set of random scrapbook supplies. If you are not sure whether a subscription is right for you, you might want to take a look at this article from earlier this year.

There Will be Other Sales in the Future

If you can’t buy something now, don’t panic. There are always future sales coming along. In fact, sales often occur on a cycle. Getting yourself into the habit of purchasing during sales cycles is a great way to save money. It works best for staple items like cardstock, albums and adhesive. You can also anticipate sales cycle for software such as Adobe PhotoShop Elements. For example, I bought Photoshop Elements 12 a few years ago at 50% off during Black Friday. I am considering upgrading to PSE 14 and chances are high it will be on a similar sale this Black Friday. Another example would be scrapbook albums and page protectors. I buy those only during sales which allows me to get more for a lower price. I know sales for these items typically take place during Black Friday, after Christmas and again during the Spring( before Summer CHA). If I need some of those items, I try to set aside money in my budget to order during a sale. What does that mean for you? If you know you have an upcoming need, save your money and budget for that item. Wait to purchase it when it goes on sale. Try to save enough to purchase a bulk amount that will get you by until the next sale.

Most importantly, don’t let the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season push you into buying. Only spend if it makes sense for your personal budget. This year, I am not spending anything on Black Friday craft sales. During my recent move, I had the opportunity to really get to know what supplies I had in stock. My stash is plentiful and therefor, I don’t need to spend. Make a true assessment of your supplies and decide what is best for your craft and scrapbook spending budget.