How I feel about Black Friday!
I love shopping! However, I hate crowds. So this causes a great deal of conflict on Black Friday. The solution for me is Cyber Monday! This deal day allows me to stay warm and safe in my home and still get the deals!
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving. Basically, it is the Black Friday of the internet. The term was coined by Ellen Davis, the president of the NRF Foundation and senior vice president of strategic initiatives at the National Retail Federation. Cyber Monday began in 2005 and has gained momentum over the past 14 years.
Black Friday for the Wheelchair User
Do you see any wheelchair users in the above video? No? Wonder why?! Although this mayhem does not happen in every store or even every city, it is definitely not something I am willing to risk.
The best deals on Black Friday are the “door busters”. It is literally impossible for me to roll through the crowds to reach them in time. Additionally, I run the risk of injuring a fellow shopper. People don’t realize that I can’t always stop in time when they step in front of me. I run more of a risk of being injured myself. If trouble breaks out I can’t exactly run out of the way!
Regardless of the inaccessibility of Black Friday, I just don’t want to be around all the chaos. The pushing and grabbing for “stuff” actually gets me down. It only seems to be getting worse as time goes on.
Cyber Monday is a Wheelchair User Win
Cyber Monday is Accessible
On Monday, I will be at my computer most likely in my pajama pants. I will have my glass of peppermint tea or fizzy water along with a nice snack. Alexa will have my favorite jams playing as I tick off my Christmas Shopping List one by one. I can shop in multiple stores and many departments without rolling forward one single inch.
Cyber Monday is a safer shopping option. Not only do I avoid the crowds, the pushing and shoving and fist fights over electronics, I also can avoid being on the road. Combine holiday travelers with shoppers racing to the next store, it is a perfect recipe for an accident.
Parking lots are another accident waiting. Chances of getting an accessible parking spot on Black Friday is slim. Having to navigate the parking lot in a wheelchair with cars searching for spots and backing out is a danger I just wish to avoid.
Shopping on-line is as easy as a few clicks, entering in my credit card number and waiting for it to arrive at my front door. Having an Amazon Echo makes Christmas shopping even easier simply by telling her what I want to order!
I can even use my smart phone for Cyber Monday Shopping
Cyber Monday Tips
If you are new to Cyber Monday Shopping, here are a few tips to follow for a successful venture.
Make a list and stick to it. Don’t be distracted by other deals that will pop up on your screen.
Stick to your budget. It is easy to fall into the pitfall of spending more than you have. Try to remember the true spirit of the holiday. Having a list helps.
Check return policies before checking out. You want to make sure you can return the product if it does not meet your expectations. Avoid “final sales”, as you can not return for a refund.
Avoid Pitfalls and traps. You should not have to sign up for a credit card to get the deals. Do not download apps to get discounts either.
Shop on a secured computer. Never shop on-line on a public computer.
Monitor your credit card statements closely. Many credit cards allow you to monitor your transactions on-line. I double check mine daily after Cyber Monday. I have never had an issue, but it always best to catch an issue early.
Stick to trusted vendors. Never purchase from unknown sites.
Search for products on vendor sites, not google search. Scammers lurk here. It may take more time to search, but better be safe than sorry.
If the deal is too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
Be aware of your companies policy BEFORE using work computers for Cyber Monday. Remember you need your job to pay for your purchases!
Best Cyber Monday Deals
The following links will lead you to the best Cyber Monday Deals!
Best Deal of All
The absolutely best gift for anyone on your list is the gift of time. We live in a society where time for others is in a deficit. Everyone wants more time with loved ones. I live in a building for elderly and individuals with disabilities. Many either have no family or have been abandoned by their families. Reach out to those whose mobility is limited. Spend time building relationships over the holiday season, it is the gift that will last a lifetime.
Until next time, Keep Rollin’ and Keep Smilin’
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