How to get the best deals on Cyber Monday

The folks at Money Crashers and Tom’s Guide have put together helpful Cyber Monday posts. So before you click ‘Check Out’ today, consider these pointers:

1. Get to the deals early. Some of the very best online deals to be had on Monday will be limited quantity, so it pays to get to them early.
2. You don’t have to buy everything today. Companies use a sense of urgency around events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to create the impression such deals won’t come back around again. Rest assured, there will be more deals to be had before Christmas.
3. Make sure it’s actually a good deal. Some websites (yes, even the big guys) play pretty fast and loose with posted “sale prices”. Sites like CamelCamelCamel allow you to compare what items have ACTUALLY sold for in the past.
4. Consider picking up in store. If you’re buying from a retailer, you may want to schedule in-store pickup. For one thing, it’s cheaper. And while most items will arrive in plenty of time for the holidays, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Watch out for scams. If it’s too good to be true, it is. Try to verify the legitimacy of a website you haven’t used before you check out.