How to Prepare for a Big Annual Sale

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I love a good sale. There’s nothing more fun to me than scoring a gorgeous item that you love for a good price. So, it should be no surprise that I love annual sales that stores have, because that’s when you can find the best deals. I’ve noticed over time that I have a specific way that I prepare for a big annual sale that helps me get the deals I’m after. In this post I’m going to share with you all how to prepare for a big annual sale. (FYI, if you’re into makeup, a big Sephora sale is starting August 24!)

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Get the details

This is the first and most important step when preparing to shop a big annual sale. If you want the best deals, you need to have the details so you don’t miss out! Usually stores will start promoting the sale ahead of time so you can gather all the details like when the sale starts and where you can shop (online or in person). In the case of some sales like the Sephora VIB sale and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, there are different start times for different customers. Make sure you know which type of customer you are and when you can start shopping.

For example, the current Sephora sale going on allows Rouge members to start shopping on August 24, and VIB members can start the following week on August 30. Make sure to go to the store website ahead of time to double-check when you can start shopping the sale.

Make a budget

Look, I’m a twin mom who loves shopping. I have bills and responsibilities so I have to make and stick to a budget when I go shopping. In my opinion, it’s important to think about how much you’re planning to spend before you start shopping an annual sale. Sales are exciting and there’s a lot going on. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and next thing you know you’ve spent $1,500 on makeup. (And hey, if you have the budget to shop like that that’s great. I, however, don’t.) Whatever your budget may be, just make sure that you’re clear on it ahead of time and do your best to stick to it.

Draft a wish list

Creating a wish list is also a really important part of learning how to shop an annual sale. Being prepared is important. Like I said earlier, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. If you prepare and make a wish list and a budget, you’ll be less likely to go overboard. I like to go on the store’s website a week or so before the sale to take a look at all the things I’d buy. First, I make a list of everything I want and would buy if money was no object. Then I take a look at my budget and cross check with the wish list. After seeing that there’s no way I can afford EVERYTHING I want, I go back and make a second list and a third, if necessary, until my wish list lines up with my budget.

I highly suggest you make a list and check it twice. Now depending on where you’re shopping, you should also keep the return policy of that store in mind. For example, at Nordstrom they have a very generous return policy. So if you see something you want during the sale but you’re not sure about it, you can buy it and if it doesn’t work you know you can return it with no problems.

Mark your calendar/set your alarm

Now that you’re ready and made your budget and your list, you need to make sure you show up! Mark your calendar or your planner for the date and time the sale starts. It’s also helpful to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t forget when you can start shopping. I’ll admit, waking up at 3am sometimes so that I can shop as soon as a sale starts can be a bit much sometimes. So judge for yourself how seriously you want to take this annual sale. Sometimes you might want to shop as soon as the sale starts to the minute. And other times it’s ok to just remember to shop during the first day of the sale.

Shop that annual sale!!

My favorite part of the process: SHOPPING! This is by far the most fun part. Once you’ve prepared for the annual sale and gathered all your information, it’s time to put that work to good use. A key thing to remember when shopping an annual sale is to have fun and not take it too seriously. Things can sell out. And yeah, that’s a bummer. But don’t forget that it’s just material things. And at the end of the day your world won’t crumble if you don’t get the sweater you want for 20 percent off. Be happy with the things you’re able to grab and have fun!

How do you guys prepare to shop an annual sale?

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