While most people are in high spirits as the holiday season sets in, some can’t help but feel a tad bit of panic for the heaps of party planning and shopping errands that still ought to be done (not to mention the added expenses that the festivities will bring!).
And like almost every year, you hope against all hope that this time around, you won’t have to make that arduous and frenzied mad dash to the mall to complete your last-minute holiday shopping. But instead, enjoy a laid-back and relaxed time chiming in the holiday cheers with your family, friends and loved ones.
The Season For Shopping Starts Now!
The good news is that you need not wait for your Christmas bonus to arrive (or worry about the probability of being stuck in horrendous holiday traffic while everyone else is out and about celebrating!), because with BDO’s Buy Now Pay Next Year Promo you’ll be able to accomplish your Christmas shopping list as early as now.
For a minimum single-receipt spend of P3,000 using your BDO or American Express Credit Card, you can purchases on installment and avail of the Absolutely 0% interest payment scheme. You also need not worry about immediately paying for your purchases the following month because with BDO’s Buy Now Pay Next Year Promo, you can enjoy a two (2) month billing holiday. That means, you don’t have to fret about paying for all your purchases until next year, which will give you ample time to save up and better manage your expenses.
With over 9,000 participating stores nationwide ranging from Appliance and Furniture, Department Stores, Gadgets, Health and Wellness, Home Improvement, Retail Shops, Specialty Shops and Services and Watches and Jewelry, you can certainly find anything and everything you need to buy this holiday season.
Dashing To The Store
Now that the budget-related worry is out of the way, it’s time for the fun part—shopping! But before you go swipe-happy, here are a few tips and tricks to help you beat the holiday rush and get your shopping done in record time.
Santa isn’t the only one with the list, you should too. Instead of wandering aimlessly around the mall and going back and forth to different shops, have a shopping list ready. It should include the names of all the people you want to share your blessings with—family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc!. Better if you already have an idea as to what they like or perhaps their wish list so you can narrow down your gift options.
Browse online before purchasing. Nowadays, most retail shops have a mobile app or online store counterpart, making it easier for you to browse through their selection and merchandise, check stock availability at their different stores and branches and even compare prices from one shop to another. You can also take advantage of online reviews to validate your choices. If you already have your picks, then go ahead, fill your virtual cart and proceed to the checkout page. But if the store doesn’t accept online purchases, just list down the item codes before going to the actual store. Simply present your list to the retailer, check the goods, then pay. Easy and hassle-free!
Dress for comfort. Ditch your heels and leather shoes and go for comfy flats (even sneakers or flip flops would do). What you need is a comfortable outfit that will enable you to move around quickly as you will most likely have to go to different stores all over the mall. And if you’re treating yourself to a Christmas shopping spree, make sure that you can easily change in and out of your clothes to fit the items that you need (and want) to buy—doing so will save you both time and effort!
If you can manage, head out alone. As much as you want to drag the entire bunch to go shopping with you, it would be easier and faster if you go about it on your own. You can focus on the tasks that you need to accomplish and tick off from your list. If it can’t be helped and your companions have different sets of agenda, you can suggest for everyone to shop separately and just set a meeting place to reconvene after.
The early bird catches the worm—and best deals. Go to the mall during off-peak hours and that generally means getting there as soon as the gates (or doors!) open. This way you can avoid the throngs of people and the endless queue at checkout counters. You can even take first dibs on the best selection of merchandise and new stocks instead of scavenging on picked over piles. Add to that, the convenience of a widely open parking lot. Truly, it pays to be early.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
You’ve made your list and you’ve checked it twice. It’s time you soak up the festive holiday mood and finally cross out gift shopping on your holiday to-do list.
With a BDO or American Express Credit Card, you definitely have more reason to celebrate!
Avail of BDO’s Buy Now Pay Next Year Promo and have a merry shopping experience. The promo runs until December 31, 2014. So hurry, you still have plenty of time to shop ‘til you drop!
To know more about the best deals and exclusive perks for BDO Credit Cardholders, download the BDO Deal Finder App for FREE from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.