Cyber Monday originated in the United States in 2005 as a marketing term created by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It emerged as an extension of Black Friday, catering to the rise of online shopping. Retailers noticed a spike in e-commerce sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving, as consumers returned to work and took advantage of faster internet connections to shop online. The day has since grown into a global phenomenon, with retailers offering exclusive online discounts.
Products Typically on Sale
During Cyber Monday, discounts are offered on a wide range of products, including:
- Electronics: TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and smart home devices.
- Appliances: Kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, and air purifiers.
- Clothing and Accessories: Apparel, shoes, and accessories.
- Beauty Products: Skincare, cosmetics, and hair tools.
- Toys and Games: Children’s toys, board games, and video games.
- Subscriptions: Streaming services, software, and digital courses.
- Travel Deals: Discounts on flights, hotels, and vacation packages.
How Seniors Can Take Advantage of Cyber Monday Sales
- Shop for Electronics: Take advantage of discounts on tablets, e-readers, and smartphones to stay connected with family and friends.
- Health and Wellness Products: Look for fitness trackers, hearing aids, and health-monitoring devices.
- Home Improvement Gadgets: Score deals on robotic vacuums, smart home systems, and kitchen appliances for convenience.
- Gift Shopping: Save on gifts for family, especially toys for grandchildren or high-tech devices for loved ones.
- Subscription Services: Discounts on audiobook subscriptions, streaming services, or online classes that cater to hobbies or learning.
How to Avoid Online Scams When Buying Electronics
- Shop from Trusted Retailers: Stick to well-known brands or authorized dealers. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true on unfamiliar websites.
- Check for HTTPS: Ensure the website uses a secure connection (look for “https://” in the URL).
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Use a secure internet connection when entering payment details.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails or texts claiming to offer deals.
- Verify Seller Reviews: Check reviews and ratings of third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon or eBay.
- Use Credit Cards: They often offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
- Monitor for Fake Deals: Cross-check prices across multiple sites to verify the legitimacy of a deal.
- Check Return Policies: Read the return and refund policies, especially for electronics.
- Update Software: Ensure your device has up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software.
By being cautious and leveraging legitimate deals, seniors can maximize savings and enjoy Cyber Monday without falling victim to scams.
-Thanh Thuỷ-