Every year around June 18, I go through a predictable cycle: first I say I'm not buying anything, then I get brainwashed by targeted ads for three days, then I start filling my cart, then I check out, then my packages arrive and I open them thinking, "Why did I buy this?"

So this year, I changed my strategy. I researched how to save first, then decided what to buy.

After my research, here are some things that might sound familiar but are worth repeating.

I. Preparation: Don't Let Impulse Drive Your Cart

  1. Make a list, draw a line
  2. Two weeks in advance, write down what you actually need. Skincare almost empty, summer T-shirts needed, that electric toothbrush you've used for three years β€” these are "real needs." Everything you only want because of a promotion is likely a "fake need." Set a mental budget cap for each category.
  1. Track prices, guard against fake discounts
  2. From late May, add desired items to your cart and record prices using comparison tools or manual screenshots. Many items quietly raise prices in late May, then "discount" them on June 18 β€” you might end up paying more than usual.

II. Core Strategy: Save Your Attention for the Big-Ticket Essentials

This is the most important rule. 618 promotions flood you from every direction. If you analyze, compare, and bundle every single item, the attention and time costs will far outweigh any savings.

What counts as "big-ticket essentials"?
- High price (usually over 2,000 yuan)
- Long lifespan (3+ years)
- Not buying it genuinely impacts your life
- Examples: AC/fridge/washing machine, phone/computer/tablet, mattress/sofa, e-bike/tires, whole-house water filter

Why focus only on the big stuff?
- Larger absolute savings: an 8,000 yuan fridge at 10% off saves 800 yuan. A 30 yuan box of tissues at 50% off saves 15 yuan. You'd need 50+ boxes of tissues to match that.
- Once-a-year price drops: big appliances and consumer electronics hit their yearly lows during 618 and Singles' Day, typically 10%-20% off. Daily essentials and snacks have promotions almost every month.
- Fewer decisions: buying 10 small items means 10 rounds of price comparison, bundling, delivery tracking, and after-sales. One big purchase uses one round of focus. The rest of your time goes to work, rest, and family.

Practical tips:
1. Lock in big items first, let small ones ride
In late May, add the big items you actually need this year to your cart and note their regular prices. For tissues, detergent, snacks β€” if you see a good price while browsing, grab it. If not, don't bother hunting.

  1. Prioritize "price protection" and "delivery + installation" for big items
  2. JD self-operated and Tmall big appliances typically offer 30-day price protection β€” get a refund if the price drops. Combined delivery and installation saves the hassle of scheduling separately.
  1. Don't bundle big items for cross-store discounts
  2. Big items already have high amounts. Just use store coupons plus platform big coupons (like 500 off 5,000). Adding small stuff to hit a 300-off-50 threshold wastes attention.
  1. Use small items to "fill gaps," but don't go looking for them
  2. If you're a few yuan short of the next discount tier after buying your big item, add something already in your cart (a filler item or daily essential). Don't search, compare, and read reviews just to fill a gap.

A cautionary tale

Last 618, I spent hours researching how to bundle shampoo, cat food, and trash bags. Saved 43 yuan total. Those six hours? I could have done anything else.