Sales campaigns are a great opportunity to make necessary purchases at better prices, whether it is joint online store campaign days, seasonal discounts, Black Friday, or for example E-smaspäev.

One such major shopping day is E-smaspäev, which this time takes place on Monday, May 11, 2026. While it is not wise to base all shopping around a single campaign day, it can still be a good opportunity to compare prices on needed products and make thoughtful purchases.
At the same time, every major campaign day can quickly turn into a day of impulse buying if purchases are not planned in advance. To truly benefit from sales campaigns, it is worth doing some preparation before the campaign begins. This increases the chances that you buy exactly what you need and use discounts to your advantage instead of letting promotional offers control your spending.

Create a wish list before the sale

The easiest way to keep shopping under control is to write down what you actually need before the campaign day begins. This could include new home appliances, furniture, clothing, children’s products, beauty products, garden supplies, renovation materials, or another larger home-related purchase.
A wish list helps separate actual needs from emotional impulses. If you already know what you are looking for, you are less likely to feel that you should buy something “just because the price is good.”
A useful tip is to divide the list into three categories: necessary purchases; desired purchases; purchases that should only be made if the offer is exceptionally good.

Research prices in advance

A discount is only truly valuable if you know the product’s price before the campaign started. That is why it is worth checking interesting products a few days before the sale and noting down their regular prices.
This is especially important for more expensive purchases such as home appliances, electronics, furniture, or construction and renovation products. Knowing the previous price helps you quickly evaluate whether the discount is genuinely significant or only appears attractive.

Compare offers across different online stores

During sales campaigns, the same or very similar product may be sold at different prices across multiple online stores. That is why you should not rush into buying the first offer you see.
Compare at least a few alternatives and consider not only the product price, but also shipping costs, delivery times, return policies, and warranty conditions.
Sometimes a slightly more expensive offer may actually provide better overall value because it includes free shipping, faster delivery, or more reliable customer service. A smart purchase is not only about the lowest price, but also about making a better purchasing decision.

Check whether the purchase makes sense timing-wise

Sales campaigns can be a good opportunity to plan for expenses that are coming in the next few months. For example, during spring campaigns it may be sensible to buy garden supplies, terrace furniture, travel gear, summer clothing, bicycles, children’s summer products, or items needed to refresh the home.
If you already know that a larger expense is unavoidable, a campaign price may help you plan it more affordably. However, it is important to avoid buying something only because it is discounted when it was never actually part of your plans.

Set a shopping budget

Before a major shopping day, it is wise to set a clear spending limit for yourself. This helps keep shopping under control and prevents multiple small purchases from unexpectedly becoming a large total amount by the end of the day.
The budget should also include delivery costs and possible additional expenses. For example: a home appliance may require installation or accessories; furniture may involve delivery costs; travel equipment may require additional related purchases.

Do not rush because of time limits

Many promotional offers are available only for a limited time — sometimes just one day, sometimes a weekend, or a specific campaign period. For example, E-smaspäev offers are time-limited to 24 hours, which can create the feeling that a decision must be made immediately.
In reality, it is still important to stay calm during fast-paced campaigns. If the purchase has already been considered carefully, the price checked, and the budget set, making a decision becomes much easier. However, if an offer creates confusion or uncertainty, it may be wiser not to make the purchase.

When a larger purchase requires additional financing

Sometimes a good discount appears on a product or service that was already planned, such as home appliances, furniture, renovation materials, a computer, a bicycle, or another major household item. If the purchase is necessary and well thought through, a consumer loan from laen.ee may be one option for spreading larger expenses over a longer period.