05/04/2026 5:15 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Computer Accessory Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
25
Views
0
When do I need to start my holiday organization to avoid this massive supply chain mess? I've been doing the whole spreadsheet and budget thing for years and usually late October is my sweet spot but I'm already seeing backorders on simple electronics I wanted for the kids.
I'm in Seattle and usually try to stick to a $2000 limit but prices are jumping so fast that my usual tracking formulas are useless now. Is September the new October or am I just panicking? I really don't want to be paying for express shipping in December again like last year...
3 Answers
12
05/04/2026 5:30 pm
To add to the point above: youre definitely right to be worried. I tried sticking to my usual late fall schedule last year and it was a total mess. I waited on a tablet for my kid and it didnt show up until mid-January. Honestly, the price hikes on electronics right now make those old tracking formulas useless. I have had to pivot because major retailers just arent as reliable as they used to be. Here is what I am doing to stay under that $2000 budget:
- Swapping new electronics for certified refurbished units to save about 20 percent
- Using price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to watch for random drops daily
- Grabbing smaller gifts at local Seattle shops now to avoid shipping delays It is frustrating but starting now is basically the only way to play it safe. If you wait until October, youll probably end up stuck with express shipping fees again.
11
05/04/2026 5:16 pm
Honestly, youre not panicking. September is definitely the new October, and even then it feels like we are falling behind. I used to rely on late fall sales too, but unfortunately, the reliability just isnt there anymore. I had issues with several major retailers last year where things showed as in stock but never actually shipped on time. It was not as good as expected to say the least. If youre looking for electronics for the kids, just get whatever tablet or gaming gear you can find from Samsung or Sony. You cant go wrong with those brands generally, even if the specific models are hard to track down right now. I've started using Share Product Wishlist to keep my family updated on what we actually managed to secure so they dont buy duplicates. Its a much safer way to manage the budget when prices are this volatile. Honestly, just buy it now if you see it in stock... waiting is just asking for disappointment.
3
05/04/2026 5:40 pm
Regarding what #2 said about how youre definitely right to be worried, it really makes your $2000 budget a moving target. The consensus here is that September is the new deadline to beat the logistics mess. I would suggest you be careful with those backorders tho... they can be tricky. Are you mainly looking for specific name brands, or are you open to alternatives if prices keep climbing? Also, how much of that total is for tech?
