Operations: Tech Items to ‘Self-Gift’

On Black Friday, the day most consumers do their Christmas shopping, FatWallet.com found that about a quarter of shoppers “self-gifted,” meaning they purchased items for themselves versus someone else. And who can blame them? During this time of year, products are typically 40 percent off, compared to the average 20 percent off that can be found during the rest of the calendar year.

Tech items can be found at especially good deals this time of year as well. So, as you finish up your Christmas shopping, keep an eye out for the following technology products to “self-gift” that can make your busy, day-to-day life as a club operator much easier.

Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo is a hands-free speaker that is controlled by your voice. Connected to the Alexa Voice Service, it plays music and provides information on things like the weather, news and sports.

But the device can be used for much more than just entertainment. From a business aspect you can use the Amazon Echo to organize and manage your calendar, and quickly order out-of-stock products and supplies through Amazon.com. In addition, Alexa can read your email to you and order an Uber to pick you up for your next business meeting.

If the Amazon Echo is a bit too pricey, consider the Amazon Dot instead. It has most of the same capabilities, just doesn’t have as good of a speaker.

Amazon Echo List Price: $179.99

A Portable Battery

Traveling for business can be a pain, especially when your phone is close to dead and you have to fight for an outlet at the airport. Save yourself the trouble by purchasing a portable battery.

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a small and light portable battery, and is one of the top-rated on Amazon.

Anker PowerCore List Price: $49.99

Kindle Fire

I’m not purposely pushing Amazon products (I promise), but the fact is the Kindle Fire is one of the most affordable tablets on the market, and is perfect for activities such as managing your business calendar, reading, watching videos and answering emails on the go.

The list price for the basic Kindle Fire is $49.99, but Amazon typically puts it on sale for $39.99 or under.

Kindle Fire List Price: $49.99

These are just a few tech items to consider “self-gifting” this holiday season. But as you finish up your shopping, keep an eye out for other gadgets that can make your life easier, especially the basics like computers and cell phones. After all, bad or old tech really can infringe upon your productivity.