10 Tips to Be a Smart Shopper
Shopping is a necessary part of life. Whether you’re looking to buy groceries, clothes, or just trying to find the perfect gift for your significant other, it’s always best to be prepared and know what you want before you head into the store. If we had one piece of advice for shopping-related activities, it would be this: “don’t leave home without a list!” The list doesn’t have to include every item you need; instead, write down things on your mind so that once inside the store, you can quickly find them and get out as fast as possible. Many people think it’s easy to be a smart and savvy shopper. They might even use the term “shopping expert” to describe themselves. But if you ask anyone good at shopping, they will tell you there are many things out there that can trip up even the smartest of shoppers! Don’t let this happen to you; read these tips on being a smart shopper before heading out into the store.
Do Your Research
The basic to being a smart shopper is to do your research. It means looking online and in flyers for deals before going to the store. It also includes knowing what you want and needs before entering the store. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you won’t be as tempted by items not on your list. A little research saves more money. It’s especially important to do proper research when shopping for big-ticket items like appliances or furniture.
Collect Coupons
The widely used tip of pro shoppers is to use coupons. You can find coupons online, online, and in-store flyers. Be sure to clip or print out the ones you plan to use before your next shopping trip. Stacking coupons with sales is the way to save money. For example, if a store is running a buy one, get one free sale, you can use two coupons on the same item. These mini discount codes are also available at CouponGot. Sign up to these sites to get great coupons and promo codes.
Shop Seasonally
Shopping seasonally is the pro tip of smart shoppers. It means buying fruits, vegetables, and other items in season. Not only will you save money by buying seasonal produce, but you’ll also get the added benefit of tasting the best that each season has to offer. You will also avoid purchasing produce that’s not fresh or, worse yet, has gone bad and is no longer safe for consumption. The same goes for clothes. When you buy clothing when it’s in season, you’ll be able to get the best selection and pay less than if you bought them out of season or on clearance.
Join Rewards Programs
Use rewards programs at your favorite stores. Many retailers have loyalty programs that offer discounts and other perks to members. If you’re not already a member, be sure to sign up before your next shopping trip. You may also want to consider using a credit card that offers rewards points for every purchase. These points can add up quickly and be redeemed for gift cards or other merchandise. The reward programs are also a great way to keep track of your spending.
Use Cashback Apps
You can also use a cashback app on your smartphone, like Ibotta or Checkout 51. These apps allow you to shop in any store listed in the network of stores at checkout time. Once you receive an offer from one of these sites, take a picture of your receipt with your phone, and the app will give you money back on select items. Using cashback sites is also a great way to get money back on groceries that you may have already purchased.
Shop the Sales and Clearance Sections
Check out the sales and clearance sections of your favorite stores. Often, these sections have clothes, shoes, and accessories at a fraction of the original price. You can frequently find great deals on designer clothes in the clearance section, so be sure to check it out. You can also frequently find good sales at department stores during holiday seasons like Labor Day and Memorial Day, as well as post-holiday sales around January or February when retailers are trying to get rid of winter merchandise.
Combine Coupons with Sales
Combine coupons with sales to score a maximum discount. This will allow you to get the best possible deal on your purchase. Be sure to check online and in newspapers for coupons before heading to your favorite store. Using coupons at the department store you usually shop at will save you more money than coupons for someplace new. At Offers.com, you can find coupons for stores like Macy’s, Sears, and Kmart. If you find a deal on some too-good clothes to pass up, wait for another sale before buying them. It will allow you time to think about whether or not you need the item in your wardrobe and if it fits into your budget.
Shop at Discount Stores
Discount stores like Walmart and Target offer low prices on various items. They also have their brands which are typically cheaper than name-brand products. If you don’t mind buying generic brands, these stores can be a great place to find clothes, shoes, and other items for your wardrobe. You can also join Loyalty programs that offer benefits like store discounts, birthday gifts, and exclusive access to sales events. By joining the loyalty program of your favorite clothing stores, you can save money on future purchases.
Avoid Impulse Buys
It means not shopping when you’re hungry or tired, as those are the times your brain is most likely to be affected by impulse buys. It also means staying away from items on your list and avoiding people who try to get you into their stores. Impulse buying lets you spend more than you’d planned, which can be dangerous when shopping for clothes.
Let Your Shopping List Be Your Guide
Make a shopping list before you head out to the store, and be sure it is your guide when you are in the store. If something catches your eye that isn’t on your list, ask yourself if you want or need it before adding it to your cart! You can also give yourself a limit for each item on your list. Creating a shopping list and sticking to it will help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary purchases. One way not to be a smart shopper is by using your shopping list wrong! Be sure that the items on your list are accurate.
In the End
The goal of shopping should be to purchase items that you need, not just want. The key is being a smart shopper and only buying the things on your list! You can avoid overspending or impulse buying and stick to a budget by following these tips. Read more such articles at Easy Life Art site.
