Debt Tips   

Smart Shopping

Be on the lookout for bargains

When you are shopping, especially when you are getting ready to but an expensive item, be certain that you are getting the best deal available on it. It never hurts to ask if you can get a better price on services such as home repairs and the like. When buying items such as washers, dryers and even TVs, you have to be sure you are buying these items during a sale time. Compare the prices all of your major purchases. For example, you may be shopping for a new washer and dryer at one home appliance center when the one across the street may be selling the same or similar model cheaper. When shopping for major appliances and furniture, look for free delivery deals too.

Pay cash – do not charge

Again, if you are getting ready to buy something that has a big price tag on it, ask for cash payment discounts. Many smaller businesses offer such discounts for purchases with cash, especially cars. Many times, when you use a credit card, the company you are purchasing from has to pay the bank a 2-4% fee. So, in actuality, when you pay by cash or check, you are saving the merchant a bank fee for the credit card purchase – why not cash in on this savings yourself. While this is not always the case, many times it is so inquire about it. You have no doubt been in a convenience store where they have a little sign saying no credit card purchases under $5.00 – this is because that merchant pays a fee to the bank every time a credit card transaction occurs – small purchases cost them money you see and it is not worth it on your $1.29 purchase. So, if you are thinking on this level when you are spending, you are shopping smart.

Never purchase extended warranties

They are major profit item for the merchant and completely unnecessary for you. When you do purchase these (expensive) warranties, you do not use it over 80% of the time. So, it would be a much better idea for you to pay cash to fix an item should it break. Also, most every appliance comes with enough warranty coverage on its own – free with purchase.

Do not wait until the last minute to shop

Think about it this way, by waiting until the last minute to buy, you are limiting yourself in many ways. If you do not have time to do a bit of comparison shopping, you will probably not be getting the best deal at all. You need flexibility when shopping with smarts and waiting until the last minute certain removes a lot of purchasing flexibility doesn’t it.

That advantage of the best times to shop

Think about the times of the year that retailers love most – holidays. Holidays are great times to save money when shopping believe it or not. Just before the actual holiday is the best time to shop. Retailers are often compelled to unload last minute surplus. Yes. We all love the tradition of packing into the mall the day after Thanksgiving, but the deals may not be that great yet. Wait until just before Christmas to shop and you may find some great deals. The selection may not be the best, but the deals will be. For even better deals, try buying next year’s Christmas cards the day after Christmas this year. 50 – 75% savings are always available on holiday theme items the day after the holiday passes. Not many people have the patience for this, but if you really want to shop with smarts – you will.

Create shopping lists

If we all had a dime for every time we went into the grocery store and actually and only purchased exactly what we needed at the time, we would be rich. Before the next time you head to the grocery store, create a list of things you actually need (and don’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry) before you go to the store. This counts for all shopping trips. If you ere trying to save money and change your spending habits, heading to the mall to browse may end up with frivolous spending unless you have a list of things you actually need.

Shop by yourself

If you are trying to create a better way of spending , try shopping by yourself. Many times, when we are with friends and family, we buy items impulsively. Your friends may egg you on to buy something they think you look good in or an item you really do not need. For the most part, you are better off alone when shopping.

Always be on the lookout for rebates and wholesale clubs

Rebates are a great way to save money on your shopping items. In fact, shopping at places that offer a lot of rebates is a great way to save. Many wholesale companies such as Sam’s Club or Costco are rebate friendly. Joining these warehouses costs money annually, but in the long run, they are a great place to save money.

Never pay for add-ons

Never pay extra for things you do not need

This is really a good idea when buying a car. Many times, consumers are talked into extras they just do not need. Why get the sunroof on the car if you just do not need it?

Scratch and dent

If you really want to shop smart, check out your appliance center’s scratch and dent section. I once saved more than $200.00 on a brand new dishwasher because it was simply out of the box – not used. Many times, you can get an appliance at a major discount because of a blemish you may never see once the appliance is in place in your home. Washers and dryers are a great thing to but scratched or dented. Who even realty sees these things but you? We are nor t saying you have to but the fridge with the huge dent in the front, but many blemished items are really unnoticeable to others.

Garage sales

Garage sales and estate sales are the best places for haggling and bargaining fro an item’s cost. If you are someone who is looking for just about anything from used books to used appliances, garage sales are cheap. Just be aware of your liability if the item does not work once you get it home. So, if you are looking at a lamp – be sure to try it out at the garage sale before buying it if you can.

(1,101)

Back to News Updates