6 Must-Know Secrets of A Smart Shopper

By Gemma Backer on July 19, 2017 - Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

by Gemma Backer July 19, 2017

Whether you are food shopping or purchasing something bigger for the family, spending money is definitely a side effect of shopping. For that reason, we need to be smart about the way we shop.

Do you want to know the secrets to saving some money while shopping?

In this article, we will talk about the games most retailers play and how to plan your purchases so you can get a huge spending advantage. So, next time you do your shopping online or in a store, consider the following tips and tricks of a smart shopper.

Don’t Rush to Buy the Latest Things

The majority of people are hurrying to purchase the latest and greatest things as soon as they come out, like mobile devices or computers. This, however, means you will have to pay more.

Instead of paying top dollar, why don’t you keep on using your old tablet or phone for another year or two? You can upgrade it to a more recent model without having to pay the release-day price.

Buy End-of-Season Clothes

Did you know that big markdown on clothing prices can usually be found at the end of the season?

For instance, you can purchase jumpers in April, swimsuits in September or summer dresses in November with up to 75% discount. This is really a great way to save serious sums of money. Of course, you’ll have to wait several months between purchasing the clothes and wearing them.

Have a Shopping Plan

Remember that stores and supermarkets are designed to get you to spend as much money as possible. Retailers use various tactics and effective strategies to achieve their goals.

For example, many grocery shops place fresh and colorful produce next to the entrance so that customers will feel excited when they come in. More than that, clothing retailers also have their tricks to attract you. Did you know that they tend to put louder music, brighter lights and more expensive things on the right side of the store? That’s because customers usually head toward the right side first.

Do not fall for these tricks and alluring strategies. Make sure you are observant of your surroundings and have a precise shopping plan when you walk through the door. Planning can force you to head straight to the things you want, take them, pay for them and go out of the store. It’s the easiest way not to get dazzled into wasting more money on unnecessary but attractive items and purchasing something you didn’t plan to.

Go Shopping At Estate Sales

Are you willing to purchase a one-of-a-kind couch at a budget-friendly price? Go to estate sales and search there. There, you will be able to find great deals on specialized antiques, furniture and unique home items of different types.

Of course, these things are often older. However, since they were made of high-quality materials, they’ll last you longer. Additionally, the customers may get the best bargains coming at the closing hours of an estate sale. At that time, the sellers are usually too tired to unload the remaining items so they mark down the prices.

Use the Benefits of Grocery Services

How about making your to-buy list of groceries and not having to set your feet in the shop? If you research your local grocery stores, you will likely find some that are offering free online ordering and pickup. Isn’t that a marvelous opportunity not only to save your time but also to cut down the chances of wasting too much money?

Timing Is Important

The majority of people plan their vacations so that they leave on Friday and come back the next Sunday. Of course, the travel industry is aware of this and, as a result, the customers end up paying more money on these days.

So, instead of overspending on the tickets, try to change your timeline and get a better deal. You can buy plane tickets on Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday for much lower prices. You can also check for lower rental prices to reduce your overall travel expenses and enjoy your sweet vacation on a budget.

To sum up, a little extra effort and creativity can save you money and turn you into a smart shopper.

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Author: Gemma Backer

Gemma Backer is the Content Manager at Personal Money Service. She believes that some research and the right attitude can help anyone improve their knowledge of personal finance.