How to shop the SALES – Expert Tips!
Sales shopping is every bargain hunters favourite time of year. However, with so many discounts on offer, we may end up spending way too much on items we don’t really want or need. So many of us fall into the trap of buying something just because the price was reduced and we thought it was a great deal! Allow me to share my golden rules of sales shopping, whether you shop online or in-store.
- Prepare yourself before hitting the stores
Eat something substantial at home and don’t forget to take a bottle of water to stay hydrated. It will be a long day so you must wear comfortable and breathable clothes including footwear you can easily take off while trying the clothes on in the changing room. Wear an across-the-body handbag, so you have your hands free for rummaging through piles of clothes.
2. Create a shopping list
Check your closet first before you go shopping. You need to know what you own in your current wardrobe to create a list of what you wear on regular basis, what you don’t have but would like to get and the items you really don’t need another version of. If you have a list. you are more likely to stick to it and prevent wasting your money on items you won’t actually wear.
3. Set yourself the budget
Stick to your list and your budget so you won’t overspend. Spend your money only on something you really need or like. Ask yourself, ‘If the item was full price would I still buy it?’
4. Try before you buy
So many of my clients admitted buying clothing on impulse and in a rush without trying them on first. There is a reason why those items are still hanging in the stores. They may have an unflattering fit, missing buttons or have make-up stains. Make sure you double-check before you buy anything or you will end up with an unwanted and sometimes non-refundable purchase.
5. Buy the right size
Sometimes we find a great item on sale and feel like we have to have it, even though it doesn’t fit right. If your size is out of stock, maybe it isn’t meant to be. Save your money for something you can actually wear.
6. Don’t be tempted by the low price
Don’t buy something just because the price dropped dramatically. Maybe there is a reason why? Carefully check to see if the item is damaged. Don’t waste your money on something unless you really like it and you are definitely going to wear it.
7. Be charming to staff
Be friendly and chatty to members of staff. Ask them when new stock is coming out. If they are out of something you really like, get them to call another store to assist.
8. Check the changing rooms
Most of the time some of the best buys get left in the changing rooms. Ask a sales assistant if you can go through the racks.
9. Thursdays are scheduled for further markdowns
If your budget is tight, the best day to shop is Thursday. This is when most stores mark down old stock and rotate new merchandise.
10. What can you wear it with?
Ask yourself an honest question, would this item go with other things I already own? If you struggle to picture the item working with your current wardrobe then it’s best to put it away and save your money for something else.
11. Buy with next season in mind
Trends come and go every season, but there are essential wardrobe items that every woman should own. While making a shopping list concentrate on these timeless and classic pieces that should be the base of your wardrobe. A good pair of black and blue jeans, a classic white shirt or a casual blazer may need replacing so make sure they are on your list.
12. Know the Returns Policy
Most retailers have a 30 day refund policy, however make sure you double check with the cashier or sales assistant before you purchase anything. Some of the retailers only offer an exchange or a 3-7 day returns policy.
Online Shopping Tips
1. Sign up
If you decide to shop online, remember to sign up for your favourite retailers newsletters a few days in advance. They will be keen to advertise their best deals.
2. Sign in
Make sure you’re signed into your account before you start shopping otherwise, whatever you put into your basket will be gone before you press the pay button.
3. Payment details
Think about pre-entering your payment details including shipping details and saving them to your account so you can complete purchases as quickly as possible. After you are done delete your personal data for security reasons.
4. Shop before the sales start
Log into your account the day before the sales start.
Choose your items wisely and save everything in your basket. This way you won’t waste your time searching for items or risk not being able to buy them because they are out of stock. Double check everything before you submit your order.
5. Extra shipping costs
Most retailers offer free delivery if you spend a certain amount on your purchase. Standard shipping is the cheapest option however, if you want to save more money choose delivery to the store.
6. Returns policy
Check the policy. Usually retailers let the customer return an unwanted product for up to 30 days after the date of purchase.
However, make sure you double check who will pay for the return shipping.
Although shopping in the sales can be challenging, with a little bit of patience and a willingness to shop around, you can create a whole new wardrobe for much cheaper. Plan your shopping trip in advance and save money, there’s no need to spend a fortune on clothes.
Happy Shopping!
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