Here are some tips to make the most out of your sale shopping experience.
The word ‘sale’ is appealing to many of us. But while sales can save us a lot of money, they can also cause an unnecessary dent in our pockets.
Save your shopping for the end of the season
As a general rule, sales and discounts follow the seasons, which is why you’ll see major deals on items towards the end of the current season. Stores need to clear the floor of old stock to make way for the new season’s trends, which is why they mark things down drastically. Reserving your shopping trips for this time can save you a lot of money and ensure you’re kitted out for when that season rolls around again the following year.
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Set a budget
It’s easy to get carried away with tempting discounts, so set a budget for your shopping trip and stick to it. This will prevent overspending and help you prioritise your purchases.
Go prepared
If you’re a savvy shopper, you’ve likely already saved a couple of items to multiple online wish lists with the intention of ‘adding to cart’ once the seasonal sales are announced. Sales are designed to get you to buy things you ‘didn’t know you needed,’ but if you go in armed with a list, you can avoid manipulative tactics and impulse buys.
Look for promo codes
When shopping online, make a beeline for any promo code banners that appear on the site that can provide additional discounts on top of the sale prices.
If it’s not a ‘Hell, yes’, it’s a hard no
Many of us are guilty of convincing ourselves that an item is worth buying just because it’s discounted. When it comes to clothing, if the item doesn’t look fantastic on your body as your body is now, put it back on the rack. Shop for the body you have right now, not the body you’re going to have if you lose five kilos. And if your plan is to tailor the item so it can fit properly, the discount is useless if you end up paying the difference for the alterations anyway.
Run it by a friend
If going to a physical store, enlist a shopping partner who is familiar with your personal style and what you currently have in your closet. You might be able to convince yourself that you need another pair of black ankle boots, but your friend will be quick to remind you that you have three other pairs at home gathering dust. If you’re shopping online, give your friend a heads up well ahead the sale so that you can get their opinion in real time to avoid misguided spending.
Ask yourself if it’s something you’d pay full price for
Sales are designed to trigger feelings of urgency, but you don’t have to fall for these tactics. If the item you’re thinking of buying isn’t something you are prepared to buy at its usual price, reconsider purchasing it.
Check return policies
Some stores have strict policies that apply to sale items. Before making a purchase, make sure to look up the store’s return policy so you don’t find yourself being unable to return the item if you change your mind.
Photography: Pexels
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