33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips
by Sandy Shields
Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be
used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a
guide to strengthen your purchasing power.
1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.
2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.
3. Watch for unadvertised specials.
4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.
5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or
just before holidays.
6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance,
or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have
the item.
7. Know the sales cycle in your area.
8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean
it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it,
don't buy it.
9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally
cheaper than smaller ones.
10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I
deserve it" mentality.
11. Buy at the end of the season.
12. Stock up when prices are low.
13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift
stores, consignment shops, warehouse clubs, yard sales, and
garage sales.
14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price
on all items.
15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends
to shop sales for each other.
16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your
shopping cart.
17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.
18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be
afraid to ask questions.
19. Know your prices, keep a price book.
20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how
your price book helps you.
21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always
cheaper.
22. Look at unit prices.
23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.
24. Remember the "Rule of Three": If an item has three
different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your
money.
26. Shop defensively.
27. Try store and generic brands.
28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your
receipt.
29. Shop for gifts year round.
30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.
31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.
32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.
33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at
home or in the car.
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Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of
TheFrugalShopper.com.
She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping
others to do the same. Subscribe
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frugal tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer
included. Copyright ©
TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2003.
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