Discount Shopping Tips

Not All Discounts are the Same

What one store may label as clearance prices may be regular prices at another retail outlet, and what constitutes a great deal for one person may still be too expensive for another. When opting for discount shopping, be sure to understand the hidden fees and non-monetary costs of some so-called bargains:

• Shipping and handling charges may drastically inflate a price.
• Membership dues for warehouse stores may take hundreds of dollars of purchases to recoup.
• Driving twice the distance to save a few pennies on a bargain is not a discount once gas prices and time are added to the deal.
• Smaller packages at a lower price may only seem to be a better deal until you compare ounce-by-ounce or other similar quantities.
• Bulk items are not a bargain if you won’t use all of the quantity.

Understanding that not every deal works for every budget is the first step toward true discount shopping.

Where to Discount Shop

Every store offers some significant discounts if savvy shoppers know when and where to take advantage of them. Consider the following stores for the best discounts:

• Thrift, consignment, and resale stores: Many “used” items may never have been used at all, and it is possible to purchase high-quality items at bargain basement prices.
• Warehouse stores: Non-perishable items can be a great bargain in larger quantities because they will not spoil.
• Yard sales and auctions: Many individuals opt to sell items at heavily discounted prices simply in order to be rid of them. Furthermore, most yard sale vendors are open to negotiation for even lower prices.
• Dollar stores: For simple, generic items, opt for dollar stores and guaranteed low prices. Always double check the quantity, however, to be sure the deal is worthwhile.
• Outlet malls: For discontinued, slightly irregular, or overstock items, outlet malls are the perfect resource. Many luxury stores, including Lenox, Mikasa, and Bose offer outlet stores for bargain hunters.

In addition to specialty discount stores, discount shopping tips can be applied to regular stores if shoppers are aware of ongoing bargains but are interested in saving even more.

Discount Shopping Tips Everyone Can Use

No matter where you shop, you can save significantly by taking note of the following tips:

• Purchase generic items instead of name brands whenever possible, particularly for “behind-the-scenes” consumable staples such as sugar, bleach, spices, or baby powder.

• Experiment with lower-cost brands of favorite products to test for taste and quality. You may be surprised by the results, and could opt for cheaper items by preference instead of price.
• Watch grocery stores for double coupon days and special discount sales events.
• Plan weekly menus based on grocery specials and seasonal food instead of out-of-season, more expensive items.
• Shop with a list – whether it is a grocery list, school supply list, or gift list – to avoid unnecessary or impulse purchases.
• Research big ticket items online for price comparisons prior to visiting a store or placing an order.
• Wait two-to-three months after hot electronic items hit the market; after the initial sales boom, prices inevitably drop.
• Buy big ticket items during the least expensive time of year. Cars, for example, are cheaper in the fall and winter as dealers strive to clear lots for the newest models.
• Watch for after-holiday sales with an eye toward the next year’s celebrations and gifts. Decorations, accessories, and novelty items are often steeply discounted immediately after the holiday.
• Watch for sales rebates whenever possible. School supplies, electronics, and DVDs frequently offer rebates when combined with other purchases.

The Key to a Good Discount

A truly worthwhile discount is one that you can use to save significantly. Whenever you are bargain shopping, however, the most important thing to remember is to have patience and perseverance: not all discounts are available all the time, and with a bit of foresight and flexibility, it is possible to drastically reduce the shopping budget through various discount shopping tips, no matter where or when you shop.

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