The Information Magazine

This article is a sequel to my previous post on ‘Impulsive Shopping - How To Resist The Temptation’. Many of us cannot resist purchasing something that we do not even end up using as an outlet for our frustrations or stressful moments at work in the form of retail therapy. Indeed we feel good getting that leather jacket or that piece of jewellery. But do we in the long run after realising we don’t really need it and finding out that  there is a dent in our savings after several accumulative retail therapy sessions?

Here is a list of tips to help you check yourself before buying any luxury items:

1.   1. When to Shop

It is important not to indulge in ‘anytime’ shopping. A person may go for shopping when he/she is anxious, depressed, sad, or hungry. It is proven that under such state of mind, a person tends to overspend when shopping. If you happen to be in a melancholic state, avoid shopping. Wait until you get over the feeling and feel normal. Try to pre-occupy yourself in activities you enjoy doing such as photography, trying out a new software like Photoshop or attempt to cook something new. It is better if you eat at home before shopping. A little bit of discipline will ensure considerable saving.

2. Avoid Sales Talk

When you are trying out new dresses at a dress store, you are bound to get rave compliments from the sales persons about how beautiful you look in a particular dress, how well it fits you, or how a particular dress enhances your persona. Also, don’t be too easily captivated by new kitchen equipment being demonstrated by salespeople at the mall. Sales persons are paid to make sales, and they may even be getting a commission on each sale they make.

So, be prudent in your approach, be rational and keep your budget in mind.

3. Compare Prices

When you go out shopping, it is a good idea to compare prices at various establishments. Hence, a little bit of time needs to be invested. You may find a significant difference in prices at different places for the same product or substitute product. Some goods might be offered at sales price, which can make you save good money. Be patient when shopping.

4. Keep an Eye on Shopping-rebates

Prior to going shopping, keep an eye on shopping-rebates. There may be some specific days and dates when rebates are offered. Plan your shopping accordingly, and ensure a good amount of saving.

5. Save While Making Seasonal Purchases

Many stores offer holiday items on heavy discounts for a few days after a holiday. This is the time to store some stuff for the next season. You can store clothes, shoes and bedding items. This is a great way to save good money.

6. Look to Save on Your Purchases

There are other sources for your daily needs items other than your neighborhood supermarket. Packed edible stuff work out to be expensive, and they may come straight out of the cold storage. If you like eating fresh fruit and vegetables, head to the nearest market. These items are cheaper and devoid of preservatives, besides being fresh.

Also, garage sales offer great stuff at highly discounted prices. Check out the papers for such events. Online auctions too are great bargains. You can get great quality stuff at highly reduced prices. A downside to this is that you can’t examine the item prior to purchasing.

7. Utilize the Sale

Many times, we see that some or other products are on sale at a discount price. For instance, the discount price of a particular face wash may be $ 3.50 compared to its original price of $ 7.50. If you this is an essential item, then do not give a second thought and purchase a couple of such face wash. You must take care before stocking things up, that you are a regular user of this product and do not plan to change brands in the near future.

8. Mix and Match

While shopping for clothes, take care not to purchase a matched suit. The cost of matched suits is usually higher than separate pieces. Go for separate mixed pieces. Also, you tend to wear mix-and-match pieces more often as they offer more variety while allowing you to enjoy the savings.

Try to apply some of these tips when you go shopping. Be rational and ensure that you are in a balanced state of mind.