By: Amy Hannold
Whatever the weather where you are, the calendar has announced that spring has begun. Stores are filled with spring wear and gardening items galore. How can you get the best deals?
Compare and/or Shop Online: Use a price comparison site such as pricegrabber.com to either shop from home (which could save you an expensive stroll through the mall) or to educate yourself on what a good price is before hitting the stores. If you decide to buy online, be sure to search for a coupon code or rebate site that could stack your best price to an even greater savings.
Know Your Brick-n-Mortar Store: Before you buy, be sure you’re a member of the store’s promotional programs. Visit their website and follow them through social media to be informed of sales. Store credit cards, despite the instant discounts offered, are not a good deal due to higher interest rates. Do the math with discount percentages – and buy only by need, not to grab a “good deal”. The best deal is paid for in cash, not later with added credit card interest rates.
Buy for Quality: Choose the best quality, at an affordable price. Clothing is an investment. You’ll save time and money when you buy what will last, over the expense of more frequent replacements.
Don’t Shop to Fill an Empty Closet: Just as you shouldn’t grocery shop on an empty stomach, shopping to solve the “nothing to wear” scenario can be costly. Do your laundry, inventory your wardrobe, and make a list of what you need to wear your best outfits with new looks. Accessorize and expand your options with versatile, classic items which will see you through until the next post-season sale.
Ask for a Better Deal: Approach the salesperson and ask “Can you give me a better deal?” When you spot a subtlety damaged item, you could be eligible for a discount. Even during a sale, simply ask for a “bulk” discount when you’re making a large purchase. Ask for all of the possible discounts you could receive such as student (including college student and “good-student”), military, AAA, teachers, etc. If you’re a member of a credit union, carry a certain credit card, or are affiliated with other groups – know the retailers where you can be offered a discount.
Try Before You Buy Online: If you are wary about making a purchase online and fear you’ll have to send it back, visit the store to model your prospective purchase. Sizes and fits between brands can vary, so if you’re not familiar with the store, a visit to their store could be time well spent. Shop with discipline though, or go armed with a coupon just in case you decide to bring something home.
Buy What You Need, Off-Season: Before the seasons completely change, so must store inventory. Stores are often well ahead of us in stocking an upcoming season because the longer it’s out, the more they can sell. Hold off on buying early season and wait for the inventory clearance discounts. Items for holidays, weddings, Superbowls, and other annual events—as well as after the “big” events are great opportunities to buy quality, timeless clothing pieces at a great discount. Even if you’re not headed to a wedding or catching the Superbowl, it’s a good time to buy linens or a TV if you need them.
Avoid the Mall: Shop garage sales and consignment stores in trendier neighborhoods to find good clothes at “beat the mall” prices. Thrift stores can net you some fashionable finds as well. Stores away from shopping centers and malls are good bets for lower prices. Online, find an “overstock” site, a well-rated Ebay seller, or network with friends to swap clothing for a “new-to-you” outfit.