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​Sale Shopping Strategies: Emerge Victorious from the Shopping Sales Rush - January 2020

“I buy when others are selling” – billionaire J.P. Getty
So the Boxing Day sales are over. From all accounts they were a bit of a fizzer, thanks in part to Australian retailers adopting Black Friday as a major sale day and discounting Christmas stock early, and in part to Australian shoppers wising up and only buying what they need and can afford. 

But sale season isn't over yet. It will continue throughout January, with back to school and new year sales to tempt us and try to part us from our hard earned cash. 

I love a good sale, and I'm not averse to saving money (obviously), so over the years I've developed a bit of a sale shopping strategy so that I always bag a bargain, and keep as much cash as possible. 

1. Go early. The best bargains are to be had at the beginning of the sales and being early is about the only way to ensure you get what you want. If you follow the next nine rules you will survive the experience and return triumphant with the best deals.

2. Have a list. It's the same as grocery shopping - make a list and stick to it! The temptations at sales are too many and "browsing" will lighten your pocket and get your toes crushed. Your list should include measurements if you're buying furniture or clothes.

3. Have a plan. Chances are you will be visiting a shopping centre or at least a large department store. If you’ve done some reconnaissance beforehand and you have a map in your head of where you need to go you will avoid a confusing meander and get to the cash register early. I usually do my reccy trip about a week before Christmas to see what seasonal items I want, and then do a quick browse for other items.

4. Have the tools. Pen, paper, colour swatches and measuring tape and don’t forget your shopping bags.

5. If you can, leave the kids at home. Kids, crowds and a sale frenzy don't mix. 

6. Be comfortable. Comfortable shoes, easy slip on and off top and trousers or skirt (for trying things on - remember, often sale items have a "no return" stipulation). Take a snack and bottle of water. Everyone will be feeling like a break when you do and there will be queues at the coffee shops. Having a quick snack means you can keep going when others are queuing for break.

7. Have a budget. Far from restraining you, a budget will ensure you are discerning and more determined to search out the real bargains. If you are using cash, move it to a purse just for the sale, so you won't be tempted to dive into the other cash in you may be carrying.

8. Buy strategically. Now is the time to buy birthday presents or clothing for the kids. End of summer sales means that you can buy for next summer (buy 1-2 sizes bigger). Think ahead for Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, any special birthdays, engagements, weddings you may have coming up. And don't forget the school birthday parties - buy generic gifts ahead of time and save a bundle! 

9, Buy intelligently. Buy the outfit, not the label -- even famous designers make ugly clothes and no you're not going to fit into that cute pair of half price jeans two sizes too small no matter what your new year's resolution. Reward yourself with a new outfit at the next sale once you have lost the weight.

10. Take a long-suffering and patient friend who will give you an honest opinion -- and not just on clothes. Hopefully they'll be able to tell you truthfully if that cookie jar you put in the trolley would make a great gift or suit your kitchen décor, or that the cute sundress you have in your hand isn't that cute!

Follow the rules, they're not that hard, and have fun shopping and bagging those bargains.
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  • Home
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