Lesson 24 Shop Smart, Buy Smart
We are almost half way through the year, and the Saving Revolution. That means it must be June, the month when the big retailers go nuts, shoving sales and deals and "low, low prices" at us. This is the month when we will be bombarded with junk mail and ads on TV and radio, urging us to spend, because the deals are the best.
No wonder they say it's Christmas in June!
Shop Smart
While there are some shoppers who only think seasonally and buy winter boots in winter and bathing suits in summer, there are those of us who think in terms of money-saving shopping all year round.
For example June is a great month for shopping. Not grocery shopping, but shopping for those big ticket items, the one-off purchases we put off until we can't any longer. And August is a great month for stocking up on electronics and baby needs, while we all know that in December we should stock up on party supplies and seasonal baking needs. That's just shopping smart.
Quality Shopping
When considering the cost of an item, take into account how long it will last and how many uses you will get out of it.
For example a pair of runners for $60 might last twelve months while another, cheaper pair at $35 will only last nine months. At first glance it would seem that the more expensive shoe is better value because it lasts longer. In reality the cheaper shoe is better value.
Here’s how to work it out: calculate the cost per month i.e. divide $60 by 12 = $5 per month, while $35 divided by 9 months = $4 per month. The cheaper shoe is better value per wear.
* Look for quality in construction: zippers, buttons and button holes, seams and hems should be checked in clothing to make sure they will stand up to being worn.
* Keep track of how long things last and their original prices so you can then compare when it’s time to replace them.
Make a Deal and Save a Bundle
Anyone can negotiate a great deal with a little preparation and according to professional shoppers, you don't ever need to pay full price.
You do however need to hone your haggling skills. Haggling doesn't come naturally to us Aussies, but it is a skill that is easily learned. And the more you practise is the more you save!
Know what you want. Research your item and the price at different stores. Use catalogues, flyers, the Internet and don't forget to ask other people where they get their best deals.
Know how much you are prepared to spend. Set your budget and stick to it. Take into account delivery time and delivery
charges.
Start with the question “What’s your best price?” Don't get tricked into telling them what you can afford or how much you want to pay first, let the salesperson give you a price. With that, you have bargaining power.
Always be polite and friendly and be prepared to haggle.
Ask another question “How much for cash?” if you are paying cash. Wait for their response and then ask for Seniors discount (if it applies), or if they would throw in delivery, installation, etc.
Value Add
Ask how much if you buy another item e.g. a lounge suite and a flat screen TV, a washing machine and a dryer, a TV and a DVD player, a dress and a pair of earrings, shoes and a handbag, etc
Always be appreciative of a discount and if you walk away from a deal, make sure you leave a good impression as you leave, you never know when you might be back to deal another great price. And a dollar in your pocket is better than a dollar in someone else's!
Shopping is Shopping
No matter what you are shopping for the routine is the same.
• Do an inventory.
• Make a shopping list.
• Calculate whether you can afford to buy right now or have to save up.
• Do your research.
• Hit the stores and start haggling.
Don't be conned by the super cheap prices and the limited time span. If you don't need or want something then it's not a great deal, it's just expensive clutter. If you do need or want something, and can afford it then stick to the routine and enjoy your shopping.
Just remember: shopping isn't a hobby. Keep that in mind when you're out and about and you will be a super smart shopper.
No wonder they say it's Christmas in June!
Shop Smart
While there are some shoppers who only think seasonally and buy winter boots in winter and bathing suits in summer, there are those of us who think in terms of money-saving shopping all year round.
For example June is a great month for shopping. Not grocery shopping, but shopping for those big ticket items, the one-off purchases we put off until we can't any longer. And August is a great month for stocking up on electronics and baby needs, while we all know that in December we should stock up on party supplies and seasonal baking needs. That's just shopping smart.
Quality Shopping
When considering the cost of an item, take into account how long it will last and how many uses you will get out of it.
For example a pair of runners for $60 might last twelve months while another, cheaper pair at $35 will only last nine months. At first glance it would seem that the more expensive shoe is better value because it lasts longer. In reality the cheaper shoe is better value.
Here’s how to work it out: calculate the cost per month i.e. divide $60 by 12 = $5 per month, while $35 divided by 9 months = $4 per month. The cheaper shoe is better value per wear.
* Look for quality in construction: zippers, buttons and button holes, seams and hems should be checked in clothing to make sure they will stand up to being worn.
* Keep track of how long things last and their original prices so you can then compare when it’s time to replace them.
Make a Deal and Save a Bundle
Anyone can negotiate a great deal with a little preparation and according to professional shoppers, you don't ever need to pay full price.
You do however need to hone your haggling skills. Haggling doesn't come naturally to us Aussies, but it is a skill that is easily learned. And the more you practise is the more you save!
Know what you want. Research your item and the price at different stores. Use catalogues, flyers, the Internet and don't forget to ask other people where they get their best deals.
Know how much you are prepared to spend. Set your budget and stick to it. Take into account delivery time and delivery
charges.
Start with the question “What’s your best price?” Don't get tricked into telling them what you can afford or how much you want to pay first, let the salesperson give you a price. With that, you have bargaining power.
Always be polite and friendly and be prepared to haggle.
Ask another question “How much for cash?” if you are paying cash. Wait for their response and then ask for Seniors discount (if it applies), or if they would throw in delivery, installation, etc.
Value Add
Ask how much if you buy another item e.g. a lounge suite and a flat screen TV, a washing machine and a dryer, a TV and a DVD player, a dress and a pair of earrings, shoes and a handbag, etc
Always be appreciative of a discount and if you walk away from a deal, make sure you leave a good impression as you leave, you never know when you might be back to deal another great price. And a dollar in your pocket is better than a dollar in someone else's!
Shopping is Shopping
No matter what you are shopping for the routine is the same.
• Do an inventory.
• Make a shopping list.
• Calculate whether you can afford to buy right now or have to save up.
• Do your research.
• Hit the stores and start haggling.
Don't be conned by the super cheap prices and the limited time span. If you don't need or want something then it's not a great deal, it's just expensive clutter. If you do need or want something, and can afford it then stick to the routine and enjoy your shopping.
Just remember: shopping isn't a hobby. Keep that in mind when you're out and about and you will be a super smart shopper.