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33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips
by Sandy
Shields
Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping
tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide
to strengthen your purchasing power.
1. Plan your spending. Avoid
impulse buys.
2. Advertised items are not necessarily the
cheapest.
3. Watch for unadvertised specials.
4. Remember to ask
for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.
5. To avoid crowds, do not shop
after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.
6. Buy items before you
run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price,
instead of regular price
when you must have the item.
7. Know the sales cycle in your
area.
8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is
a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.
9. Due to
volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller
ones.
10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I
deserve it" mentality.
11. Buy at the end of the season.
12. Stock
up when prices are low.
13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage
stores, thrift stores, consignment shops,
warehouse clubs, yard sales, and
garage sales.
14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price
on all items.
15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends
to shop sales for each other.
16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only
help fill your shopping cart.
17. Check the entire store for specials and
alternatives.
18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be
afraid to ask questions.
19. Know your prices, keep a price
book.
20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price
book helps you.
21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always
cheaper.
22. Look at unit prices.
23. You pay more for fancy
packaging. Beware.
24. Remember the "Rule of Three":
If an item has
three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your
money.
25. Never pay full price.
26. Shop
defensively.
27. Try store and generic brands.
28. Watch as the
clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.
29. Shop for gifts
year round.
30. Return purchases that do not meet your
expectations.
31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.
32. Call
before you go to confirm item is available.
33. If you must, leave the
checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.
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Sandy is a freelance
writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com.
She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping
others to do the same.
Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and
frugal tips.
Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright ©
TheFrugalShopper.com
2001.
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