Shopping 101: Five Clever Shopping Hacks that Help You Save Money

“If shopping does not make you happy, then you are in the wrong shop!” -Mimosa Rose

Characterized by feelings of sheer impulse and indulgence, some women often offer this sagely advice: No decision should ever be made on an empty shopping bag. In one way or another, we can often see the merits of this sentiment. After all, when one lavishes himself or herself with a shopping treat or two, it would only inevitable for feelings of euphoria and contentment to ensue. Unfortunately, catering to our every frivolous shopping whim might land us in a tight pecuniary situation, so it is best to exercise a little discipline as regards our shopping sprees. However, while we need to exercise a little caution as regards our expenditures, there is no absolute need to curtail it completely. So, whether your are looking for the latest sartorial trend or the newest cosmetic line in any ayala malls circuit, here are some tips that might help you stay within your budget without sacrificing your proclivity for shopping:

1.) Pay attention during checkout

Even machines make mistakes and it is important that you look out for it. Every time you have your purchases ringed up by the sales associate, observe the little screen. In the rush of ensuring every customer is taken care of, sales associates often miss the incorrectly marked items. Ensure you are paying the correct total price by keeping a close eye out. It might be as little as a one peso difference, but when you add that up, it could be quite a lot.

2.) Start shopping early for things you need

You might have a cocktail party coming up in the next couple of months, but seeing as it is so far away, you tend to hold out on shopping until the very last minute. Not only will this result into a dilemma of being unable to find an outfit you really want, but there is a likely chance that the ones left would be rather expensive. Shop at the earliest time possible–especially when there is a sale! You might just be surprised, but the dress you will come to love might actually be half off its original price.

3.) Use an app to score discounts

Call it contemporary coupon clipping, but some apps available for smartphones are what would be modern day counterparts to coupons. Download apps such as Retail Me Not and the like and you will have every single sale listing (both online and in-store purchasing) displayed right in your phone.

4.) Do not carry a shopping basket

Unless you are in a grocery store, there is no need for you to carry that shopping basket around. Sure, it might mean more of a hassle to carry clothes in your hands, but it potentially saves you the risk of buying more. In fact, call it a clever marketing scheme, but shopping baskets present in retail stores apart from groceries are scientifically proven to entice shoppers to fill them up with more purchases. Avoid grabbing impulse purchases and skip the shopping basket or cart. In this way, you know you will only be getting what you want.

5.) Try everything on before buying them

It is a universal fact that to save yourself from buyer’s regret, you should try everything on before you check them out in the counter. Unfortunately for us, laziness can be overwhelming or you might not just have the time to queue up in the fitting rooms. Sure, you might know your size and can simply buy what you want from a retail store you frequently patronize, but there might be times wherein you will be left unsatisfied by an item you buy–even if it does fit you. Fortunately, some stores are lenient with return policies, but others would not be as receptive to your request. Save yourself from this dilemma by trying everything on before checking them out in the counter.