Shop smart: tips to help you get good deals
It would be easy to turn into the grinch who stole holiday cheer this season. Instead, why not be smart about cutting down spending.
The January 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, offers these tips to prevent overspending this season and help us get the best deal every time. Here are some shopping screts:
Start online.
* Try on shoes and clothes for size in the store, and then watch for them to go on clearance online.
* Check eBay first. Even if you skip the auctions and only buy items that have the “buy it now” option, you can save $$$ off the retail price.
Dodge hidden charges and unwanted merchandise.
* Always check return costs and see if items bought online can be returned to a local store, especially for large purchases.
* If it’s a bargain, grab it, but think twice about final-sale items.
Don’t pay full price.
* Before you check out online, Google “promotion code” and the name of the product to find additional savings.
*When planning a trip to outlet stores, find printable coupons online for preferred stores.
* Request a price adjustment after you have made a purchase if you find a lower price in sale circulars or on sites such as Price Protectr.com that can track prices for you.
Shop when you’re at your best.
* Don’t shop when you’re exhausted. You’ll be less likely to shop around and you won’t pay attention to prices.
* Get dressed up when you go shopping. You will feel less desperate for a makeover and avoid blowing big bucks.
It never hurts to ask.
* Don’t underestimate your bargaining power, even at the doctor’s office.
* Ask sales associates for advance notice of sales. Then shop the night before the sale and ask to have full price items put on hold until the sale starts.
Get the biggest bang for your buck.
* Ask for freebies. For example, if you buy a TV ask for free delivery.
* If a salesperson won’t budge on a price, see if you can negotiate an upgrade.
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