As a super shopper and an experienced retail salesperson herself, Susan is the perfect source to give us some tips for how to secure the best bargains while out in the stores this holiday season. Here are her top six shopping tips:
1. Make Friends: Become acquainted with the sales associates at your favorite stores. They can be an informative source for learning of upcoming promotions and unadvertised deals. Your sales associate friend can also tip you off as to what days of the week the store does their new markdowns and adds merchandise to the sale rack. Sales associates may be familiar with the days of the week for incoming merchandise in off-price stores to ensure that you get access to the best picks.
2. Go "Off," Not "Out:" Off-price stores most often beat outlet stores in terms of price, quality and up-to-the minute fashions. Very often, outlet stores only have last year's merchandise or merchandise manufactured specifically for their outlet store. Off-price stores do not only receive last year's merchandise; they receive new styles that were "overrun" by the manufacturer.
3. Request a "Price Adjust:" Always inquire as to whether a retail store does competitive price matching. Additionally, many major retailers will provide a price adjustment on markdowns within a certain time frame.
4. Be "Thrifty:" Haunt thrift stores. You can even score brand-new merchandise still in original packaging, since retail stores and individuals often donate never-used merchandise. Shop at thrift stores not only allows you to buy on the cheap, but you also get to make a difference by supporting charities that the proceeds are donated to.
5. For Big Buys, Stick with a Store You Trust: Shop with retailers who stand behind their merchandise. High ticket items should stand the test of time. When buying a big-ticket item, buy from a trusted retailer who you know will stand behind the quality of the product.
6. Say "No" to Layaway: A definite no-no is layaway. Stores often charge as much as 20% to hold the item; then, if it goes on sale, you do not receive the discounted price. Additionally, if you decide against the item being purchased, you may be charged a penalty. Read the contract and avoid layaway.
6. Say "No" to Layaway: A definite no-no is layaway. Stores often charge as much as 20% to hold the item; then, if it goes on sale, you do not receive the discounted price. Additionally, if you decide against the item being purchased, you may be charged a penalty. Read the contract and avoid layaway.
I love this! I had a customer in my department the other day who asked me if there was a difference in the quality of Coach handbags at the Coach outlet stores versus any good department store. There is! She said that in the outlet store she was in the lining of the Coach bags wasn't the same as the identical bag at my store. You really nailed it the reasons!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for those tips so helpful. Anyway, when it comes on shopping it is also better if you go shopping and pay for a cash than credit cards or rather cheque.
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