8 tips that make you a wiser shopper this winter

Be very clear on what you are looking for

The high end items very often have the largest discount during the season. So, it is natural to want them irrespective of whether you actually need them. If you buy those bespoke leather shoes on sale, when instead you were looking for a good quality business bag, you have not saved any money at all. Remember it’s not a bargain if you don’t need it.

Do some background research

Know which stores offer the best deals for the items you need. If you can research before the sales start, so much the better. Upmarket accessories, that you would give your right arm for, which are usually out of range for many of us, are usually up for sale at this time of the year.

Sign up for updates

Sign up for email alerts from your favourite stores and follow their social media feeds. They come out with offers multiple times per week. Plan a visit to their store or shop online to maximise the benefit.

Learn to negotiate

Ask for a further discount when purchasing multiple items from the same retailer. Usually, you will require a manager to authorise this. The worst thing that can happen is they can say no. It doesn’t hurt to ask for it.

Join a loyalty program

Most of your favourite retailers offer reward cards to loyal shoppers. The holidays are a great time for you to sign up for loyalty programs and take advantage of their shopping perks. Stay updated with your favourite store’s sale days and get early access to coupons and discounts.

Always save your receipts

Receipts are your ticket to efficient returns. You can also track your expenses with them and ensure that you are within the budget. Be sure to double-check your sale slips for accuracy. With all the commotion of the holidays, it’s important to make sure that all the discounts are applied and you were charged correctly.

Shop Online

Shopping during the winter sales can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming. So, if you can’t face the hoards why not try and look for your favourite bargains online. However, be sure to protect yourself from hackers & scammers. Due to the increased exposure of financial information, you become susceptible to identity theft. If you plan to shop online, make sure you are purchasing from a trusted and secure site.

Waiting for the beginning of the sale period, means that there will be a mad rush for the items you wish to purchase. However, if you find something you like, it’s well worth the wait.