Isn’t it time that you saved money while shopping? No matter whether your goal is to pay off your debt, save money for a home or retirement, or take your ideal vacation, we would all like to keep more of our earnings.
While it can be hard to adjust your money habits, there are other ways to reign in savings while you shop.
[Read: Great Tips on How You Can Save Money on a Wedding]
Read on for some shopping hacks that will save you money.
1. Ask About Discounts
This shopping hack will save you money with no additional work. All you have to do is ask the manager if a better price is available. This can even work at the supermarket. If you notice a discounted product, ask about deals for bundles if you typically tend to buy in bulk. You can easily end up saving a lot of money this way.
2. Price Matches
Take advantage of the price match guarantees that many retailers offer. There are even price comparison apps that will help save you time, such as ShopSavvy and RadLaser. These apps can help you find the best price possible. If you shop at a store that offers price matching, all you have to do is show them the advertised lower price and viola – you have saved money without having to alter your shopping habits.
3. Get connected
This may be the easiest shopping hack that will save you money of all. Who isn’t on some form of social media these days? Connecting with your go-to brands via social media helps you stay current with their sales and promotions. Make sure to sign up for emails, as many companies offer exclusive coupons for subscribers only.
4. Get thrifty
Secondhand shops have helped me buy many products. As long as you are careful, the benefits of this shopping hack that will save you money outweigh the risks. I have used online secondhand shops to purchase dining sets, games, electronics, and more. Facebook “garage sale” groups, Craigslist, and Ebay are popular places to purchase gently used items online. In addition, upscale consignment shops are gaining popularity.
5. Time your shopping
Remember this important shopping hack that will save you money: shopping during low periods can score discounts on almost anything you can dream of.
Here are a few ways to help find best times to shop for specific goods:
- Markdowns are often applied in the morning at grocery stores. Get there early.
- Don’t get sucked in by holiday sales. If it seems too good to be legitimate, walk away. Often times, prices are marked up during the holidays to make the discount seem bigger than it actually is. Check the prices against pre-sale advertisements to make sure you are getting the best deal.
- Patience, patience, patience. If you can wait until after the season ends to purchase a non-necessity, your wallet will thank you.
6. Clearance rack shopping
Growing up, my parents always made a beeline for the clearance rack first. Now I understand why. They already knew about this shopping hack that will save you money, and boy did it pay off in spades. While exceptions were occasionally made for necessities, they saved thousands throughout the years by sticking to clearance racks for clothes, home goods, and more.
7. Coupons
This shopping hack that will save you money is my favorite of all. If your coupon has expired, don’t just throw it away. Many times, stores will still accept them or exchange it for one that has not yet expired. If the clerk says they cannot do that, let them know you are prepared to walk away from buying the item. Often times, this is enough to get them to give you the discount.
8. Gentle threats
Have you recently called your insurance company or cable provider to ask for a discount lately? Taking the time to do this every quarter can save you tons of money. When you try this shopping hack that will save you money, make sure you remember to communicate gently so the representative is willing to offer assistance. You may wish to start with a compliment and by reminding the company of your loyalty to them. This small act can pay off in dividends.
9. Cash is king
This is best when purchasing a high-priced item like home goods. Offering to pay in cash lets the sales representative know you are serious. This is especially true with smaller companies, as they often are hit harder by credit card processing fees.
[Read: When Coupons Trick You into Spending More Money]
10. Generic brands are equivalent
Generic items are often equivalent to their brand name alternatives. This is especially true with medications, so long as the active ingredients are the same for each. You can save up to $1.50 per item this way.
Even if you only use a few of these hacks, it is possible to save more than you ever imagined possible.