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I normally only accept guest posts from people I solicit them from or from experts. When recent college grad, Brianna, contacted me about a post on bargain shopping from the perspective of someone just starting out, I sensed she might be a kindred spirit. Also, I was curious to see what “the younger set” was doing. I am happy to report that even though I graduated TWENTY years before Brianna, I am still “with it” when it comes to deals! Brianna has some great ideas, so here she is!
When it comes to shopping, finding a good deal always makes the process much more rewarding. Aside from saving some serious money, you can take pride in yourself for finding those brand name shoes at half the price that your friend did. Score!
If you’re a shopaholic, here are seven simple tactics you can incorporate into your shopping to get more bang for your buck.
1. Discounts Add Up!
One of the best ways to bargain shop is to keep an eye out for opportunities to combine discounted items with coupons. For example, Target offers shoppers huge savings with their Cartwheel app! Once you download the app, you can choose the sale items you want when you head out to do your shopping in-store. All you have to do is show the barcode on your smart phone at check out, and voilà, you save! The best part is you can use these extra discounts on already marked down items, making your shopping adventure brag-worthy. [Erica says: Also, check out apps like Ibotta and Favado for additional coupons and rebates at Target, Walmart, Meijer, Kroger, Whole Foods and many more!]
2. Patience is a Virtue
You can also find big savings if you have a little patience. The best time of the year to buy is at the end of a season or end of the year. Plan ahead and browse so that you will be ready for half-yearly, and end of the year sales, to save on all the items you’ve been lusting after. I am a devoted attendee of Nordstrom’s half-yearly sale! Every year Nordstrom has one men’s sale and one women and children’s sale, allowing your inner shopaholic to come out in full force! Who doesn’t want brand names at half the cost?! [Erica says: I agree! I never met a sale rack I did not like. Nordstrom’s is great. Also check out Last Call at Nieman Marcus and the Nordstrom Rack. Marshall’s and TJ Maxx have great last season bargains for those who have the patience to look through all of the racks to spot a gem, too!]
3. Splurge Smart
Another great way to bargain shop is to think about the cost of an item in a new way. How much is the item per wear? How much use will you get out of it? I can admit that sometimes I’ll buy something simply because I can’t pass up an extreme discount, but then find myself wearing that item once or maybe never. Be a savvy bargain shopper and consider how much you’ll wear the item before you buy it. Remember, it’s ok to invest in a high-end piece if you know you’ll wear it often and for a long time to come. After having several cheap watches break over and over again, I’ve learned that investing in a good time piece is worth my money. [Erica says: Another great point. My clothing swap friends can tell you how many similar items with tags I arrived with! Also, check sites like Gilt Group, Rue La La or One Kings Lane for great deals on high end goods!]
4. More Than a Name
While some brand names are known for offering excellent quality products, others make you pay for the brand name alone. If you want to find the best deal on a particular item, it’s important to remember that brand names don’t necessarily mean better items. Often, imitation items work just as well, or sometimes even better than expensive, high-end versions. Once again, consider how much you’ll use it. If it’s something you only need for a one-time event, go for the knock-off version! Emitations offers some of the best faux jewelry I’ve ever purchased. The quality and designs they offer lets me create the looks I want for a lot less money. Being a savvy shopper means knowing when and where to splurge. Some items, such as accessories, are trendy and go in and out of style so investing a lot isn’t worth it. [Erica says: She’s a smart cookie and she will go far!]
5.$Free.99
If you want to get a lot for your money, shop at stores that give you a little something extra for shopping with them. Sephora is always my go-to when I need to restock on beauty products because I never leave without a few samples! Getting a little extra something makes you feel good about the money you spent, and you get to try a few new products you may end up loving! [Erica says: I had to ask what “Free.99” meant and Bri sent me the urban dictionary link that says, “A slang term for something that’s free.” Good thing she didn’t say “free-ninety-nine” which is defined by UD as “something that cost nothing because it was stolen.” To her point, I absolutely agree! That is why I like Abe’s Market and Nuts.com, too. They always send extra samples!]
6. Ask! What’s the Worst That Could Happen?
Sometimes you have to be bold! If you see an item in stores that is on sale, but you bought it at full price a few days or weeks before, ask for a price match! Best Buy, and other retailers, are always looking to please their customers and offer a price match to customers who find a better deal elsewhere. This way, you get what you want, and get the deal you deserve. [Erica says: Go one step further ask the sales person for a better deal than the price in the store. Check out this, and other tips, in my post from “The Consumer” at Chicago Ideas Week from shopping expert Mark Ellwood.]
7. Get Social!
Following your favorite stores on social media platforms is another great way to get access to special offers. Retailers like Kate Spade often post savings opportunities on their Facebook pages, making it easy for their followers to get in on deals. Most of us are already on social media platforms 24/7, so why not save on our shopping while we’re at it?! (Be sure to follow Erica Finds on Facebook and Twitter, too!) [Erica says: Absolutely and there are tons of opportunities for fans to win prizes or get special offers on Facebook, too! Through 4/2 enter to win $50 gift card at Finds’ Fave Flow397! I also try to point out great deals and specials in my Friday Finds posts every Friday, so please stop by.]
Today, you don’t have to sit and wait for your newspaper to bring you a page of coupons to clip out. Being a bargain shopper has never been easier! If you have any tips or tricks that I missed, let me know down below in the comments section. [Erica says: Phew, Brianna knows what a newspaper is! ;)]
Brianna is a recent college graduate working on her portfolio in an attempt to land the job of her dreams. In her free time she enjoys creating new recipes with whatever may be lying around the kitchen, playing intramural soccer and watching horror movies. Grapes are her favorite fruit, because, wine.
Thank you, Brianna, for this awesome post! Please let us know any additional ideas or tips you have!
PS. Don’t forget my Spring Into Fitness Blog Hop giveaway and my All Pro Science Complete Veggie Protein giveaway!