Do you want to get the best bang for your buck and save money, especially during the holidays? We are inundated with sale ads from merchants who want your business or more accurately your hard earned money. Stores are using targeted customer specials, early bird sales, and coupons to lure you into opening your wallet. Right about now your probably wondering, just how do you decide if those ads are the real deal?
8 Helpful Tips To Get The Most For Your Shopping Dollars
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- 8 Helpful Tips To Get The Most For Your Shopping Dollars
- Shop around
- Read sale ads carefully
- Consider your time and travel costs
- Look for price-matching policies
- Check online
- Evaluate bargain offers that require a purchase of additional items.
- Sale adjustments
- Check the refund and return policies on sale items
Shop around
A “sale” price isn’t always the “best” price. Some merchants may offer a sale price on an item for a limited time; others may discount the price of the same item every day. Having an item’s manufacturer, model number, and other identifying information can help you get the best price for the item you want.
Read sale ads carefully
Some may say “quantities limited,” “no rainchecks,” or “not available at all stores.” Before you step out the door, call ahead to make sure the merchant has the item in stock. If you’re shopping for a popular or hard-to-find item, ask the merchant if he’d be willing to hold the item until you can get to the store.
Consider your time and travel costs
If an item is on sale, but it’s way across town, how much are you saving once you factor in your time, your transportation, and parking?
Look for price-matching policies
Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor’s prices — at least for a limited time. Read the merchant's pricing policy. It may not apply to all items.
Check online
Check out websites that compare prices for items offered online. Some sites also may compare prices offered at stores in your area. If you decide to buy online, keep shipping costs and delivery time in mind.
Evaluate bargain offers that require a purchase of additional items.
For example, “buy one, get one free,” “free gift with purchase,” or “free shipping with minimum purchase” may sound enticing. If you don’t really want or need the item, it’s not a deal.
Sale adjustments
If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount? What documentation will you need?
Check the refund and return policies on sale items
Merchants often have different refund and return policies for sale items, especially clearance merchandise.
For more spending tips you might enjoy reading:
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