Trying to save money when shopping often means spending a lot of time instead. If you don’t like to shop or if you don’t have time to go from store to store, here are some ways to shop thrifty without spending all your time.
Shop with a list: Obvious? Yes, but it’s still true. Making your list ahead of time helps prevent guesswork and trips back to the store for something you forget. If you keep to the list, you can avoid making impulsive buys.
Always eat first: You don’t want to end up with a ton of impulse buys that you would ‘never’ have bought if you were not hungry. It is a waste of money and probably not helpful on the waistline either!
Buy quality: Some may say that being frugal means paying the lowest price, but it means getting the best value for your money. Quality items work better and last longer. You can buy one great pair of shoes to wear for years instead of going shopping to place them every season. Sure, there’s a time and place for temporary purchases. But, in general, having fewer, better things means you spend less time to maintain and place your stuff.
Know your brands: It’s good to compare prices, but sometimes you need to be able to choose something quickly. If you know which brands are usually the best deals, then you have a better chance of getting a value even if you don’t stop to compare prices that day.
Check the store’s return policy: If you don’t have time to shop, you definitely don’t have time to deal with a difficult return policy. Ask if you need the receipt, how many days you have, and if you can receive a full refund instead of store credit in case you return the item.
Stick to the plan: Department stores put the men’s section on the first floor by the door. They understood most men just want to buy something fast, and not wander around the store browsing. Let that be your strategy. Choose a time when the store won’t be so busy (not Saturdays), and then go. Don’t get distracted by other good deals — only come home with the item you planned to buy.
Stick to your budget: You should know in advance the maximum you’ve allotted to spend at the grocery store. Many people go to the grocery store and pay using a credit card. This is a big mistake. Leave the credit cards at home. Only go to the supermarket with cash or debit card. This is an easy way to keep on track with your budget.
Mixing and matching: Instead of buying new clothes, learn to use the ones you already own. Many people have more than enough clothes in their closets and bureaus. Save time shopping by learning to mix and match your existing wardrobe in new ways.
Shop once a week: To save time and money on transport do not shop more than once per week. Buy items once a week and make sure it lasts the entire week so you don’t need to waste time on weekdays for regular shopping. For perishable items like fruit and vegetables, do not buy large quantities that will last more than a week. The money you try to save by buying in bulk will be eaten up, as most of the vegetables will remain unused and rot, and likely, end up in the garbage bin.
Ask and you shall find: Here is the technique that will save you lot of time and some money. Inside the shop if you don’t know the location of an item, simple; ask the shop people where to find it. If it’s takes you 10 minutes to find the items, asking will land you straight to the item in less than a minute. Also you won’t be tempted to buy other ‘stuff’ you happen to see when you are searching. So don’t hesitate, just ask.
Buy near and save more: If there is a shop near your home choose to shop there, instead of at a discount shop 10 miles away. Even if the shop close by is a bit more expensive you will end up saving on time and transport costs. — Agencies
