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If you’re anything like us, shopping is one of your favorite hobbies. The only thing we love more than a good shopping spree, is saving money on a good shopping spree. From searching sales sections to coupon hunting–there’s no greater thrill than scoring a good deal. If you’re a big shopper, then you should know about all of the tips and tricks to help save you big bucks. Buyers beware, you’re going to be upset that you didn’t know about these four shopping mistakes sooner. They could be costing you to lose a ton of money!
1. Buying Designer Basics
To save some major cash, keep your basics, basic. Everyone needs a few staple pieces in their wardrobe: a quality cotton white t-shirt, a pair of loungewear pants, a black layering tank top. Don’t buy any of these types of pieces from designer stores. You can save a ton of money buy shopping at Target, Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, and other department stores for basic wardrobe items. Honestly, can you tell the difference between one plain tank top and another? We didn’t think so.
2. Not Getting Cash Back
Let the internet and shopping websites be your friend and sign up for cash back accounts. There are plenty of sites and phone apps that allow you to score major savings on shopping trips. Ibotta links to your loyalty cards and pays you for qualifying purchases. Ebates, practically pays you back to shop by giving up to 25% cash back at more than 2,000 online stores, including name brand and designer ones. There are also price tracker and coupon apps that help you save money and spend less. If you’re trying to save money, avoid paying full price for absolutely any frivolous items, like shoe and clothing purchases.
3. Shopping At Outlet Malls
Beware of outlet malls. They’re a tricky thing because they're equally full of great deals and scams. Many shoppers don’t realize the fine print of sale items while shopping at outlet stores. Most of the discounted items that are in outlets are being sold at the suggested price, not the actual price. This means the piece you are buying was never intended to be sold for full price. Retailers produce merchandise at a cheaper rate, often from what they call their “factory line” and sell it in outlet malls with the suggested full price tag, making customers feel like they scored a huge deal. It’s mainly a gimmick. Instead, shop at overstock stores, like T.J.Maxx and Marshalls, or cheap department stores like Target.
4. Buying New Clothes At The Start Of Every Season
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s often ignored. The best time to shop for new clothes is during off seasons. Meaning, buy your winter clothing in May and your summer clothes in December. Even though during the dead of winter you may not be thinking about next summer’s swimsuit, it’s the best time to buy one. Clothing stores load up their clearance sections to get rid of stock during the off-season months, making this the perfect time for you to buy items you’ll need or love for next year at a discounted price.
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