Smart Shopping 101

For millions of us, shopping is synonymous to hunting. We hunt down the best prices for the things we want and need. Here you will find some tips to help you, the next time you are trying to score your money saving catch!

Make a list of items

The last thing a great shopper wants to do is go home with a bunch of stuff they didn't intend to buy. Yes, they are cool, but they were not the things you needed or wanted to buy. Try to limit your list to must haves.

Find stores

List stores that sell the items you need. If you are really good you will find malls or shopping centers that have all or most of the stores you need to visit in one convenient location.

Research

Go online and search the websites for the stores you plan to visit. View the store circulars to find special deals.

Find coupons and sales

go online and get coupons for the items you need. Go online and find coupons for the stores you plan to shop in. There are many websites that offer printable coupons. There are also money saving blogs you can read and get tips on how to get coupons. You can even buy coupons on EBAY, if you start your planning in advance.  Buy Sunday newspapers and search the coupons inserts.  Save coupons, arrange them by category and expiration dates.  Have this coupon collection with you when you shop.

Score BOGOs

Find as many buy one get one free offers as you can. It's like getting the items for half price. If you use coupons with these sales, Forget about it! you are going to be saving money like there is no tomorrow.

Sign up for rewards programs

Most stores offer reward incentives to frequent shoppers. The sign up is usually pain free and fast. You get the card right on the spot and you get to use it every time you shop to score points. The more you shop the more rewards you score. Sometimes sales are only offered to customers that have the reward cards so this is another reason why to consider signing up.

Use gift cards

Use gift cards you have received. Go online and buy gift card from EBAY for cheaper amounts of money than the card value. Go online and find websites that offer gift cards at discounted prices.

Eat before you shop

Look, any skilled hunter will tell you that hunting takes patience and time. You need to be well prepared for an extended shopping trip. Eat well before you go. Take snacks with you if you have to "power up" while you are in mid-shop. You don't want to have to pay for pricey food court meals or convenience specialty shop treats. Drink water and other beverages to stay hydrated.

Wear comfy clothes and shoes

Avoid the occupational hazards that most veteran shoppers have and wear comfy shoes and clothes. I know, I know the mall is a good place to meet new people, but do you honestly think you are going to look very nice with the pinched up face you will get from sore feet and heat exhaustion? Dress in layers that you can remove and replace easily. Wear shoes that allow you to walk and stand for long periods of time. Hey, you want to be ready and able if the time comes when you have to run for that last sale item.

Stock up

If you find ridiculously great deals, stock up. Chances are that you will need those items soon anyway. This will allow you to save money and time on a second trip to the store.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures:

It's happened to the best of us, we miscalculated, and don't have enough to buy the things we want.  What should you do panic? Deprive yourself? Now way! There are some alternative you might want to consider.

Use layaway

Many stores offer a layaway program.  Basically, you shop, sign up, pay a small fee/deposit, and making timely payments until your balance is paid off.  The benefits of using layaway programs are that you set the things you want aside.  That means no one can snatch it up from under you.  It's like your calling dibs on the things you want, they store it for you, you finish paying for them, and then you get to pick them up and enjoy. It's also a bit like window shopping. You select things you want and put them aside.  Keep in mind that layaways are commitments to buy.  If you change your mind about the items you can pay them off and return them. The drawbacks are that you don't get to walk right out of the store with your things.  You need to make the payment installments and that takes time.

Get the store card

An overwhelming majority of stores offer credit cards.  These are credit cards that you can only use in their stores.  Store often have shopping incentives for credit card holders, like coupons or special deals.

Use credit

If all else fails, use your national credit card.