How to Become a Savvy Shopper
Buy nothing., Consider all your options., Know what you want., Research larger purchases., Keep a list., Know what is a good price., Stick to the list., Stock up, but be selective about what you stock up on., Consider bargains carefully., Learn to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy nothing.
Many times, not buying anything at all will save you more than buying something on sale. -
Step 2: Consider all your options.
Instead of purchasing something could you make it, get it used, fix something you already own, or do without? Could you use a less expensive alternative or a generic or house brand item? , Write things down while you're at home, where you'll most likely be using most of your purchases. , You don't have to study every loaf of bread, but if you're thinking of buying an appliance, an automobile, a computer, etc., it can be well worth your time to familiarize yourself , If it's more than two items, write them down.
Writing things down while you're at home helps you not to forget them when you're at the store, thus saving you trips, time and money.
This is especially true for day-to-day purchases.
Lists of larger purchases or potential can help you to distinguish between needs and wants, and to consider larger purchases more carefully before buying them.
A list can be a good place to leave things you're still considering.
You may learn more about a particular item or decide you don't need it later on. , For items that you buy routinely, such as groceries, watch the advertisements and know what good prices are and what very low sale prices are.
You can keep a notebook with prices at different stores if it helps.
For items you purchase less frequently, do a price comparison.
Call or shop around to a few different stores.
Look online, too, but don't forget to figure in the extra costs of shipping and taxes. , Stores go out of their way to put the basic items in the back so that you have to wander past prominently placed, colorful bargains.
If you didn't need junk food, colorful sandals, or an extra 100-foot extension cord when you were at home, you don't need it in the store. , Bulk pricing can get you a good deal, but if you end up with 25 pounds of flour and you never bake, it's not really a good deal.
Buy in bulk if you use it, if it will last long enough for you to use it, if you have the space to store it, and if the price is really better than you'd get buying a more moderate quantity. , Is it really a good deal, or is somebody trying to upsell you or persuade you to buy something you don't need? ,, Seeing yourself part company with your money, and parting company only with money you have, can often remind you to spend less.
It can certainly help you keep from overextending yourself. , Will this purchase become clutter? Will you be able to go on using it for a long time? Can you do without it for now? , A restaurant meal, a gym membership, and a monthly cell phone bill are all purchases you should evaluate carefully.
Scrutinize anything with a monthly bill or monthly payment with special care, since a few dollars a month can quickly turn into many dollars per year. , Include taxes, subscriptions, shipping, upkeep, and your own time to use or set up whatever you are purchasing. , Not all prices are negotiable, but it doesn't cost you anything to ask.
Simply asking "Is this the best price you can offer?" can often bring the price down, but depending on the situation, you may want to haggle a bit. -
Step 3: Know what you want.
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Step 4: Research larger purchases.
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Step 5: Keep a list.
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Step 6: Know what is a good price.
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Step 7: Stick to the list.
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Step 8: Stock up
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Step 9: but be selective about what you stock up on.
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Step 10: Consider bargains carefully.
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Step 11: Learn to recognize a sales pitch and resist it.
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Step 12: Spend cash.
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Step 13: Think through the lifetime of your purchase.
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Step 14: Remember that not all purchases are objects.
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Step 15: Figure in all costs when considering a purchase.
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Step 16: Ask for a better price.
Detailed Guide
Many times, not buying anything at all will save you more than buying something on sale.
Instead of purchasing something could you make it, get it used, fix something you already own, or do without? Could you use a less expensive alternative or a generic or house brand item? , Write things down while you're at home, where you'll most likely be using most of your purchases. , You don't have to study every loaf of bread, but if you're thinking of buying an appliance, an automobile, a computer, etc., it can be well worth your time to familiarize yourself , If it's more than two items, write them down.
Writing things down while you're at home helps you not to forget them when you're at the store, thus saving you trips, time and money.
This is especially true for day-to-day purchases.
Lists of larger purchases or potential can help you to distinguish between needs and wants, and to consider larger purchases more carefully before buying them.
A list can be a good place to leave things you're still considering.
You may learn more about a particular item or decide you don't need it later on. , For items that you buy routinely, such as groceries, watch the advertisements and know what good prices are and what very low sale prices are.
You can keep a notebook with prices at different stores if it helps.
For items you purchase less frequently, do a price comparison.
Call or shop around to a few different stores.
Look online, too, but don't forget to figure in the extra costs of shipping and taxes. , Stores go out of their way to put the basic items in the back so that you have to wander past prominently placed, colorful bargains.
If you didn't need junk food, colorful sandals, or an extra 100-foot extension cord when you were at home, you don't need it in the store. , Bulk pricing can get you a good deal, but if you end up with 25 pounds of flour and you never bake, it's not really a good deal.
Buy in bulk if you use it, if it will last long enough for you to use it, if you have the space to store it, and if the price is really better than you'd get buying a more moderate quantity. , Is it really a good deal, or is somebody trying to upsell you or persuade you to buy something you don't need? ,, Seeing yourself part company with your money, and parting company only with money you have, can often remind you to spend less.
It can certainly help you keep from overextending yourself. , Will this purchase become clutter? Will you be able to go on using it for a long time? Can you do without it for now? , A restaurant meal, a gym membership, and a monthly cell phone bill are all purchases you should evaluate carefully.
Scrutinize anything with a monthly bill or monthly payment with special care, since a few dollars a month can quickly turn into many dollars per year. , Include taxes, subscriptions, shipping, upkeep, and your own time to use or set up whatever you are purchasing. , Not all prices are negotiable, but it doesn't cost you anything to ask.
Simply asking "Is this the best price you can offer?" can often bring the price down, but depending on the situation, you may want to haggle a bit.
About the Author
Stephanie Nelson
Writer and educator with a focus on practical DIY projects knowledge.
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