Stores know that once your wallet is open it’s alot easier to spend. Over the last few years we’ve seen advertising tactics to start the spending craze earlier and keep it going longer.
But there are steps we can implement to help slow the spending craze and have a better chance at buying what we do need and leave the fluff on the shelf.
Stop to calculate the “deal”
Everyone loves a good deal and they are out there, but how do you know if it’s truly a bargain?
Calculating sales
You can bring a calculator along or do a quick calculation trick in your head.
10% is easy, it’s $1 out of $10 or $10 out of $100. So if it’s 70% off simply figure out the 10% and triple it (or 80% off double it). A $10 item @ 70% off would be $3.
BOGO
Often, if you compare to regular price it’s often not that great of a deal, in fact you may just be buying two items at regular price.
In and Out
Did you know stores play slower music and adjust lighting to create an ambiance in which you want to stay and shop and shop… and shop?
If you are there for one item, focus and get in and out. I actually experimented with going after a workout and leaving my upbeat music playing on my earbuds. I got done grocery shopping a half hour earlier.
Take time to think about your purchase
Businesses create a sense of urgency by holding weekend sales or giving store credit with expirations to get you to spend before you miss out.
Stop and think, do I really want this kicking around my house? Will my children play with this past Christmas morning?
Imagine if you bought it where would be its new permanent place in your home.
If you feel good about all your answers, by all means get that deal, but if not, it’s ok. A deal is only a deal it if it improves your life.
Early on in our marriage while looking for an apartment we came across a pushy apartment salesperson who said, if we wanted it at that price we had to sign today (we had wanted to look around before we committed). It was so off-putting to us that we walked away. We determined there and then that if it was really that good of a deal (especially if it was a large sum of money) we should be able to think about it.
Set some ground rules
If something doesn’t have a price or the price is unclear, decide before you ask the retailer, what price you would be willing to pay. If I think an item is worth $10 and they tell me $5 – done deal, I feel awesome. But if they say it’s $20, I’ve already decided, I don’t have to make a decision in front of them (and possibly end up buying it for too much money).
If you have a lot of door-to-door salespeople adopt the rule that you don’t make large financial decisions on the doorstep. If they really want your business they will let you think about it and call them back. This will give you time to calculate for example, how much solar panels would save you or cost you before you sign. (check out 5 Ways to Stay Warm and Save money energy savings post for quick and inexpensive ways to save)
My roommate’s parents lost their home to a mortgage refinancer that came to the door and convinced her elderly father to sign and refinance.
Remember the old, but true advice
If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Decide today to not let yourself be rushed into a good deal – if it’s truly a good deal, it will be there in the morning.
What shopping tricks do you use to find the real bargains?
Consumers have to watch both online and in the store. Some deals are not deals. Some stores do play games with the prices.
Yes, it’s true.