It’s a given that shopping involves spending money, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about it and save a few dollars along the way! There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you save money while you shop. And in girl math, the money you save is just extra earnings in your pocket! From browser extensions to the best times to shop, consider this your savvy shopping guide.
Use these tips to save money the next time you go shopping:
Use Browser extensions, such as Honey
If you’re new to the world of browser extensions, you’re in for a treat. Honey, for example, is completely free to download, and it automatically searches for coupon codes while you shop. At checkout, you just click the Honey extension, and it does the rest – trying any and all recent coupon codes that customers have used on the specific site you’re shopping at. (Not sponsored, we just love it).
Wait for sales
It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway – wait for sales. Especially if you’re planning on going on a shopping spree. That way, you’ll only spend a fraction of what you normally would. Different stores and brands have varying sale patterns, but dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Boxing Day, and towards the end of each season, are safe bets to expect markdowns. Also… you already know we love a good warehouse sale.
Make Wish Lists
One of the best ways to save money is by avoiding impulse buys. Keep a shopping wish list on hand and try not to stray from it. For example, if you notice a particular gap in your wardrobe, jot it down in your notes app and focus on shopping for the things on your wish list rather than just aimlessly shopping. You can also make wish lists directly on most online retailer’s websites in order to keep tabs on your most coveted pieces.
Pay With A Credit Card
You have to be careful with this one, as it can be all too easy to slip into debt, but simply paying with your credit card instead of debit or cash (only spending the amount you would on debit or cash, anyway) can earn you points and cashback (depending on your plan), but it also allows you to shop in a secure way.
Sign-Up For Emails
As much as no one likes receiving too many branded emails in their inbox, you never know when that one email with a coupon code or information on a limited-time sale will come in. It’s definitely worth signing up for your favourite brand’s email subscriptions! Fun fact: In our weekly newsletter, we always include a round-up of 20 sales happening at the moment. 😉
Join Rewards Programs
Almost every brand you shop at likely has some kind of rewards program at this point. Be sure to join the reward programs from your favourite brands to get all kinds of perks. Sephora, for example, offers a point-based rewards program, where you can earn points to get free products or money off – plus get access to exclusive discounts during sale times.
Know The Return Policy
We’ve all been guilty of buying an item, it not working out, and then it just ends up staying in the bag past the literal point of no return. Before buying anything, make sure to know the return policy, and actually return within the return window if it doesn’t end up working out! Otherwise, you might as well just throw out your money.
Compare Prices
Shopping savvy is all about making informed shopping decisions. Before pulling the trigger on a specific item, do your research to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Use Coupons
Whether you’re shopping online or in person, never neglect the power of a coupon! Browse the internet, check your mail for flyers, and tune into your favourite influencers offering discount codes!
Do Your Own Quality Inspecting
When shopping in person, always do your own quality inspection. Check for any flaws, loose seams, or signs of a poorly made item. Follow @wangjenniferr on TikTok for tips on what to look for when checking garments for quality. When shopping online, be sure to perform your own little inspection when you receive it before pulling off any tags.
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