Shopping for bargains can help you get a lot more for your money but, but sometimes they are not the bargain you think they are.
Some vendors are constantly trying to lure shoppers into their premises to make a sale. And will use different ways and means to do so.
Some common ways are
Discounts
The lure of a very large discount is irresistible, especially when you come across a large discount being offered off your favorite item. You walk into the shop and are eager to purchase the item. Only to be told that the item has sold out but would you like to buy another instead. The downside is, this particular item is not on sale. You feel cheated and annoyed, naturally.
If you come across an irresistible discount banner, make a mental note of it then see what the item is selling for at other retailers too. It maybe that the item is the same price or less than and the only thing the vendor wants is to get you into their shop. To try to sell you other high value items.
Making a simple price comparison can help you spot if the deal is truly a deal. Or a ruse to get you into the shop. By doing your own research and comparing prices, you’ll get a sense of the average cost of a product available in the marketplace.
Final Sales
It is very common for a business to have a final sale of old items or right before closing doors. Either to move to new premises or to close permanently. So, what can be more alluring than going in for a bargain at this moment, right?
Well, when you’re browsing the final clearance section, pay extra attention to the final sale price. Final sale doesn’t always mean cheap. In fact, retailers will sometimes markup items instead of down because they know you are looking for a bargain. Sodo not assume you are getting a bargain. This is where price comparison comes in handy.
Also, pay attention to when the sale sign first goes up. If you find the same sign every day of the week all year round, well it is safe to say this is no final clearance but an everyday selling ploy
Alerts
We all subscribe to one or two or three alerts from our favourite merchandisers so that they can let us know about upcoming deals. Although you don’t want to miss out on a good deal, subscribing to a lot of these alerts can mean you end up with an endless influx and overflowing inbox. And, yes, promotions have a short shelf life, but the continual alerts will trigger the feeling that you may be missing out on something. And are lured into making an unplanned, unneeded or unnecessary purchase.
So instead of getting a case of FOMO (fear of missing out) about promotions, it’s best to sign up for promotions when you’re in the hunt for something. This way you can give your inbox a break and not be tempted by unnecessary sale items.
Fantastic Reviews
Positively reviewed products and services carry a lot of influence with new customers, and retailers know this. A review carries even more weight when it comes from someone you follow and whose advice and comments you value. The danger is some businesses pay for positive reviews and if the person reviewing does not divulge this information, it is very likely that you may be lured to purchase something that is not as good as the review says it is.
Beware of reviews that lack concrete details about the product or service. Also, pay attention to the dates of the reviews, who is made the review, and if a high volume of positive reviews were posted at the same time, this might be an indication that the reviews were paid for.
Of course, not all reviews are fake, and reviews can be a useful tool when making a purchase decision. However, don’t let the reviews be your be-all and end-all when it comes to making a purchase.
Annual Events
Black Friday, Christmas, Easter, Independence, and Valentine’s days to name a few are exciting periods of the year for shoppers and for businesses. Businesses often stock up, sometimes way in advance of the event, as they know people are shopping for gifts and items around these festive days.
To avoid being lured into paying too much for an item because it a day before the event, keep a festive shopping calendar. Then shop a few months before the actual event. Yes, most things will only be placed on the shelves in the weeks before, but chances are if you keep an eye out you will find the item. Sometimes because the retailer is gauging the market place, you may find the actual item before season.
One of the best ways to avoid the seasonal crush is to shop around and stock up well in advance. Where an item is too high for you to purchase immediately, and are offered the possibility to pay for an item over several months, do so. You will find that, on occasion, the price you pay at the end of the period will be the same as the price the retailer charges during a festive event.
Do double check prices, before you make any special event purchases.
