In all honesty, we all know we’re spending too much at the grocery store, but the good news is, you don’t have to. It’s estimated that food prices have increased by about 35% over the last few years, and that means we need better solutions for when we shop. Thankfully, we’ve got them right here! Check out our list of shopping tricks everyone should know.
Discounts
Don’t be embarrassed about asking for discounts. If you’re a military member, have a veteran or retired ID, or are a dependent of a military member, you can receive discounts. If you’re a teacher, student, or senior citizen, you’re eligible for discounts. You’ll never know until you ask, and the worst they can do is say no. With these qualifications, you can get discounts on travel, food, tickets, and more.
Store Apps
Stores almost always have an app, and they offer great discounts when you use them. For instance, Torrid offers rewards at their store, and if you use them during a sale, you can save $100 or more. Walmart offers discounts on its app and provides a savings catch if you find something cheaper at a competitor. All of this adds up when you want to save money.
Trade In
You don’t have to throw away something that you spent a lot of money on. Some stores offer trade-in programs, allowing you to receive credit toward a new purchase. For instance, stores like Best Buy and Target will let you trade in old electronics or car seats. However, always read the fine print on Target’s offers. Customers have reported that you need to obtain the new item immediately to comply with their guidelines.
Free Add Ons
This is another case where all you have to do is ask. A lot of companies want you to shop with them exclusively, so that means giving you a reason to do so. Certain stores offer free items if you purchase a specified number of products. For instance, Sephora offers free samples when you reach a specific spending threshold. Dick’s Sporting Goods will give you a free sharpening when you buy skates and restring rackets. Stores like Nordstrom provide free tailoring on their clothing. It’s all about customer service.
Sales
Stores always have sales, but throughout the year, they’ll have big ones. Blowout sales happen about twice a year, and when they happen, you can save thousands. Be patient and wait for the great deals because it’s worth it. Victoria’s Secret, for example, has huge sales in summer, and it’s a great way to find pretty undergarments and discounted swimwear.
Bulk
Buying in bulk doesn’t just apply to the grocery store. Say you find a great sale at a clothing store. Buying pants or shirts while they’re on sale means you have enough for a year, and you don’t have to shop if you get the right staples that work with everything. Or you can buy clothes in advance and gift them to friends and family for holidays and birthdays.
Stay Focused
It’s easy to get distracted during sales, which can lead to buying things you don’t need. If you see brand-new appliances or gadgets for $100 off, that’s a great deal, but if you’re never going to use them, then it’s not a great deal. Things like ice cream makers and other cool items aren’t something everyone will use daily. Stick with what you need.
Free Gift
We’ve discussed free add-ons above, but you may not know that stores also give out gifts! For instance, some stores offer gift cards when you purchase expensive cookware. If you’re getting married or having a baby, stores often have registries, and they’ll give you gifts for signing up. Other stores offer complimentary gifts, such as perfume, makeup, or samples, at their makeup counters.
Price Adjustment
Stores don’t have a problem doing price adjustments, and it can save you hundreds. All you have to do is ask. Please note, however, that these stores will only honor the adjustment for a limited time. Once that window is closed, it’s closed. You won’t be able to do anything after that point. The time is usually set to about a month after your time of purchase.
Guarantees
Always look for a guarantee, but don’t abuse it! If you’re not satisfied with an item and it comes with a money-back guarantee, you’ll receive a refund. However, this is another area where you have to pay attention to time frames, as some offers only last a year. Stores like L.L. Bean used to offer a lifetime guarantee, but had to stop providing it due to customer abuse.
Online Extensions
We’ve all seen the ads for Honey and other couponing extensions, and while you may be skeptical, they work. All you have to do is install the extension, and they’ll find you coupons immediately. This can be a big help when you don’t want to look online for coupon codes and waste your time.
Price Track
It’s hard to know when a deal is genuinely a good one. A deal often attracts people who think it’s great, and it can be incredibly irritating. To combat this, try going to a price-tracking site. They do all the legwork for you, comparing prices and their history, and alert you when the item goes on sale again.
Gift Cards
Buying discounted gift cards is the latest thing, and it’s legit! There are sites like Gift Card Granny and Raise, recommended by the Krazy Coupon Lady, that allow you to buy or sell gift cards. When you’re buying them, you’ll see that they’re selling for about 80% of their value. If you’re someone who often looks for gift cards as a present for someone or prefers to use them yourself, this is a great way to save.
Seasons
When booking flights, consider going during the off-season for a more affordable option. Stores are the same way! After the holidays, everything is on sale, and it’s a great time to stock up. At Lowe’s, you’ll see 50% off outdoor furniture and other sales during specific times of the year. Be smart about when you shop, and you’ll save a fortune.
Stacking
Most stores will not let you stack coupons, but some still do. Target and Victoria’s Secret are two good examples of chains that will still allow you, provided you follow the store’s rules and the rules printed on the coupon itself. The option to stack, though, is a great way to save you more than you thought.
Save The Right Way
When you want to save money at stores and ensure that you’re not spending your rent money each time you shop, you should try these hacks. If you know what to do and where to look, you can shop until you drop, and it becomes an enjoyable experience instead of something that causes worry.
