Smart Shopping – Tips to save money and time



Trying to save money when shopping often means spending a lot of time instead.  If you don’t like to shop or if you don’t have time to go from store to store, here are ways to shop carefully without spending all your time.
Shop with a list. This is the cardinal rule of shopping. The list represents your shopping needs. Making your list ahead of time helps prevent guesswork and trips back to the store for something you forgot. If you keep to the list, you can avoid making impulsive buys. Sure, a newspaper only costs Ksh.50, but if you spend an extra Ksh.50 every time you make a trip to the supermarket, you waste a lot of money.
Know your brands.  It’s good to compare prices, but sometimes you need to be able to choose something quickly.  If you know which brands is usually the best deal and you have a past experience with them, then you have a better chance of getting a value even if you don’t stop to compare prices that day.
Discard brand loyalties. Some occasions be willing to experiment. You may have a favorite brand of sugar, for example, but does it really matter? Go with what’s on sale for the lowest unit price. You may find you like the less expensive product just as well. If you try a cheaper brand and are disappointed, it’s okay to return to your regular brand.
Buy quality.  Some may say that being frugal means paying the lowest price, but I think it means getting the best value for your money.  Quality items work better and last longer.  You can buy one great pair of shoes to wear for years instead of going shopping to replace them every season.  Sure, there’s a time and place for temporary purchases. But in general, having fewer, better things means you spend less time to maintain and replace your stuff.
Check your receipt. Make sure your prices are scanned correctly. Sale items, especially, have a tendency to be in the computer wrong, and yet few people ever challenge the price at the till. You don’t need to hold up the line: simply watch the price of each item as it’s scanned. If you suspect an error, step to the side and check the receipt as the clerk begins the next order. If there’s a problem, politely point it out. It’s your money. Ask for it.
Check the store’s return policy.  If you don’t have time to shop, you definitely don’t have time to deal with a difficult return policy.  Ask if you need the receipt, how many days you have, and if you can receive a full refund in case you return an item.
Make one large trip instead of several small ones. Each time you enter any store is another chance to spend. By reducing the frequency of your trips, you’re not only avoiding temptation, but you’re also saving money on other overheads like time and fuel if you are driving.
Stick to the plan.  Supermarkets put the men’s section on the first floor by the door.  They understand most men just want to buy something fast, and not wander around the store browsing. Choose a time when the store won’t be so busy (not weekends), and then go.  Don’t get distracted by other good deals displayed rather only come home with the item you planned to buy.
Shop on a full stomach. Though looking funny but studies have shown that people who shop when they are hungry end up buying more.

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