Every mum knows the art of bagging a bargain, a critical skill that helps keep the household budget in check.
With the cost of living on the rise and the pressing need to save every penny, finding deals is essential. A good deal can help people get by. If you’re in a similarly uncomfortable position with yourself and your family, then doubt you’ll want to get as much mileage out of your money as possible.
The good news is that there are countless avenues for finding these elusive discounts. Such is especially true now that so much of shopping, and thus bargain hunting, can now be done online too!
As with all things, that are better ways to proceed! Given the pressing need for bargains today, we’ve collated a quick list of tips to help you clinch some money-saving purchases.
Be Patient and Watch for Sales
Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to finding a bargain. Most retailers have sales at specific times of the year. January sales, Black Friday, and Boxing Day are well-known, but many stores also have mid-season sales and end-of-line clearances.
Get to know the sale cycles of your favourite retailers and plan your purchases accordingly. Always refer back to your budget and shopping list to avoid unnecessary spending. You can still deplete your bank account if you’re splashing the cash on several bargains. Restraint is key, and only some bargains are truly brilliant!
There are online platforms that brings together deals and offers from different retailers in one place. Supersales is straightforward to use; simply search for a product, and Supersales will display a list of retailers selling it, ranked by price. The platform also curates the best offers from various retailers. In mere moments, you could be browsing the latest from the Clarks sale, for instance. It takes the hassle out of hunting for deals, saving you both time and money. You can also set price alerts for products you’re interested in, meaning Supersales will notify you when the price drops.
Explore Online Discount Codes and Vouchers
The internet is a treasure trove of potential savings with an abundance of discount codes and vouchers available. Many websites offer up-to-date and exclusive discounts for a plethora of online and high-street retailers. Sign up for their newsletters to get these directly in your inbox.
Start by checking these sites before making any online purchases. Enter the retailer’s name into the search bar, and if a code or voucher is available, it should pop up. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, as some discounts apply only to specific products or require a minimum spend.
Another trick is to leave items in your online shopping cart for a day or two. Some retailers will send you a discount code to entice you to complete your purchase. Just ensure you’re signed into your account so the retailer knows where to send the code.
Of course, you may also have discount codes and vouchers collected already, gathering dust in your wallet or email. Try not to forget about those! They can have deadlines for their validity, but if you’re in luck, you may just be able to get a good bargain thanks to your past decisions!
Sign Up for Retailer Email Alerts
Most retailers offer a sign-up incentive to join their mailing list, often in the form of a discount code. Moreover, being part of their email list means you’re among the first to hear about sales and special offers.
For instance, some well-known retailers may provide a welcome discount when you sign up. Others could send you personalised deals based on your previous shopping history.
The trick here is to have a dedicated email for your subscriptions to avoid clogging your main account. This way, when you’re ready to shop, you can quickly scan through your emails for relevant discounts.
Utilise Cashback Websites
Cashback websites can help you earn a little extra with every purchase. When you shop through these sites, they earn a commission from the retailer, which is then shared with you as ‘cashback’.
It’s simple to use. Sign up, search for the retailer, click on their link, and shop as usual. After your purchase, you’ll see a cashback credit in your account, which can be withdrawn straight to your bank or converted into gift vouchers. It might seem like small savings initially, but over time these add up, particularly for larger purchases.
You should always check you’re working with reputable cashback websites and not a scam service. To get that peace of mind, consult trusted online resources that will authorise recommendations and provide further guidance on the subject.
Consider Buying Pre-Loved Items
Buying pre-loved or second-hand items is an underappreciated way to find a bargain. Not everything needs to be brand new, and with all the online marketplaces out there today, you can find quality items for a fraction of the retail price.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews. And always remember to ask for more details or photos if you’re unsure about the item’s condition. When buying pricier items, like electronics or furniture, it’s always a good idea to see the item in person before parting with your hard-earned money. Remember – it’s only a bargain if the affordable item is of the quality you were expecting. Sometimes, things are so cheap because they’re badly made!
Car boot sales and local markets can be a goldmine for bargains. From clothes and toys to books and home decor, you’ll find a wide variety of pre-loved items sold at affordable prices.
Apart from the savings, attending these events can be a fun family outing, and they’re often orchestrated to be that way, too. It’s a chance for your children to learn about budgeting and the value of money. If you’re all searching for bargains together, so much the better! Remember to bring cash, as not all sellers will have card facilities, and haggling is often welcome.
Download Money-Saving Apps
Nowadays, there are numerous apps designed specifically for savvy shoppers. These applications, available on both iOS and Android, can help you find the best deals and discounts.
Some can automatically find and apply coupon codes when you shop online, ensuring you never miss a potential saving. Other apps can compare prices across UK supermarkets, ensuring you always get the lowest price on your groceries.
You could also download a price tracker that shows you a product’s price history and allows you to set up alerts for price drops. Such apps are a hassle-free way to save money and require little effort on your part.
Browse Social Media
Social media is another useful platform for finding deals. Retailers often announce sales and exclusive offers on their social media accounts, so be sure to follow your favourite brands on all your favourite platforms.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Few people can resist a bargain, too. If your loved ones have encountered them, most of them will soon shout them out. For once, other people’s showing off and bragging can be used to your advantage!
Often, social media sites host local selling groups, which can also be excellent for finding second-hand items in your area. These platforms often have strict rules to ensure fair trading and protect buyers, but as always, it’s essential to exercise caution and common sense when buying from individuals.
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