Most peoples default response is to go to a shop anytime they need something, but thats not the only way to obtain a needed item. Ask yourself these questions:
Can I get it for free?
If you do not need something right away, which is usually the case, it is worth searching on community ad sites like Gumtree or asking around to see if anyone you know is getting rid of whatever you want.
Can I borrow it?
This tactic can be a great money-saver for any item that you use infrequently or will only need to use once. For example, if you only need to use a drill once a year when you move and have to reinstall your curtain rods, you can get by with borrowing a drill from someone else. Many home improvement stores even have tools you can rent. Likewise, instead of spending money on the newest bestseller novel that you will probably only read once, head down to your local library and see if you can borrow the book.
Tip 2: Negotiate When Possible
Some prices are set in stone, and it's a waste of time trying to negotiate with someone who won't budge. However, when you think there's some wiggle room, consider these strategies:
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Can I negotiate a lower price?
While you probably can't negotiate the price on many items, like new DVDs or a pack of gum, there are plenty of situations where you can negotiate, even in a retail store. For example, if an item is cosmetically damaged, a store may be willing to offer a small discount because that blemished items tend to be more difficult to sell. If a salesperson wants you to buy extras with a new computer or mobile phone plan, ask for a discount - the salesperson may be allowed to offer discounts in order to close the deal on big value purchases. Of course, if you're buying an item from a private party, you can always negotiate. Also, you probably already know not to automatically pay the asking price on a car or house, because negotiation is standard practice on these major purchases and the asking price is generally higher than the real amount the seller will accept.
Tip 3: Time Your Purchase
If you wait to purchase something until you really need it, you are more likely to pay the asking price, but with a little advanced planning, you can save big bucks.
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Will this item go on sale?
If you want an electronic item, you will probably have to wait patiently after it is introduced - a sale will emerge once a newer model comes out or the regular price will drop as supply increases and demand drops. As new items become more popular, even if they don't officially go on sale, you may be able to get a good deal on eBay. Certain everyday items, like groceries, toiletries and cosmetics, will always go on sale sooner or later, providing an opportunity for you to stock up when your favorite brands are priced at a discount. For anyone who does not closely follow the latest fashion trends, clothes are best purchased during end-of-season sales, even if it means you do not get much use out of them until the following year.
Might there be a coupon for this item somewhere?
Combine sales with coupons, and you will save even more. For the internet-savvy, eBay can be a great source of coupons, such as 10 buy-one-get-
When shopping online, search for the store's name plus "coupon code" before making a purchase. Many sites will advertise coupon codes to help give consumers a break. Sometimes you'll enter coupon codes to no avail, but sometimes you'll get lucky and get some savings like £5 off shipping fees or 20% off your entire purchase. It's always worth taking a few minutes to look.
Can I get a better price somewhere else?
It is usually a bad idea to buy an item at the first place you see it because very likely it is cheaper somewhere else. For expensive purchases where you have a lot to gain by comparing prices, and for situations, like online shopping, where it is extremely easy to compare prices, the savings you will achieve are worth the extra time and effort. However, if you will not save much or are likely to waste a lot of time, petrol and money by shopping around, probably not worth it. If you are pressed for time, you can avoid shopping around altogether by making a habit of doing all of your shopping at stores that regularly offer bargain prices, and you will be confident that you are already getting a good deal.
Tip 4: Substitute
If the item you want to buy does not quite fit into your budget, think about similar but less expensive alternatives.
Is there an alternative that does the job I need it to?
Figuring out the real reason behind a pending purchase can help you brainstorm ways to achieve the same result more affordably. For example, if you are worried about being bored during a long flight, you may want to buy a £100 spare battery for your laptop so you can get some work done. In this case, your main concern is not really getting more work done, but rather finding a way to occupy your time. Instead of buying that extra battery, you could use your laptop on the most energy-efficient setting until the battery runs out, and then spend the rest of the flight reading a library book.
Do I really want this?
Wish lists can go a long way toward preventing impulse buying. By keeping a never-ending wish list, a person is less likely to buy items that have not been contemplated for at least a month, which provides sufficient time to decide whether the item is a necessity or just a want.
If the mere prospect of saving money is not enough incentive, consider the opportunity cost of buying an item. Maybe that new suit or purse is not worth it when you could use the money toward going on a vacation.
Tip 5: Expand Your Shopping Universe
If you normally head straight to your favorite website, speciality store, or the mall when you need to buy something, consider these other shopping options that can save you a great deal of money:
Does it make sense to buy this item in bulk?
Consider big box discounters as a source for the same products you normally buy at more expensive, specialized stores. Even on inexpensive items like shampoo and toothpaste, some supermarket prices can be significantly higher than others. As an added bonus, you can knock out several visits to smaller stores with one visit to a big store, which also saves you time. But keep in mind that it does not always make sense to buy in bulk.
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The ideas presented in this article might seem excessively frugal to some, but when you cut costs in lots of little ways, you can achieve big savings without making big sacrifices. Even thinking about how to save money on relatively minor purchases, like cans of drink or packs of sweets can result in significant savings when you buy these items habitually. It does not take much time or energy to get into the habit of considering your purchases more carefully. You may not always make the choice that will save you the most money, and instead opt for convenience, but at least you will have made a conscious and well-informed decision toward that purchase.
