If you’re always on the lookout for ways to stretch your budget, shopping at a clearance sale is definitely a good idea. However, you need to be wise when raiding the shelves (whether online or in-store) or else you’ll end up overspending.
To make the most of clearance sales and get more value for your money, here are some practical shopping tips to keep in mind:
Check the Expiry Dates
When you buy anything that can go bad, be it canned goods or cosmetics, make sure that you check the expiry dates. This way, you won’t end up throwing away most of what you’ve purchased and thus wasting money.
For food, in particular, make sure to inspect meats. They must still be in good condition so that you can freeze them for a while (unless you’re planning on cooking them immediately). Pay attention to the colour and smell. If anything’s off, don’t risk it.
Also, do note that an expiry date, a best before date, and a sell-by date are all different things. An expiry date is the last day that something is still safe to consume. A best before date, sometimes called a use-by date, indicates the last day when the product is still in its perfect condition. It can still be used or consumed safely after that date, but it won’t be at peak quality. Finally, a sell by date is a guide for the store. If it’s still unsold by then, the product will be removed from the shelves. Knowing these details can help you figure which items you should buy and which items to leave on the shelves.
Calculate the Price Difference
At a clearance sale, it’s only reasonable to expect products that are sold at big discounts. However, you may still encounter some products that are only a few cents cheaper than the original price. In these situations, it’s better to buy the non-discounted options since they’re guaranteed to last longer.
This also means that you should familiarise yourself with the original cost of goods, particularly those you frequently buy. This can help you determine if you’re truly getting good deals from sales, clearance or otherwise.
Shop at the Right Time
Clearance sales can happen at any time of the year, but there are definitely “right” times to buy certain products. For example, if you want to buy swimwear, you’ll find bigger discounts if you shop during the rainy period. That’s because swimwear is in low demand, and stores are also gearing up for the arrival of new styles. The same thing can be said about jackets and other cool-weather attire.
For gadgets, keep yourself updated about the release dates of the latest models of smartphones, laptops, and the like. Once the new products come out, the older product series will go on sale and you’re sure to get good deals.
Self-Evaluate
One of the biggest mistakes that shoppers of all kinds make is to get caught up in great deals without first self-evaluating. Before you click the checkout button or lineup at the counter to pay for your items, ask yourself a few crucial questions. Do you really need three new pairs of jeans? Are you going to eat or cook those food products?
If you’re able to confidently answer with a yes, then go ahead and shop. If not, think twice. At the very least, don’t hoard. Be reasonable! Don’t just put items in your cart just because they’re 75% off.
Verify the Return Policies
Obviously, you can’t return food and most consumables. For products like clothes, shoes, and appliances, however, the rules may vary. Some stores don’t allow the return or exchange of items bought during clearance sales or other promotions. Some may have limited returns or exchanges, depending on the item bought. To be on the safe side, verify the shop’s policies first before you make a purchase.
Ask to Be Updated About the Next Sales
Many shops, whether traditional or online, have mailing lists where you can sign up and get updated about the store’s latest promotions. This is a good way to discover more deals; you may even receive special privileges if you’re subscribed to newsletters or text alerts.
Stick to Your Usual Budget
When you buy things on sale, it can be tempting to buy more of it. However, you need self-control or you might bite off more than you can chew. Commit to your usual shopping budget, give or take a few rupees. A clearance sale isn’t a licence to shop ‘til you drop. Rather, it’s a good opportunity to save money—so you have more to spend for more important things in the future!
Some people don’t like shopping at clearance sales because they feel like they’re getting lower-quality products. This is simply not true! The key is to be a smart shopper. With these tips, you can enjoy high-quality products and save money.
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