10 Tips on How to Rule the Malls this Holiday Season
- xxoliviarussellxx
- Nov 1, 2014
- 5 min read
Shopping is always a fun experience (or at least it should be). The world is your oyster, and your wallet is itching to be emptied on the first semi-credible sales pitch. Because you’re totally going to need to buy that 60 inch television for your bedroom in your parent’s apartment. Considering there are only 26 days until the first major Shopping Extravaganza of the holiday season, I’ve developed a few tips for those of us who tend to be suckers for any sale (whether it’s a good one or not).
Set a budget
I know, I know, the dreaded “B” word. But it’s a really simple concept: Don’t spend more than you can afford. If you have to take away from your rent money, tithes or tuition, chances are, not only are you being reckless, but you probably don’t really need it. Give yourself a limit. Something concrete not just a ballpark figure. Say to yourself, “I will not spend over [insert amount of money here] in this store.” And hold yourself to it. Those leather boots can only keep you so warm while waiting for your next pay check to make up for the unnecessary spending spree. Also, don’t get discouraged when you set your budget and think that there isn’t much you can do with say, $50. If you know how to shop right, you’ll be surprised what that $50 can do for you.
Unless it’s on sale, don’t make the sale
I have a little rule I learnt from shopping with my mother. Unless I see that big beautiful red sign, I don’t even enter the store. Call me cheap, but it has saved me tons over the years! I once went into a store and spent $58. Out of that, I bought a cell phone wallet, two printed pants, three bras, a crop top, three blouses, a pack of 6 earrings and an earring & necklace set. EVERYTHING I bought was on sale. These were all things I had in mind to buy. The design of the clothing items wasn’t really specified, but I went in knowing I wanted to add to my wardrobe without breaking the bank. The store had a few items at regular price, and don’t get me wrong, the prices weren’t bad, but the sale items were just as good and cost MUCH less!
Will you wear this within the next month? Okay, where?
Raise your hand if you have ever made the mistake of buying something because there’s a chance a fancy ball may come up soon for you to wear it at, but it never happens and the dress just sits there for all eternity with the price tag still on it? As I continue this section with one hand in the air, please listen carefully. If you don’t really need it, don’t buy it! I’ll exclude holiday decorations from this section because we all know that they are cheaper out of season. But when shopping, try to think realistically. Where are you going to wear that cocktail dress? Is your social life really that booked that you are going to need 3 of them? Do you frequent banquets? Are you a regular church goer? Can you wear that to work or school? No matter how pretty it is, if you can’t easily think of a realistic place to wear that, then put it back. It’s only going to collect dust in your closet and that money could have been spent on something else.
Travelling? Will this fit in your suitcase?
If you’re on vacation, always remember that at some point all of the trinkets you bought are going to need to be able to fit into a suitcase. If you literally have to sit on your suitcase just to get it to close, you’re probably over-packing. Try taking a photograph instead of buying a souvenir. Photos live forever.
P.S. Save all receipts to show customs. Want to trick them? When cashing out split the receipts so that the one you show customs will only show the things you’re willing to pay for.
Gift? Would you want someone to give this to you as a gift?
I’m sure as a kid, you remember your parents or teachers preaching the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This goes for gift giving as well. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re about to give this gift to. Would you want someone to give you that kind of gift? Gifts should come from the heart and mean something. Don’t buy something just for the sake of saying you bought something.
The saleslady is NOT your friend!
Unless the two of you grew up together in the same neighbourhood shooting marbles in the street, and braiding each other’s hairs, the saleslady is NOT your friend! She has rent and bills to pay just like you. Most salespersons are on commission so any sale they can get, THEY WILL! No matter how much they compliment you and listen to you aimlessly ramble on about how your significant other doesn’t notice you any more or how much of a jerk your boss is, or even those 15 pounds you put on that you think shouldn’t be a big deal, at the end of the day you are just they’re meal ticket to a luxury spa in Palm Beach. Don’t be fooled!
Don’t use a credit card
Speaking as a person who doesn’t even own a credit card, there’s one thing I bear in mind when shopping. You know that little saying, “Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?” A lot of people approach shopping like that. Buy today, pay tomorrow, they say. While you may buy today, you’ll pay more for it tomorrow, and the longer you wait to pay, the more you pay. Think of it like this, if you wouldn’t pay cash for it, is it really worth buying?
Don’t buy what you already own
There’s no problem in replacing old, worn out items. And I’ll admit, I own two pairs of black pants and 3 black bras. But let’s not push it mmkay? You can’t wear 5 pairs of black slacks. Or at least, you don’t need to. If you already have something that works just fine, why buy another one?
Note: This doesn’t go for hygienic products such as towels or bed sheets. Please change those regularly.
Shop Around
Here’s a very short story. I went to Claires and bought a back of stackable rings for $14.50. Walked all the way to the other side of the mall to H&M and found stackable rings for $4.95. Sure they weren’t the same, but at the end of the day I just wanted stackable rings. I purchased the ones from H&M and promptly walked back to Claires for a refund. Had I shopped around a bit, I could’ve saved myself from the initial purchase. Always think to yourself, “Am I getting the best deal here?”
Ask about refund and return policies, especially for sale items
Sometimes, when we buy something, it fits perfectly in the store, but as soon as you get home, it’s like it was magically swapped out for a different size. You can’t believe it’s the same thing you just tried on. Or maybe you didn’t try it on at all, assuming because the label says size 4, that it’ll fit. It’s always important to know the store’s refund policy. Some things are only exchangeable for store credit. Be informed or get burned.
Comments