Everyone is being hit by recession including you. Then why is it that sometimes you shop more than required, sometimes you buy useless things, and sometimes overpriced articles? However, I don’t blame you. I know it’s no fault of yours. Why would you squander your hard earned money? It happens because you miss out some basic steps before getting out for a big purchase.

Planning

1. Create an expensive shopping list

   By expensive, I don’t mean keep including expensive goods in your shopping list. What I mean is prepare a shopping list of the big purchase you are about to make or a list of things that you need.

2. Wish-list

   Now, complement the commodities with a period before which you want to buy them. Like you want to buy some things this month and some major things next month, put it on paper. What are the gadgets or outfits you want within next 3-6 months? And so on. This is absolutely not a shopping schedule for the year. This is just to understand your requirements.

3. Necessary features

   Start from the top of the list and jot down the features of each item that you cannot miss out at any cost. For instance, if you want a mobile phone. List down the features that you need like – 2.0 pixels camera will do, music player, memory stick, etc. Do it for all the items in the list. This will help you to get the best deal with features that you want and not a mobile phone with 8 pixels, touch-sensitive screen, and built in 8 GB memory, which is far beyond your budget but the salesgirl made you buy it.

4. Budget

   List down the maximum amount you are ready to spend on each item. Remember, you should not spend a single dollar more than what you have listed down. This will give you a precise budget and a reason to go places and get the best deal.

Ok, you are now safe from the demands of persuasive salesgirls, glittering lights, and confused mind that would have, otherwise, made you buy better objects than you need. However, it is still possible that you might give up and go for those ‘better’ ones, if you aren’t resourceful and prepared thoroughly for shopping.

Resourceful? Yes, there are certain tricks that you need to learn to face the shrewd salesgirls. The best way to escape the craziness and confusion during shopping is being neutral. Be calm and remember neither this is the last deal of your life nor the world is ending tomorrow.

Be Resourceful

1. Unlearn your stubbornness

   You have always seen kids crying “I want this, I want that” when they enter any shopping mall. But have you ever noticed yourself? You obviously can’t scream at the top of your voice and cry for what you want. Your stubbornness is clearly visible when you buy he product that you like even at a very price. Why? Can’t you wait a while till you move on to another mall and get the same thing at a lower price? Stop doing this. And for god’s sake, stop revealing your ‘Please! I want that!” face to the victimizing salesgirls.

2. Stick to your budget

   If your beloved product is worth $30 more than the price that you have mentioned against it in your budget, don’t touch it. You cannot think “hey, it’s fine. I am already paying $750 for it. Why not just $30 more?” The retailer, credit card providers, and the salesgirl are just waiting for you to say that. Don’t do it. Don’t you have your own perspective of looking at things? Take your own stand.

3. Don’t carry your credit card

   This is easy, isn’t it? Maybe yes, maybe no. However, I can assure you this is the most useful step. Credit card is beneficial but not for us as shoppers. It actually works for vendors and bankers. Carry cash according to your budget, and you won’t regret any impulsive shopping. This can be applied not only for shopping but to cut down daily expenses as well. Try this, stop using your credit card for a month and compare your expenses with previous month. I am sure the result will be quite astounding.

Ok. You are now done with your preparation and it’s time for some practical sessions. You now have something that you didn’t have earlier. You emotions are managed and you have a plan. Time to shop.

1. Product and cost investigation

   What? Some more investigation? Didn’t I just say ‘start shopping?’ Yes, I did. However, this step cannot be skipped. You run at a mall where you see a big banner mentioning the sale and the sale cost. Do you know what the original cost was? Not always. You buy an item more than its original value just because it was tagged as ‘sale’. So, it better to know the prices of the items you want to buy before you actually start shopping.

2. Bargain

   You have done extensive research and you know exactly where to park your car to get the best deal. However, you can get even better price. Know which merchant offers a deal similar to or better than this deal and carry a proof. Ask if this vendor can offer you a price lower than the price in the proof. But just ask, don’t be too arrogant. Remember, it’s his call. This technique may work with someone, may not with others. Try to find a sales guy who is open to negotiations.

3. Find smaller outlets

   Small outlets are more convenient and economical than the bigger ones. To survive the competition with already established outlets, these smaller chains can offer better discounted rates and freebies. Freebies? Yes, I know it wasn’t a part of our budget, but what’s the harm if you get anything you don’t have to pay for. After sales service is also dealt better by smaller chains.

4. Other saving options

   Ask the sales guy of the cashier about the time when a particular product will go on sale or do they offer any bulk discount. There is nothing to be shy of. It’s your money that you are trying to save. Many outlets also accept discount coupons with expired date. Not all, I said many.

5. No upselling

   Don’t buy an overpriced product just because of its extended warranty. Extended warranties are worth paying for only if they are offered with a notebook or a plasma TV. In other cases, it’s just a reason to spend more. Sometimes, even if you feel like buying additional protection for the item, do not pay more than 10% of the tagged price. And make sure you buy the warranty offered by the manufacturer and not the outlet.

6. Note the exchange and return policies

   It’s becoming more difficult to return stuffs every year especially during holiday season. Don’t get astonish if a storekeeper asks for additional amount when you return a product or want to exchange it. It’s better you read the return policies before buying and get your queries answered at the time of purchasing.

Sometimes, it feels awkward to save every penny you can. However, think about the amount you can save if you keep following such shopping discipline. You can use the money to plan your retirement or a holiday or even repay your mortgage. It purely depends on you haw you want to utilize your money, but keep saving.