When I was 3 weeks old, my mom strapped me into a stroller and off we went shopping.
That was the moment I became a shopaholic.
I would observe the way my mom would shop in department stores and as time went on, I would mimic her. When I was just 4 years old, a sales associates came up to my mom and I asked if we were shopping for anyone. Out comes little me popping from the racks, "No we're just browsing."
At that moment, I had no clue what It meant, but now that's my catch phrase when a sales associate asks me if I need anything. Growing up with a mom who loved to shop taught me how to find the best deals and to be a smart shopper. So I credit all my tips I'm about to share with you to her. Thanks, Mom!
Here are eight tips to get the most bang for your buck if you love to shop!
OK, Here we go.
1. When you enter a store, head right to the sale rack.
Don't even look at the full priced stuff in the front of the store, it's not worth it. Just walk passed it. Eventually, that full-priced clothing item will be on the sale rack in a couple months. Sometimes on the sale rack you won't find anything, but other times you will find a boat load of stuff. Make the sale rack your new best friend!
2. Buy summer clothes in winter and winter clothes in summer.
Usually, summer clothing will be ridiculously discounted in the middle of winter, that's your perfect opportunity to stock up on tank tops and shorts. Don't just buzzed by it because you can't wear it this season, stock up! In the summer, usually sweaters and jeans are on sale. Also, don't forget footwear. Left over boots that don't sell in the winter gets extremely discounted in the summer.
3. Before you place your order online, always check for promo codes.
You simply type in on another web browser, (the store you're shopping at) promo codes. Sometimes you can find a 20 percent off coupon, $20 off $75 or free shipping depending on the store. Every little savings helps!
4. Look for places that include free gifts with your item.
This is mostly regarding beauty items. If you want an item and it's not discounted on any site, look for free gifts with the item. If you can't get it cheaper you might as well get the most out of your money.
For example, I purchased a beauty gift set and I couldn't get it any cheaper so I went to different sites searching. I ended with the beauty gift set and a 7 piece travel gift set as well. You just need some patience when looking at all the sites. Don't give up!
5. Get a Rewards card at your most frequently shopped stores.
No, I'm not talking about a credit card. A lot of stores have a rewards card and with enough points, you can get a percentage off your order or free gifts. My recommendation for reward cards: Kohl's, American Eagle, Express, Sephora, Ulta, Starbucks, and DSW. If you go to a store often, signing up for a rewards card might not be a bad idea.
6. Use eBay.
Yes, eBay. Every time someone asks where I get something, I usually say eBay. I get a lot of "Isn't eBay sketchy?" "What if I don't get my item and they steal my money?" I promise you eBay isn't sketchy, you can actually get a lot of awesome deals from that site. If for some unusual case you don't get your item, eBay will refund you your money back. So it's a win-win situation.
7. Follow the "2-2-2" rule when buying a full priced item.
Is there a full priced item you truly love? Do the 2-2-2 rule. Will you wear it in two weeks? Will you still wear it in two months? Will you still be wearing it in two years? The two years always gets me. You can also look it at this way, let's say the item is $60 and every time you wear it, it's $2. Do you see yourself wearing this item 30 times to pay back the item? You have to discipline yourself when it comes to big ticket items.
8. Never spend more than $10 on basics.
I'm talking about tank tops, camisoles, undershirts etc. I suggest buying these at Walmart or Target. You can get them for pretty cheap at both places and won't be paying a fortune for layering pieces.
You don't need to pay full price to stay fabulous and fashionable.
