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Tips on Becoming a Deal Shopper for Clothing/Accessories/Cosmetics

Although I would love to be able to just walk into an Anne Taylor, Banana Republic, Coach, or Bebe store and just buy whatever I want – my paycheck only stretches so far.  I love fashion, but I am on a budget. With time I have learned that deal shopping is all about being informed and patient. Since I'm not rich I cannot have everything from every deal I see, but I have to use my judgment to pick and choose which deals are worth investing in depending on my current needs. I’m focusing more on online shopping here, since that is where I tend to find the best deals, although you can find great deals in-store too....

1) Create an email address ONLY for store/vendor newsletters/blasts/emails. The number of emails I get in one day is amazing. Between the clothing stores/cosmetics/travel/restaurant/groupon/sweet jack/etc  emails I get, I wouldn't be able to function out of my personal email address - stuff would get lost! Also, when I feel like browsing/shopping I just go to that specific emails address and see all the current deals and offerings. With time you will learn what is the "standard" deal for each store, so you know whether or not they're really offering something special.

2) Do a lot of "window shopping". There are a lot of times I will click on a deal and start shopping, adding stuff to my cart and such. In the end I make sure that there's no coupon codes I'm missing (check my email, the home page of the site, and do a quick google search (there are some great coupon websites with codes). In the end I look at my basket and see my total, tax plus shipping (if there is any). I will then literally walk away and do something else for awhile and come back with a fresh mind. 9 times out of 10 I close the window and never buy anything because I'm out of the 'shopping zone' and realize....'eh - I don't really need this, or need to spend the money'. However, I'm learning about the pricing of items, how each store works their site, the coupons out there and what types of merchandise each store offers.  Will there be times that you walk away and when you come back an item will be sold out? Yes. This is especially true with sale and clearance items. But that’s just a part of my strategy, unless I really really love something and must have it, I need to clear my mind before giving my card number.

3) End of Season sales are always best. This is the one that hurts me because I know at the beginning of every season I check my closet and realize I need more clothes, I definitely do not feel like buying for the previous season, but the deals can be amazing. Boots that were originally $169 can be marked down to $69, a scarf that would’ve cost you $30 in December, is now $9.99. Deals like that will start to pop up as the season draws to a close, and it’s just too good to pass up. I know you will probably end up putting them in a closet until next season, but trust me, when you will be so happy when you get to pull out a brand new pair of boots, scarf, or sweater at the start of winter!

4) Double check stores return policies. Most big clothing stores have a risk-free return policy, which is what I require to make a purchase. I’m not a perfect size 2 pants or 32B bra, so sometimes things don’t fit the way they should. I remember trying 3 different pieces of clothing from one online clothing store, but each one had something that didn’t work with my body, I ended up settling for an accessory and a refund, and now know that their clothing doesn’t work for me – but I didn’t lose out! Kinda sad because I think their clothes are really cute! ;)

5) I am very anti-shipping charges. If I can help it I will try to reach their minimum for free shipping. If they’re offering free shipping on any purchase amount I love that. Almost 100% of the time if I’m window shopping and I cannot get free shipping, or the cost is what I feel too high for shipping, I usually pass it up. It would have to be a 70%+ off sale with some amazing merchandise for me to consider paying exorbitant shipping costs.

6) My hot shopping spot – hello?! It’s the clearance! Do I stop on the home page and ‘ohhh’ and ‘ahhhh’ at their beautiful new clothing and shoes? Oh yes. But do I want to pay retail? Nope.  So I do all my real hardcore shopping in clearance.  They don’t always have great stuff in clearance – so this is just something you have to check periodically to see the new stuff they’ve marked down. I will sometimes add items to my cart that are not marked down for sale if I must absolutely have it and it’s reasonably priced, but that’s not very often.

It’s really up to you what you want to spend on certain items and what you consider a real deal. Everyone’s opinion, priorities and paycheck are different. It takes time but it’s very worth it if you love shopping like me, but can’t spend your entire paycheck on clothing, perfume and all that other fun stuff! One thing that has really helped me develop my eye for my style-preferences is Pinterest. As I’ve continued to collect my favorite looks from Pinterest I’ve realized all the possibilities I have with certain pieces of clothing, and what I should keep an eye out for because it’s not in my closet. I’m more aware of my preferences rather just aimlessly shopping around for random sale items.  I hope this helps, and have fun shopping! I love to hear about good deals people get!

1 comment:

  1. I like #2 a lot. I have done that before, you put stuff in the "cart" and then wait to decide if it's really what you want. Usually if you walk away and come back you're like "eh" and close it, like you said. Good advice.

    Clearance is the best. I love Joann's website because I can put things on a wish list and they stay there so I can go back and check when things are on sale or clearanced out. Sometimes they even email to let me know stuff I want is on sale. I know that's not clothing but I can relate in that way.

    And I agree with the shipping thing. If it's not outrageous to ship I'm ok with it but sometimes that fee is ridiculous. So yea, I like when there is a low minimum purchase for free shipping. I usually aim for that.

    End of season shopping! I'm all about it. Right now would be a great time to go to Kohl's and start stocking up on their clearance winter stuff. I bet they have some good stuff there. Good idea Sarah, I might add that to my list of things to do with Stacey with she comes over this weekend. I will let you know if we get any good deals!

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