How to get the most out of any kind of sales!

Whenever you hear the words christmas sales, summer sales, holiday sales, yard sales or any kind of sales, these are the first thoughts that come to mind: good products, cheaper prices, money saved. You want to go there and get as much as you need at the cheapest price possible. If this is how your brain works, then you must be thinking smart. 

However there are few things we ought to do, but we don't or overlook, which dampens our aforementioned goal. Not to worry, here are vital tips inspired by my last week's shoes sales experience to help you get the most out of any kind of sales:

Have a list of what you need

Some people are impulsive buyers, they see something pretty and attractive and it feels like it's calling them, like the Shopaholic lady and the green scarf. What happens in sales is, you see an attractive item whose price is far below the average market value and you buy it justifying your action with the cheap price of the product. The bad part is, in your small mind you think you are saving. People like this end up with way more stuff than they need and end up spending much more money than they would spend if it were a normal sale.

The way out is to make a list of what you need before you go to any sales venue, take it with you and have some discipline to stick to it. If you think your case is helpless, have someone with you to help you knock some discipline.

Know how to get to the venue

This is very crucial. You don't want to spend half of the day trying to locate the venue of the sales or waste money going to the wrong places. It can be frustrating and annoying especially when the weather is really hot. 

It happened to me and I can tell you from experience that it is not pleasant. I spent about 2hours going round in circles till my genius friend was able to figure out the way.

Go with a friend who's got an eye for good stuff

First of all, it is boring to go for a sales alone; it is more fun when you have someone to keep you company. More importantly is having someone who knows good stuff when they see one and who will help you in making better choices. During sales, participants rush to pick the best items before someone else does. You could have someone-a friend, your mum, or your sibling look out for you, more or less your second pair of eyes and hands. You know, to help you grab those good stuff before someone lays hands on them. Also they could help you in making right choices. 

I had someone with me and he was the reason I was able to buy three pairs of shoes. Because we spent so much time locating the venue and I got there late and fatigued, and everything looked boring too me-weary eyes playing tricks.

Arrive early

If you want to get the best out of any sales, you must arrive early. You don't want to get there when all the good items have been taken. You know the venue and how to get there, find out the time when sales would begin, do your calculations and leave your house at the right time. 

I didn't do that and I regretted it. I left the house 30minutes after the sales had begun and got to the venue 3hrs after sales had begun. Even though I was lucky to get my size, most foot wears were in small sizes, most big sizes had been taken.

Be patient

Don't be in a hurry to get some stuff and run off. Make efforts to get the best available. Let your  antenna be very active. Take your time, go around, look well because that thing you need might just be in a corner waiting for you to see it.  

I was forced to be patient by my good friend and it paid off.

For things you have to put on, don't assume they will fit

Ignore the labels and tags, try them (unless otherwise stated)! You don't want to bargain for a dress and realise it is a size smaller. If it fits, then you will know the item is worth bargaining for.

One of the shoes I bought (a pair of black ankle boots by Clarks) looked small and it was actually a size smaller. Ignoring the size, I tried it on because it was exactly what I was looking for. Thankfully, it was my perfect size! It hugged my left leg like the best husband in the world and I didn't feel like taking it off! 

Know the market value of what you need

So you don't get ripped off, make sure you know the market value of the item you are buying. It makes no sense buying an item at the same price as the average market value; the purpose of it being a sales would be defeated. Also if there's a discount, make sure you are really getting a discount. If the sales is tagged 50percent off, please do the maths because some people do get ripped off at sales event.

Don't compromise your taste.

Don't buy it because it is cheap; it might end up staying in your wardrobe for years till you have to give it away. You have a list of what you need-stick to it, unless it is something you forgot to include.

 

Be very observant

Please become an inspection agent when you see an item you want to buy before you actually purchase it. Check the quality, check for any blemish, and price it accordingly. 

I saw a very pretty pair of black suede stilettos but it had peeled off at the heels and by the side. I dropped it and didn't give it a second look.

Exercise your negotiation skills

We know it's at a discount but you can still bargain, it is not a crime. You could get lucky because I was. 
When I took the shoes to the counter, the lady called the prices and I was ready to pay. However my friend, an economist by education thought it was dumb to just pay without any price battle. So he did his thing and succeeded in getting N2500 off from the initial total cost.

My friend really loved this one, he picked it.

Well that's all I have for you on getting the most out of any kind of sales. I know they will help and your next shopping experience will be fabulous. You can thank me later...winks. 
Till you read from me again, have a great weekend!

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