• Cheap Shopping Tricks : What Stores don't want you to know

• by: Avocados  |  last updated: June 26, 2008

• Category: Smart Shopping |  Tags: Shopping tricks, Ways stores trick you to spend more, Cheap Shopping, Grocery Shopping tricks, Sales, Discounts, Free offers

• Every time you set out for shopping, you buckle up yourself and decide that this time your going to be a smart shopper and will not fall for any hidden traps at the Shopping malls. But some how you have this nagging feeling whether you have been ripped off or not.
  
  You may have decided to use your money wisely, cutting out all frill expenses and focusing just on basic amenities. But still many times you do spend that money which you could have saved up. Here are some tricks for shopping you must implement in your regular shopping habits. These tips will help you to see through all those traps and tricks shopping stores would not want you to know.

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• 1. Always compare rates in other stores:
  If you are a regular customer to one store alone, it would help to check out the rates in the other stores. This way you could either buy the products from the other store or bargain with the store keeper about their competitor's rates.
  
  Sometimes you'll save more by going to multiple supermarkets. Again, factor in your transportation costs. If you like international foods, you can save quite a bit by going to grocery stores that specialize in Italian, Asian, Arabic stores.
  
  2. Beware of Double Discounts:
  Many of us get our maths wrong and find it embarrassing to calculate because it takes time. Instead we blindly follow all the discounts without thinking twice. Stores know this weakness in many of their customers and take advantage.
  
  So in case, we find a 45% discount on a $100 item and the same item at 20% off with 30% additional taken off at the register, most of us would opt for the latter discount. But if you calculate the discount it sums up with the item being sold at $55 with the first discount. Whereas the second discount works out with you buying the item at $56 or a dollar more. Its helpful to carry a pocket calculator and don not get pushed over by the storekeeper. Use you own sensibilities to buy the items on discounts.
  
  3. Look out for minor spoils and damages to bargain:
  Always check them for any spoils or tearing. In case you do find something which is not a serious damage, ask the storekeeper to reduce the rates even more. However this is not a good idea while buying any electronic appliances or gadgets. This rule is good only while buying any clothes or bedsheets. See that the damages can go unnoticed, only then go for it.
  
  4. Shopping in the Store But Buying Online:
  In case you are looking for gadgets like laptops, video games or TV sets, use stores just as a places where you can look at things you will later purchase for cheaper online. Try out the products and ask questions and also the different price ranges. And do the smart thing like buying it online.
  
  The stores hate this because its a loss for them in all aspects. They've paid for a store, the electric bill for the store, the employees to answer your questions, and those nice little plastic bags that they want to put your purchase in. However, act like you are interested in buying the product from them, else they will not entertain you.
  
  5. Say NO to Extended Warranty:
  Stores play on the fact that electronics are a big investment, scaring you into buying an Extended Warranty. But don't fall for it. The Extended Warranty is basically just a trick to get you to pay way more for the item than you need to. It's very profitable for the retailer. If you're worried about not having an extended
  warranty, purchase your electronics with a credit card that offers extended warranty protection.
  
  6. Buying Seasonal Items at Clearance Prices(For Next Year): Seasonal items are a big deal for retailers and once the holiday is gone they need to make room for the next one. Their haste makes waste and you can take advantage of it. Buy now for next year. Stores want you to buy their seasonal products at full price, when its most profitable, not during clearance when they sell it at cost or below. They wouldn't want you to know this.
  

• Guide Comment History

• George! said about 1 month ago:
  I agree with all of this except the extended warranty.. I bought a pc with an extended warranty--- Broke down 4 times in three years. Each with a bill of over $500, but i payed nothing. THe forth repair i got a brand new pc from my warranty@!!

• Anon said 25 days ago:
  I totally agree with this article except for the extended warranty part also. I bought a 4 year extended warranty for a hd dvd combo tv and this is the third one i had in less than a year. I would have spent over $1,000 in replacements or repairs bc with the first tv the company wouldnt even send the repair shop the parts to repair it. The second tv had something wrong with the connection for the colors in hd. I totally suggest a warranty if you really don't think the product is going to last.

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