Money Saving One-Day Shopping Tips

If you didn't finish all of your shopping on Black Friday, there are still plenty of shopping days til Christmas including Small Business Saturday (today) and Cyber Monday.  This morning I found some tips on how you can maximize your shopping trips and maybe save a little money while you are at it.

Before you leave the house:

• Eat a good breakfast that includes energy boosting protein, fiber, and healthy fat.  It will help you think clearly, shop sensibly and negotiate the best bargains.
• Nix the comfort clothes if you end up feeling blah in them.  Studies show that if you dress in something stylish your confidence will get a boost and you will be less likely to give into pushy sales tactics.  Darren Dahl, a professor of applied marketing research says that when people feel insecure they buy more.
• Listen to your power music.   The music in your favorite store may sound nostalgic and festive, but it is designed to make you feel warm, fuzzy, and linger in their store.
• Download free apps offerend by your fav stores for web announcements, coupons, and the latest info on sales.
• Look for online discounts and coupon codes
• Cash in your rewards.  If you are eligible for reward programs consider using your points to buy gift cards or make online purchases through the rewards site for potential discounts or more reward points.
• Buy toys online a lot of retailers offer the same discounts and free shipping saving you time and the frustration of visiting multiple stores for this year's hot toy.
• Go solo.  I know it's not as much fun, but if savings are your intent leave your pal behind.  Subconsciously we mimic others shopping habits according to Martin Lindstrom, the author of Brandwashed.  This means that if your friend stocks up on a particular item you are more likely to as well.

On your way

• Stop at the bank.  You will curb your impulse buys by leaving your credit cards at home.  According to Martin Lindstrom, shopping with cash cuts your overall spending by 23%.  Also, if you withdraw cash at the teller and request larger bills (ie. 50s or 100s), you will be less likely to break them on unnecessary purchases.

At the mall

• Avoid the main entrance and any lavish displays designed to entice you.  Side entrances or the food court entrance will help you bypass unneccessary temptation.
• Buy your less expensive items first.  Scott Huettel, Associate professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University, says that once you spend money on something costly your brain loses perspective on what is a good price.
• Eat Lunch.  Don't forget to recharge with a protein-rich lunch if you are planning an all-day shopping trip.  It will keep your energetic all day.
• Perk yourself up after a few hours by taking a music break or grabbing a cup of coffee.  Paul Herr, professor of Marketing at Virginia Tech says you are more likely to make good buying choices if you stay in a pleasant mood, because you will more carefully consider pros and cons before making your decision.
• Skip lines.  Whenever possible, pay for purchases in less crowded areas of the store.  The less you linger in the line, the less likely it will be that you will pick up extra items on a whim while you are waiting.
• Don't linger at sales counters.  The longer you listen to a sales pitch, the more likely you are to buy something.

Article Referenced