You can still shop, of course, but you need to be smart about it. There are things to do, and things not to do. There are things to ask yourself before you make a decision to shop. Learn 7 secrets to smart shopping.
1. Do I Have to Buy This?
Ok, so you’ve seen a dress that is really pretty. You tried it on, it looks perfect on you, but when you see the price you feel like fainting. Ask yourself if you really have to buy it.
It’s one thing if you really need a pretty dress, and completely other if you’re only going to wear it once on someone’s wedding. If the latter is the case, rather borrow a pretty dress form your sister, or your friend.
2. Is This Really the Best Price?
Let’s face it – no girl shops in one store only. You’re going to pass through a bunch of different stores, so why wouldn’t you compare the prices while you’re there?
See if the top you like maybe costs less in the next store. See if there’s maybe another, cheaper top that you like even more. Don’t buy the first thing you see.
3. Am I only Buying Because It’s on Sale
Before you reach for your wallet and buy a fifteenth pair of skinny jeans, ask yourself if you’re not only buying them because they are on sale. Don’t fall for sales, they are meant to take more of your money, than with regular prices.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with buying things on sales – but only things you really need. You can’t go and buy something just because it’s on sale. You’ll spend tons of money unnecessarily and you’ll fill your home with crap you don’t use.
4. Is There a Sale Coming Along?
Ok, yes I said that you shouldn’t buy something just because it’s on sale, but there’s nothing wrong with buying things you want when they are on sale. So, you’ve seen a beautiful necklace but it’s too expensive – ask the shop assistant if there is a sale coming along. Maybe the price will be lowered, and then you can buy it.
5. Do I Like It and Do I Need It?
Only if you have an affirmative answer to both of these questions, you should buy something. If you kind of like it – don’t buy it. If you could maybe use it – don’t buy it. Buy only things for which you’re sure, that you both like, and need them.
6. Can I Afford It?
This is really the most important question to ask yourself if you want to shop smart. But you really need to be honest. It’s not about if you can afford something right now – if you’ve just received your paycheck you probably can. It’s about asking yourself if you can really afford that, and still survive the month. I don’t think any further explanation is needed.
7. Sleep on Your Decision
Morning is wiser than evening.
Once you’ve asked yourself these 6 questions, it’s time to walk away, and sleep on your decision. Once your head cools down and you get some well deserved rest, you’ll be able to see your situation more clearly, and decide if you’re going to buy something, or not.
This is an especially good practice for buying big things – like TVs, new computers and stuff like that. You maybe want a new TV when you see one, but when you come home you see that there’s nothing wrong with the TV you already have – there’s no need for a new one.
So, you see, these secrets aren’t really secrets at all. They are things we all know, but need to pay more attention to, when we shop. Become a smart shopper today and share your own secrets to smart shopping.
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