As exciting as a sale is, it’s easy to get carried away, overspend and leave with unnecessary items. Here are our top tips on getting through the sale season without post-buy regrets.
1 Focus on what you really need, be disciplined and don’t buy anything just because it’s a bargain. Remember there’s a big difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’.
2 Think about wardrobe building, not fashion fads that will date by next season. Look for high-quality items you wouldn’t usually be able to afford.
3 Stick to a list. Make a shopping list of all the things you really need, like a great coat, jeans and an LBD. Stick to that list when browsing through the stores to avoid getting carried away in the jewellery section, when you know you have more than enough rings already!
4 Watch the internet for sale news and bargains.
5 The best time to ‘cash in’ on a sale is just before the change of season, when the stores need to get rid of stock from the previous season.
6 Ask your favourite store to put your name on their databases, then they’ll SMS you when they have a sale. And keep a look out for pop-up stores – they often have hot bargains.
7 Walk through the mall and look at all the sale stores, then revisit them. Take time just to look, so that you don’t overspend at the first shop. Set money aside for the ‘what ifs’.
