At least we’re all in the same boat……purses are pinched, wallets wanting and bank balances baren. The post-Christmas spending money slump isn’t over yet, and whilst we’re waiting to be out of this wasteland of Netflix binges and pot noodles, any bargains, discounts and sales are most welcome. Fortunately, there are a few neat little tricks which can help you get the price slashed on that must-have item. So, here are 4 IDEAL tips on getting the best shopping discounts and bargains.
KNOW THE BEST DATES AND TIMES
Like most of us, you’re probably out shopping in the evening or weekend, as free time dictates, and you can’t be blamed for that. It’s well known, though, that this isn’t when the best deals are found. Usually, the much lusted after discount vouchers are released on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so even if you can’t get to the shops, keep an eye out online for these.
Also recently revealed, is that the really bumper, slashed price in-shop sales also usually occur on Tuesday and Wednesdays, specifically in the mornings. This time and day specific focus also applies to supermarket discount shelves.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO BARTER ON BIGGER PRODUCTS
It might sound too simple, too forward, to work. But often just asking for a discount works. In fact, it’s frequently written into company policy to grant that request if someone has the gumption to ask. Some shops are more susceptible to this than others, so be aware of stores with softer attitudes.
More intriguingly, it’s said that prices ending in 7, 8, 1 (say £25.51) are for ranges which are in the process of being discontinued, and shop assistants will be more likely open to a haggle.
Finally, you’ll be familiar with the online chat screen that pops up on many companies’ websites. Well, asking for a discount on bigger products via this screen often yields results. The mantra, we think, should be ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’.
MAKE THE MOST OF ONLINE DISCOUNT VOUCHERS
Online discount vouchers appear in many forms, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere. There are several approaches to elicit a company to send you one. A popular trick is to fool them into giving you a code by abandoning an online shopping basket mid shop. You’ll notice that shortly after you close the shopping window, an offer will have appeared in your email inbox. Alternatively, you could just use a website which sifts through the offers to find the best discount codes, such as plusvouchercode.co.uk.
ASK FOR A PRICE ADJUSTMENT IF A PURCHASE LATER APPEARS IN THE SALES
If you buy an item at ‘full’ price but then days later notice it has been discounted, you’ll often be able to receive money back to match the new price. Just ask in store for a price adjustment and more often than not, your request will be granted. Don’t wait too long though, as after 14 days, your receipt won’t be valid for returns.
