Becoming Bargains

Before you all go out and make your heart sing and your wallet happy, look here!

 

Preparing to bargain shop is just as important as doing the actual shopping! But no need to fear! I will give you the tips and tricks that will make your first or your 50th shopping trip a success!

 

Tip #1:

Give yourself enough time. I cannot stress this first tip enough. I give myself a minimum of an hour when I go bargain shopping. That gives me time to try on apparel or do a Pinterest search while I am in the store to see if I can make that old vase look perfect in my home. Finding that perfect deal that makes your heart sing takes time and effort. Be patient, have fun, and keep your eyes peeled. 

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Tip #2:

Know what you are looking for and have a list ready. Are you looking for a specific fabric, color, etc.? Do you need shoes for that wedding next week? Shoe department, watch out. Do you need that blue blazer to pull an outfit together? Blazer section, I am coming for you. Keep your eyes on the prize, but if you happen to stumble across another great deal, like a peach, crocheted top that fits like a glove, pick that up, too. Hey, it happens.

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Tip #3:

Find out what days those bargain/thrift stores hold their sales. Salvation Army? Half-priced clothes and shoes on Wednesdays (watch for an excluding color). Goodwill? A specific color will be $0.49 on Sundays and Mondays. Also, for those department chain stores, give them your email so you can be the first to know about those upcoming deals!

 

Tip #4:

If possible, go bargain shopping during the week. You will find better deals and won’t have to share the store as much with other shoppers. This will give you even more time and you will have a wider variety to choose from!

 

Tip #5:

If you can’t find the time to go bargain shopping through the week and have to wait until the weekend, consider online shopping. Have you ever seen some of the closeout prices?! They are definitely worth a look!

 

Tip #6:

Do not become frustrated if you walk out empty handed. There will be good days and bad days of bargain shopping. There are days when I walk out with four bags full and there are days I walk out with only one or two items. Try, try, try again is the key to finding amazing bargains! Trust me, when you get a compliment on your $5.00 outfit that took a couple of trips to the bargain store to all come together, it is worth it!

 

Tip #7:

Persistence is key! If you see something that you like but it is not the right size or is not marked down enough, it’s no problem! If you are determined to get that perfect piece that will finish off your mantel or pull that outfit together, you will continue to look for that item somewhere else or wait for it be marked down to your perfect bargain price!

 

Tip #8:

Interact with the store employees. If you have a question about a sale or if there is a possible error on a tag, just respectfully ask!

You would be amazed at some of the deals you can receive just by taking the time to interact and ask questions. Most of the time, the employees will work with you!

 

Tip #9:

Look over your bargain finds well before you go to the register. Personally, I avoid items that are stained or have holes. If you feel differently, that’s ok! You do you! Again, this is opinion based. If you think that you will be able to sew those seams in a bit to make a dress fit like a glove or use your grandmother’s famous stain remover cocktail to get rid of that blemish, go for it! Just keep in mind that it may not work or you may never find the time to hem or fix that hole. Now, if you feel like $2.99 is still a heck of a deal and you want to try to remove a stain or fix a hole, more power to you! Just don’t go overboard! Your time is just as valuable and you don’t want to spend hours trying to fix that article of clothing!

 

Tip #10:

GIVE BACK! I wanted to save the best tip for last. Whether you are building a new wardrobe, decorating your house, or completing those Pinterest projects, there are going to be items that are not necessary for you to keep anymore. Let’s be honest, you will need to find room for all of your ‘new’ goodies! If your previous wardrobe doesn’t fit or you’ve grown out of that trend, give back to those stores you got all those deals from! Think of it as passing your style trends on and inspiring others!

 

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