With inflation and the cost of living always seeming to be on the up, buying everything you need while still staying within your budget seems to get trickier with each passing year. So what’s the solution? You’ve got to shop smart to pay the price you want. We’ve outlined some of the best tips and techniques for you below, designed to keep both your shopping cart and your bank balance happy.
- Shop online
The digital shopping world offers as big a range of products as regular stores – but they usually feature discounts and promotions more regularly. Online stores like Takealot, Superbalist and Spree offer a variety of products and some even provide free delivery if you spend over a certain amount.
- Daily deals
Some online stores focus on huge, time-sensitive deals on one product – or a small selection – at a time. Sites like One Day Only, Catch of the Day and DealZone are great for short-term prices on everything from sunglasses and exercise equipment to the latest tech and entertainment systems.
- Loyalty programmes
Sign up for the loyalty programmes at the stores you shop at most frequently and you’ll get some great discounts or rewards. Most work on a points basis, where the more points you collect, the greater the discount you’re eligible to receive. Pick ’n Pay, Woolies, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Edgars, Jet, Exclusive Books and Spur are just some of the retailers that have loyalty programmes in place.
- Subscribe to store mailers
Stores often announce their sales via their newsletters. Make sure you know when that PS4 game you’ve had your eye on is going on sale by signing up to the mailing lists of your favourite tech stores.
- Wait for the end-of-season sales
It might seem crazy to buy summer clothes as you’re heading into winter, but the seasons will change again and you’ll be glad you scooped up those super-cheap shorts while they were on sale at the beginning of autumn.
- Buy in bulk
If there are non-perishable items you know you need a lot of – whether it’s nappies or cleaning products – consider shopping at places like Makro to buy these products in bulk. The more you buy, the lower the cost per item.
- Negotiate
It’s fairly common to negotiate for houses and cars, but doing your research and asking politely for a discount can have you saving on smaller products and services too. It’s worth asking hotel managers or your home security system provider about the best deal they can offer you, rather than accepting the first price you’re given.
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