Money Saving Tip When Shopping..Ignore Prices! (more)..

[RickLee]

..I've learned a new way to save money by avoiding the Sales Price trap.

Before, I would look at any item marked down say 50% off or better, and think, wow, that's a huge savings! After the money is spent, and I don't make use of the item, I feel ripped off.

Now, if I read a sales flyer, or see items in a store, I mentally ignore the price amounts, and instead, ask myself if I REALLY NEED the item, EVEN IF IT WAS FREE.

If I don't need it, then paying ANY amount above zero would be meaningless. And it's better to let it go to someone else who HAS a real need for it.

RICKLEE

[bizcash]

Absolutely good strategy, if you don't need it don't buy it.

EXCEPTION, when grocery shopping, its mostly smart to buy in bulk when items are 50% off or more.

[purplefdu]

I would agree with you to a point. I used to think like that and spent almost $60 a week for groceries for two people.

I now stockpile with coupons, thus buying way more than I "need" for the week. But I only spend $10-30 a week and have more than I need for just that week. Plus for every $50 in shelf price I get .10/gal off at the pump. I've spent $2 for $200 worth of groceries and got .40/gal off during the $4+ a gallon crisis. Everything I buy we need, just perhaps not that much at that time. I do also buy lots I don't need for my parents (I don't need denture cream after all) or to donate to local shelters (the battered ladies loved the huge box of CG makeup) which also ads to my gas savings (although I always forget to get receipts for the donations to claim on taxes).

I don't buy weird items like pickled pigs feet or the inevitable canned beans people always donate, but I still buy plenty of items I never would have before stockpiling.

[FinanciallySMART]

You are so correct. It is best to asked yourself 'Do I really need the item?'. Some of the sales that are being giving out is no sales at all and customers should think really before going ahead and believing that it is a sale of a lifetime or is it that the product is one of essential. In this time a lot of stores are doing fake sales to garner customers. Thinking first and foremost should be our weapon against these so-called sales.

[gt0163c]

Originally Posted by purplefdu

I would agree with you to a point. I used to think like that and spent almost $60 a week for groceries for two people.

I now stockpile with coupons, thus buying way more than I "need" for the week. But I only spend $10-30 a week and have more than I need for just that week.

I agree.
For consumables, it makes sense to buy things when there are good sales/coupons/combinations and you can get a better price. As long as it's done as part of a plan, everything is used before it expires and the overstock doesn't overrun the storage space, it makes great financial sense to buy more than you can use right then.

I also view things like athletic shoes, school supplies and underware as consumables. These are things that I know I will use in the future and it's easier and more cost effective to buy them when I see a great deal and then have them when I need them. Although my stockpile of athletic shoes is just a pair or two, while I have lots and lots of soap and toilet paper.

[Cidre Jones]

I still do the "how many hours will I have to work to afford this?" thing combo'd with something like "how many uses can I get out of this?"

[CheapZilla]

Originally Posted by RickLee

..I've learned a new way to save money by avoiding the Sales Price trap.

Before, I would look at any item marked down say 50% off or better, and think, wow, that's a huge savings! After the money is spent, and I don't make use of the item, I feel ripped off.

Now, if I read a sales flyer, or see items in a store, I mentally ignore the price amounts, and instead, ask myself if I REALLY NEED the item, EVEN IF IT WAS FREE.

If I don't need it, then paying ANY amount above zero would be meaningless. And it's better to let it go to someone else who HAS a real need for it.

RICKLEE

Funny you mention that. When I first got hired at my company, one of the first things the Vice President did was show me this Best Buy flyer which stated "SAVE $500". He asked, "are you saving money if you buy this TV?" He just wanted me to think for a moment.

[paymydebt]

Yes never buy something you don't need just because it's on sale. Somehow a "sale" tag seems to trigger people to buy unnecessary things. There always is a sale and only buy the item on sale if you really need it.

[Socal104]

I can't tell you how many times that I have looked back and thought: What the heck did I need this for. Thankfully, that has declined over time. With groceries, it really gets boiled down to calories and preferences. If you are flexible on what you eat and like nearly everything in the store, then its pretty easy to justify the sale/coupon buying. The big issue with food though is spoilage. If you get the jumbo size that's 3 times larger and it spoils when you are only half way done, you didn't get the bulk discount at all.

[GirlieGirl]

I disagree to a point. If I can get an item for under a dolllar, free, or make money on it, and its something I dont use, I donate it away. Theres so many homeless shelters, churches, food kitchens, and military care package places to waste the opportunity to be able to give.
I certainly dont waste my money buying things just for the sake of a deal, but if that deal turns an item into something donate-able, then Im all over it.