Our guide to bagging the best bargain
A NEW report has revealed that household spending is up by 3% in a year. That might not sound much, but over the course of 12 months, it can mount up.
And retailers are falling over themselves to get their share of your cash, both on the high street and online.
Experts say it’s the most cut-throat retail environment imaginable. So here’s our invaluable guide to keeping more of your pounds in your pocket. especially for “big ticket” items like fridges or washing machines. If they won’t budge on price, try negotiating free or reduced delivery.
Don’t shop without a woman. A new study found that a female was an asset. A Boston College research team found that men favoured a macho approach, while women would veer towards the compromise solution that was more sensible and resulted in a better deal.
However, men – shop for clothes on your own! Women often enjoy buying clothes more than men. That’s why men’s departments are often at the back of shops or on upper floors – so couples have to walk through the women’s section before reaching where they are actually headed to. Shop bosses hope it will lead to impulse buying. Get stacking. Look to “code stack” different offers to end up with the best possible price. As an example, Sainsbury’s WAS recently selling £ 10 bottles of prosecco for £ 7.50. Buying six online in a shop of £ 60 or more
triggered another 25% saving. And a code for new online shoppers took off a further £ 18 – bringing the price down to just £ 2.63 per bottle.
Use the instant messenger chat boxes that pop up on websites to get discounts. When it offers to help, ask what might be offered in the way of money off – 10% savings can be had for just typing a short sentence to an online customer service agent.
Look for pencilled marks on the price tickets on in-store items. Just before an item goes on sale, including discontinued big ticket white goods items, staff mark the ticket indicating an imminent price drop.
Loyalty cards can be hit or miss but if you buy a lot of toiletries it can be worth signing up for a Superdrug Health And Beauty Card or a Boots Advantage Card. Both do special deals for cardholders – Superdrug’s are usually on a Thursday and recent offers include 20% off all make-up accessories. As a cardholder, Superdrug also gives you free delivery without a minimum spend if you prefer to shop online.
Stil Still got a holiday planned for later this year and need to book airportairpo parking? Check out skyparksecure.com,skyp which sear searches out the cheapest deals avai available once you’ve entered youryou arrival and departure dates and times. Also, try filling out you your booking details of other air airport parking websites but don’tdo complete the sale. Try againag 10 minutes later and it is ofte often cheaper.
Sign up for websites like topcashback. co.uk which offer cashback deals when you buy through them. With savings on everything from holidays to clothes to mobile phone deals, it’s always worth checking out if there’s any cashback available on the items you’re intending to buy. Also check out the “no purchase offers” on some cashback websites, that allow you to earn money without buying anything – for instance, you might get cashback for browsing, filling out an online questionnaire or getting an insurance quote.