One of my favourite traditions over the past few years is an early rise on Boxing Day to go to the sales. I love it! The panic and frenzy of scrounging through merchandise to find a bargain. Sure half price is nice, but when its more than that, my heart rate rises and I feel a sense of achievement and victory.
There are a few extra things that can save money at these sales.
1. Arrive early to get parking without driving around for half an hour looking for a spot. You are more likely to get some shade if you arrive early, as the Australian Summer sun, can be horrid for your car.
2. Take a sports bottle with some water. It will save you money on buying a drink, and be much healthier than buying a can of softdrink. (Every cent counts remember)
3. As above, either take a couple of biscuits or a museli bar to prevent impulse buying of snacks. If you must, buy something from the supermarket, rather than a donut shop or bakery.
4. Take frequent rests, unload your purchases into the car when you are starting to tire, and make sure you drink some more.
5. Make a rough list of what you want/need and then shop around. Even in sales there is a great different in prices.
6. Use your imagination for birthday/next Christmas gifts, you can find some great bargains that are a bit different.
7. Always forrage through the 'clearance' bins, you never know what you could find there. I purchased some items marked down from $15 each to $5 each and others from $5 each to 0.20 cents. That's the sort of bargain you want.
8. You could take your lunch from home, but I think you deserve a little luxury on Boxing Day. Take a nice rest, have something to eat and then replenish to find more bargains.
9. Try to use your gift vouchers on bargains, that way you are getting more value for something that didnt cost you anything in the first place (assuming you received those vouchers as gifts)
10. If you make an error in a purchase, return it if you can. This year I bought something that does not suit, thankfully I have the receipt, so will return this. No use wasting money on something I cant use. Many times in the past, I have just thrown this stuff out, but why when I can get a few dollars back to use elsewhere.
11. In a bargain bin, often identical items can be marked at different prices, so watch out for this and buy the cheapest item of course.
12. My top tip is DO NOT USE CREDIT IF YOU CANT PAY IT BACK BY THE END OF THE MONTH!!!!
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