Shopping for deals can be challenging at times. Retailers have developed entire marketing strategies to make you believe that you’re getting a great deal when, in reality, you’re not. Recognizing true deals is essential whether you’re making a small purchase, such as toothpaste, or a large purchase, like a vehicle. The following do’s and don’ts will help you get started in your search for “the real deal.”
Use couponing apps. Couponing apps are a great way to always have a deal at the touch of your fingers. Lucky for you, with your Arizona Federal membership you have full access to the Entertainment® app! This app is great because it recognizes your current location and gives you coupons to stores near you. Additionally, many grocery stores now have apps where you can load coupons digitally to your loyalty card, and it will automatically give you a discount at the checkout counter, so no more shuffling coupons!
Make purchases just because you have a coupon. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of coupons. Realizing what coupons you actually need is even more important than the art of couponing itself. Are you really saving money if you spend $0.50 on something you won’t use? Resisting the temptation to use unnecessary coupons will save you more money in the long run!
Research before you buy. Taking the time to do a bit of research on the items you are purchasing – especially big-ticket items – will help ensure you’re getting the best deal and make you feel more comfortable with your purchase. Many stores will even price match competitor’s ads if you just show them the ad at the checkout counter.
Make impulse purchases. There’s nothing worse than making a purchase and later realizing that there is a better deal for it online or at another retailer. Even worse is when you get home and realize you didn’t really need what you bought. It’s best to avoid making impulse purchases regardless of how great the deal may sound – and to make yourself wait a day or two before acting on your impulse to buy.
Make a list prior to shopping. Like the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Making a list prior to hitting the stores is the best way to keep your shopping goals in clear sight. Stores are designed to make you buy things on impulse; therefore, making a list and sticking to it can help you avoid these temptations. The app Buy Me A Pie works great to make different shopping lists and will help you keep your purchases precise and organized.
Buy in bulk just because it seems like a good deal. Buying in bulk can be convenient and much more exciting! Thirty rolls of toilet paper at $19.99? Count me in! However, many of the items that you buy in bulk aren’t necessarily a good deal. It’s essential that as a consumer you compare the price per unit; this will show you the true value of the item. For example, if you’re buying toothpaste in bulk and the price per ounce is 40 cents compared to 41 cents per ounce at a retailer, and you have a coupon for a dollar off if you buy three, it’s a better choice to purchase your toothpaste from the retailer. The coupon brings the price at the retailer down to 37 cents.