The January sales are a great time to shop and take advantage of prices that could be slashed by up to 90 per cent. However, they can also be a minefield of post-Christmas tat that no one really wants.
If you’re planning on braving the January sales then these do’s and don’ts might make the experience a more productive and enjoyable one. So read on while you’re sharpening those elbows and get ready to stock up on those sale bargains.
Sale Do’s
Do: Do it Online
Doing your sales shopping online means that you get to avoid the bustling crowds of bargain hunters and can do your shopping from home when it’s convenient for you to do so.
You can also enjoy bigger discounts by taking advantage of voucher codes for online retailers. Moneysaver.ie is the place to find details of all the best discount codes, offers and deals on one easy to use website, which means that you can easily compare the best deals without traipsing up and down the high street.
Do: Get the Timing Right
Sales shopping should be treating like a military operation in order to get the best returns, and getting the timing right is crucial. The biggest discounts are found towards the tail end of the sales, but should you choose to wait that long you risk there being nothing left but stacks of novelty Christmas jumpers.
Shop smart and do your research into items that you particularly want. If there’s an infinite amount (with electrical goods for example) then ask the store when the sale ends and hold out for as long as you dare. If, on the other hand, there’s only one pair of perfect boots in your size then it’s best to snap them up asap.
Do: Write a List
It’s a very brave shopper who hits the sales without a list. You’d be wise to spend some time thinking about what it is you want before you commence your shopping mission.
For example, should you need something specific for the home – a new DVD player for instance – don’t allow yourself to be tempted by the cut price coffee machines or iPod docks.
Or if it’s clothing that you’re after, make sure that you make a list of what it is that you actually want/need, to add focus to your search through rails and rails of bargains.
Do: Fill your Wardrobe with Classic Clothing
When it comes to sale shopping for clothing, things can get a touch tricky. While it’s tempting to see the latest trends at amazing low prices, it’s important to remember that we’ll soon be moving into spring/summer fashions.
Look out for classic items rather than the high fashion items, such as a great leather jacket, pair of jeans or boots. Work wear is also a good sale buy as you’re sure to get plenty of use out of it all year round.
Do: Stock up on Scent
The Christmas perfume box sets can be good value as they often include extras such as shower gel or moisturiser for free. If these box sets are further reduced in the sale, so much the better.
Do: Take Advantage of Bargain Gift Sets
Hair and beauty gift sets can also represent great value for money, as they are often heavily reduced after Christmas. Simply discard the packaging and you have some fabulous cut price products to keep you stocked up well into the new year.
Do: Make Big Purchases
If you’ve been considering a big purchase, such as a new sofa or television set, then the January sales is usually a good time to splash out. Shop around for the biggest discounts, both at retail parks and online, and make sure that you check Moneysaver.ie for discount codes to make sure that you’re making the best possible saving.
Sale Don’ts
Don’t: Go on Stephens Day
There really is no need for anyone to be shopping on St Stephens Day, no matter how tempting the first day of the sales may be. Stay at home with your family and enjoy the post-Christmas slump instead.
Don’t: Take a Companion
Sale shopping has to be a solo sport, as you’ll need all your focus and wits about you to make sure that you snag the best bargains. There’s no time for catching up over coffee if you want to take full advantage of slashed prices.
Don’t Buy Party Wear
No matter how pretty that little sparkly number is, you have to consider that your next opportunity to wear it might well be in a years time. Is it still going to look as appealing when it’s been hanging at the back of your wardrobe for a whole year?
Don’t: Buy for Next Christmas
While it may seem to make sense to buy gifts for next Christmas while they’re reduced, you have to consider whether your son will still be into Bob the Builder, or your sister will still be into chunky jewellery, in twelve months time. Those who buy Christmas gifts in January may think that they’re saving money, but if you end up simply buying more come next December it’s nothing but a false economy.
Far better would be to wait until nearer to the time and check Moneysaver.ie for voucher codes on the gifts that they would really like. That way you’re sure to be getting genuine bargains that you’re unlikely to find in the sales.