In today’s society, the consumer is educated and informed. We have mobile applications and devices at our disposal giving us the leverage to grab the best deal possible. This covers pretty much all of the important niche’s people are interested in when it comes to purchasing items. Wal-Mart, a popular United States store guarantees a low price, even when their competitor has them beat. All the consumer needs to do is prove the lower price and Wal-Mart will match it.
The shopper of today truly has all of the advantages they need to get the best deals possible. Having said that, why is it that most shoppers are still doing it the old way? An astounding 4 million apps combined between Google Play and Apple are available for download and most of these give the shopper the advantage when finding deals. However, research shares only 36% of them are actually getting the deal they should. Here are five ways you can always get the best deals when it comes to shopping for what you need.
1. Go Online
One of the best ways to find the greatest deals out there is to search the internet. The smart shopper should never have a desire to buy something without first researching every outlet and store that sells it. With so many large brands vying for your attention, they are competing for your hard-earned money and using the internet to your advantage to search out the best deals should always be your number one go-to strategy. While it does take some time to research and discover where your item is sold, this time is spent wisely because you will gain traction in learning the best locations that hold the best deals for your items.
2. Use Your Mobile Apps
An amazing 96% of all Americans own a cell phone of some kind. There is no reason a shopper cannot always find the best deals through the feature of the mobile phone because of the attributes it gives. We are talking about the mobile apps the user is able to download. Depending on the item you are interested in buying, more than likely there is an app for researching and learning the best price for it. Recently, a man purchased a truck. However, he didn’t just go out and buy it. When asked how he was able to purchase this truck for less than $12,000 than the national average he revealed a car research app which allowed him to locate the exact match truck he wanted for the exact price. If you have a little patience, your mobile phone will deliver on the best deals through the right app.
3. Buy From Owners Not Brands
One of the major benefits of purchasing something at a better deal is that you get to determine where you spend your money. A large brand lacks a personal touch and the ability to build a relationship with their customers. In our experience, purchasing the items you love from a sole proprietor can get you a better deal and make a lasting friend in the process. For instance, online boutique, E and O Apparel, offers modest dresses for women at a reasonable price, but they also make a point to go the extra mile for their customers. You don’t see large brands doing that. Plus it’s always a positive when you get something nice and know that in the future you won’t have to research your item if it comes from that particular owner.
4. Educate Yourself On Generic Labels Too
One of the most expensive things a shopper can do is constantly focus on labels. At the grocery store, at the mall, wherever they go they want to make sure that the famous brand name is there. That is both a positive and negative. While you already know the contents of your name brand item is quality, it is also very expensive. This is where the term “you’re just buying the label” comes from. In other words, brands can create anything and put their label on it and overcharge.
In our experience, generic labels are just as good. However, you do need to do your research on them. Go to your phone and read reviews and testimonials of the product from other people. Depending on how much you want to save, generic can be a lifesaver in the long run, and it’s just as well most of the time.
5. Use the Coupon
Never be ashamed to pull out your coupon card and use it when you check out. Almost every store on earth has some form of a coupon, and, if you purchase online for the first time, they will offer you a significant discount for doing some sort of action on their website. Most of the time it means you have to sign up to their email list or take a survey. In our experience, going the extra mile with this step pays off in the long run. Another good tip for getting discounts is to sign up for a company’s VIP programs. Grocery, clothing, and even automobile brands have these available to the customer and they offer discounts on every purchase.
In Conclusion
It is important for a smart shopper to know and understand everything available to them. Don’t just go out and buy that item you have been wanting, take your time and do your research. There’s a great deal out there possibly hiding in the shadows and all you have to do is uncover the deal. You have the power. All of these companies and brands want your attention and your money and they have significant deals out there to lure you to their checkout line.