There are more ways to save on the things you want than ever before, especially with the advent of online shopping and companies that specialize in discounts like Groupon. While there are still some major purchases that you want to get brand new, you might be surprised by how many different products you can find great deals on if you’re willing to look a little harder. Smart shopping means you can save money on essentials and cut down on your guilt for recreational purchases. In case you don’t know where to get started, here are three things you should never pay retail price for.
1. Electronics
Everything from computers to tablets to video game consoles can be found below retail price if you know where you look. You can also consider buying a used or refurbished product instead of something brand new, you’ll often be able to find great deals on brand name technology that is still in great condition. Instead of buying a brand new Apple iPad or Kindle, look at options for refurbished tablets and e-readers and you could end up saving yourself hundreds of dollars. If you have a set budget, refurbished electronics make it possible to still get the brand you want at a more reasonable price point. You can find great refurbished computers and video game consoles too. Video games are easy to find on sale, as long as you’re willing to wait a little bit. You don’t need to play every new game on the day it’s released, consider picking one or two titles that you have to have right away, and space out your other purchases so you can save some money.
2. Clothes
Between the renaissance of fast fashion and the growing popularity of discount retailers like outlets, there’s little reason to spend a fortune on the newest designer outfits. Outlet malls are one of the best-kept secrets in shopping. Plenty of stylish brands like Coach, J. Crew, and Prada have outlet stores. If you’re looking for designers you love at a better price, google “outlets near me” and see if any of your favorites have one. Even at expensive stores, you can comb the discount rack for clearance deals on pricier pieces that you love. While occasionally it can be fun to splurge on a designer item, you can often find similar items for much cheaper. If there’s something you have to have, it’s easier on your wallet and your conscience to go ahead and buy it if you know you’re being responsible about your other clothing purchases.
3. Travel
There are always great deals to be found on travel, especially if you’re flexible about the dates you’re interested in or the destination. With Priceline, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others like them, you can find bargains no matter where you want to go or how long you want to be there. Avoid travel agents, they often charge exorbitant fees and while there used to be more of a reason to require their expertise, you can find everything you need online now. By using a combination of different discount websites for airfare and a hotel, you’ll leave yourself more money to spend once you’re actually enjoying your trip. There are also websites like Gilt which offer discounts on luxury travel for specific locations and dates. No matter where you want to go, it’s more than likely that you don’t have to pay full price to get there.
These three things are only just scratching the surface in terms of what you can save on if you’re interested in becoming a smarter shopper. If you have the extra time and the resources, you can bring down your grocery bill significantly by clipping coupons, for example. Still, electronics, clothes, and travel are three things that people tend to spend a significant portion of their recreational budget on, and it’s easier than ever to bring down the price, so go ahead and skip the buyer’s remorse and save some money next time you make a big purchase.