Retail Shopping
All posts about retail shopping will appear here, in order to create a clickable category. Oldest posts will appear at the top. Scroll down to see newer posts.
Know the best stores
The best advice for general retail shopping is ...
Check out all the local stores within a certain category and compare prices (write them down along with exact item brands, sizes, model #, etc.). For example, go to every hardware store and check their prices on a particular faucet, a particular brand of closet shelving, 1x6 clear pine lumber, 1 gal of a particular kind of paint, etc. Generally you will find that one store is consistently better than the other in every category. Then you will know which hardware store to visit whenever you need an item they stock. The same can be done with variety-type stores, bedding stores, and even grocery stores (although with grocery stores you need to consider regular, not sale prices).
For all those things you need quickly that don't cost too much, this is the best method. It would cost too much in time and gasoline to drive all over town comparing prices all the time. It even costs too much in time and frustration calling all over for pricing.
Big Ticket Items
Last time we discussed the best shopping method for low cost items that you need frequently.
Big-ticket items are different of course. You may have a good starting place in mind from your previous research, but sales can change things. If you need several big-ticket items at a time, it can even be worth your while to ask the manager for a discount based on your total purchases. Don't be afraid to ask, and then don't be afraid to take that offer to another store and ask them to beat it. This can be effective for multiple furniture and/or appliance purchases.
Know the best stores
The best advice for general retail shopping is ...
Check out all the local stores within a certain category and compare prices (write them down along with exact item brands, sizes, model #, etc.). For example, go to every hardware store and check their prices on a particular faucet, a particular brand of closet shelving, 1x6 clear pine lumber, 1 gal of a particular kind of paint, etc. Generally you will find that one store is consistently better than the other in every category. Then you will know which hardware store to visit whenever you need an item they stock. The same can be done with variety-type stores, bedding stores, and even grocery stores (although with grocery stores you need to consider regular, not sale prices).
For all those things you need quickly that don't cost too much, this is the best method. It would cost too much in time and gasoline to drive all over town comparing prices all the time. It even costs too much in time and frustration calling all over for pricing.
Big Ticket Items
Last time we discussed the best shopping method for low cost items that you need frequently.
Big-ticket items are different of course. You may have a good starting place in mind from your previous research, but sales can change things. If you need several big-ticket items at a time, it can even be worth your while to ask the manager for a discount based on your total purchases. Don't be afraid to ask, and then don't be afraid to take that offer to another store and ask them to beat it. This can be effective for multiple furniture and/or appliance purchases.
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