BUYING MORE TO SAVE MORE
When stores are running buy-one-get-one-free specials or bulk pricing on certain items, it’s tempting to jump in line to stock up on extras. However, buying more doesn’t necessarily save you more — especially if you never end up using the item or you’re buying perishable items that go stale before the expiration date.
What to do: Check the store’s offer details to see if you can get individual items at a discount regardless of quantity. Some stores might offer a lower price on single items so you’re not required to buy more just to save.
It’s always a good idea to check expiration dates and really decide whether you will really use the item a few weeks or months from now.
OVERLOOKING THE RETURN POLICY
When you finally make the decision to buy a coveted item, it’s easy to forget to read the return policy just in case you end up changing your mind. However, doing so could mean the store won’t honor your return by giving you a refund or store credit.
What to do: Always do a quick scan of a store’s return policy so you know what to expect in the event you do have buyer’s remorse. Remember that some stores and online retailers only have a 14-day return policy, so you might need to accommodate for return shipping time and other factors.
BUYING ‘FINAL SALE’ ITEMS
Those deep discounts on final sale items can be hard to pass up. But there’s one big caveat when shopping the clearance racks — you can’t return them if they don’t fit or if you change your mind.
What to do: Insist on jumping into the dressing room for a quick try-on so you aren’t buying something you’ll never wear. Avoid the temptation of buying something that might fit when you lose a few pounds or when you have an event to go to — it might never happen and you’ll be left with items that end up collecting dust in the closet.
