“Shopping Savings Advice & Tips On How To Spend Less & Get More”
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CLOTHING -
Where To Shop (continued)
g. It can often be hit and miss, but the severe discount and surplus stores like Big Lots, Family Dollar Stores, etc. can have some great deals. Visit them on a regular basis and see what you can find.
h. And for toys, use your local 99 cent store. Most younger kids just like a new toy. It does not have to be fancy or pricey. So shop for toys where you can save the most.
2. Catalog sales and retail web sites are also sources for clothing, jewelry and even toys. Most major retailers have one or the other, or perhaps both. And the number of other catalog and web site retailers is almost limitless. Pricing can be all over the place, as can quality, and it is often difficult to purchase based on a picture and a description. But if you already know about the item, or are willing to be adventurous, pricing may be better, even with shipping charges. But, keep in mind, that while most catalogs and online stores have a reasonable return policy, shipping costs can eat your savings away. For tips on online shopping, and how to get online coupons and promotion codes to save even more, look under the “Online Shopping” tab.
3. Retail stores, catalogs and web sites are not the only source for clothes, jewelry and toys. Used clothing, jewelry and toys can make a great purchase, but do not plan on any return policy, since there will not be one. Look to the following sources for savings.
a. Consider visiting online auction sites like eBay.com. Obviously, what is available
can be hit-
b. Consignment shops may have just what you are looking for, and it may be high quality and in almost new shape. If you do not mind wearing used clothing or jewelry, or playing with used toys, these types of shops can let you really dress and play well on a small budget. This can be particularly helpful for children’s clothing which can be expensive at retail, and only worn for a few months until they grow out of it. But, for the most part, once you buy an item it is yours. Generally, there is no return policy, although you may be able to sell an item back to the shop for a lower price than you paid. Consignment shopping is even less expensive if you take your unwanted clothes, jewelry and toys and sell them to a consignment shop for “store credit” or just a percentage of the sale. You can then use that credit or cash to purchase something you need. Go to ConsignmentShops.com to find stores near you.
c. Do not forget about thrift stores like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. There are some items in good condition in these stores at very low prices. Once you own the item it is yours, and the potential “stigma” attached to an item purchased from these stores should be of no concern. Check out TheThriftShopper.com for a list of thrift stores near you. Call the stores to see when they get their deliveries so you can be first to choose.
d. There are always the popular garage sales for great bargains. But make sure you arrive early and be prepared to fend for yourself. The good items go at a fast and furious pace. The bargains can be so great at garage sales, that many people go to garage sales to buy large amounts of goods and then take the goods to consignment shops and resell them for a higher price. If you find some real bargains and do not want the merchandise, perhaps this will earn you a little money to supplement your budget.
e. Friends and family can also be a very inexpensive source of clothing, jewelry and toys. Sometimes, used items are simply given to the “next generation user” and sometimes they are sold at bargain prices. Friends and family will also often exchange unwanted items, or items that are no longer needed, so both parties benefit. Check around to see if your family and friends can share and save. Some neighbors will even make a social event and have toy exchange parties, where everyone brings toys their children have outgrown and exchange for something their children will now enjoy.
f. Even if you do not find any clothes at these sources for everyday wear, many
kids like to play dress-
Getting the best price is always important for anyone on a budget. Clothing, jewelry and toys are no exception. Consider the following:
1. Always buy on sale. Most items you have identified that you want in the way of clothes, jewelry and toys will eventually go on sale. Try your best not to buy any of these items unless you find them on sale. A little patience and constant looking can lead to large savings, and allow you to live a lot better on a set budget.
2. High price does not always mean high quality. Buy an item that you really
like, is made well and that you need. None of these pre-
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