We all love shopping, and there’s something very pleasurable about a retail splurge every now and then, but it can be a ruinously expensive hobby. However, there are a few simple shopping hacks that will allow you to keep on top of the latest trends without spending all your cash. Read on for our top five thrifty shopping tips!
Check out the charity shops
Seasoned shoppers may turn their noses up at charity shops, but they are the places to grab some incredible bargains. Gone are the days when charity shops were full of tatty old cast offs; you can now bag great quality, nearly new clothes and even, if you’re lucky, designer label treasures at knock down prices. However, you do have to be prepared to put the work in and have a thorough search through every rail. Keep an eye out for clothes with the label cut out, as these items have often been donated brand new from nearby high street stores once they’ve gone out of season. Plus, bear in mind the location of the shop as ‘wealthier’ areas tend to ramp up the prices.
Cut costs with meal planning
One of the easiest ways to waste money is on food shopping. How often do you pop into the supermarket after work, buy loads of stuff you don’t really need and end up chucking most of it away? We’re betting a couple of times a week at least. Planning a weekly menu means you know exactly what you need to buy and can do a ‘big shop’ once a week; all the better if you do it online as you’ll be less tempted to sneak some extra treats into your basket.
Sign up to paid market research
This is a lesser known tip, but signing up to paid market research can help you to earn some extra cash whilst discussing your favourite brands – perfect for die-hard shopaholics! As long as you make sure you sign up to a reputable company like us – there are lots of scams online – paid market research is a foolproof method to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself at the same time as making a few extra quid. Sign up to our panel here!
Explore the world of upcycling
Upcycling is the art of turning something you don’t want into something you do want, but in a different form. For example, a worn out but much loved jumper can be easily turned into a funky cushion cover. As well as saving money, upcycling means that you will have something completely unique and therefore much cooler than generic high street products. It’s also great for the environment as you aren’t sending your old things to landfill.
Shop-off season!
If you do a little bit of forward planning and shop off-season, you can grab some incredible bargains. For example, if you spy some beautiful garden furniture or a flattering bikini at the beginning of the summer, biding your time until the winter months will mean you can grab these things at a knock down price. End of season sales will enable you to go a bit wild without spending too much cash.
Make friends with vouchers
Many shops, both online and off, attract customers by offering great deals through vouchers and codes, so if you’re thinking about splashing out some cash on something, however big or small, have a search around the internet first to see if you can bag an offer. Another great idea is to sign up to the online newsletter for all your favourite companies; not only will they provide you with information about the things you love, but they often offer big discounts as a reward for your interest.
Are you ready to become the ultimate savvy shopper? Sign up for paid market research with Angelfish Opinions now!
