Maybe it’s because it’s more convenient, or because we just don’t know there is another way, but we often pay more than we need to.
Sure, making the effort to save money on our purchases takes a little more effort, but when you see how much you can save, it’s SO worth it.
So with that in mind, here are our tried and tested shopping habits guaranteed to help save you money:
1. Future-proof clothing purchases
Instead of going down the pink or blue route, a smart tip is to buy baby clothes in neutral colours – think sweet yellows or fresh creams and whites. This way you can safely reuse them when a big baby brother or sister comes along. And by the same token, shopping gender-neutral clothes for bigger kids means you’ll have a greater choice of clothes to pass on to the younger ones.
2. Be careful of false economies
Do you REALLY need a new toaster? Just because it’s half price doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Same goes for that new telly. Do you really need to take money out of your savings account because that super-futuristic curved TV is 70% off?
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for deals
If Del Boy can do it so can we! Irish people and haggling don’t exactly go hand in hand, but in places like furniture and electrical shops, asking for deals is encouraged. If a salesperson is adamant they won’t go any lower on a price, ask if they would throw in something for free. We’ve often got things like free cables and accessories in computer shops with this tactic, so trust us, it works.
4. Make the most of coupons and special discounts
Keep an eagle eye out for any potential discounts, like those on the back of receipts, online discount codes, or reward schemes. In particular, Electric Ireland Rewards is offering discounts on travel, clothing, grocery shopping and entertainment as part of its rewards programme for customers – like €20 family cinema tickets, up to €60 off each energy bill per year, money off your shop at SuperValu, and discounts from shops like lifestylesports.com and AllCare Pharmacy.
5. ALWAYS keep receipts
Please, please keep your receipts somewhere safe! Whether you’ve changed your mind, or it doesn’t fit, or there’s a fault, your receipt is the single most important thing you’ll need for that refund or exchange. We suggest keeping them in a designated box or drawer – that way you’ll always know where to find them.
6. Compare prices before you commit
Prices for the same products vary across the board, but luckily it’s never been easier to compare the prices of the likes of food, travel and insurance. There are heaps of comparison sites online, so before you make a purchase, ensure you’re getting the best value possible.
7. Read the fine print
Are you going to try to return that musical disco ball a few days later only to be told there are no refunds? Make sure you know the return policy for each item before you purchase. (But hey, if you can’t return that disco ball, we’ll take it off your hands.)
For more info on Electric Ireland Rewards pop over to electricirelandrewards.ie.
