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Bagging real bargains(Daily Record Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) If you're a compulsive bargain-hunter with no will-power, persuade a much more sensible friend to go with you to tell you to put the cheap tat down THEY say that if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is - but many people ignore this warning when it comes to the January sales. Last year, Brits spent more than pounds 4billion during the first week of the sales, but up to 45 per cent of people later regretted their purchases. Get it right and the January sales are a terrific bargain - but get it wrong and you'll end up with an empty wallet and cupboards full of things you didn't really want. Many consumers think the sales are an opportunity that they can't afford to miss. While this might be true in some cases, lots of people simply get caught up in the euphoria of shopping, grabbing items they neither need nor want. Getting the best out of the sales requires careful planning and the first thing you need to do is check your budget. People who have overspent at Christmas are likely to overspend in the sales too, so check your bank and credit card balances before you even think of hitting the shops again. The sales are great for saving money if you know exactly what you want, have budgeted for it and stick to your plan. However, they are a minefield for anyone who gets sidetracked easily by big discounts. This kind of shopper usually ends up spending money they don't have on something they don't really need or want. To avoid falling into the worst financial traps, do some careful planning. Work out exactly how much you have to spend. If you plan to use interest-free credit, check your monthly budget and be sure you can afford the repayments. If your credit or debit card is looking terrifyingly red, then assess just how much you need something before plunging yourself further into debt. Sometimes, when a major household item really needs replaced and you have the chance of a genuine bargain in the sales, it could be worth considering tightening your belt for a few months to pay it off. But you must stick to your financial aims to get the benefit. If you've got an interest-free period on your credit card, make sure you can pay it off within the allotted time. Once you've decided how much cash you can spare, how do you make the January sales less stressful and more enjoyable? Start by making a list of what you need or want and how much you'd like to spend on each item. This is especially crucial in department stores, where aimless drifting amongst the crowds can lead to shopping bags full of useless impulse purchases. If you're a compulsive bargain-hunter with no will-power, persuade a much more sensible friend to go with you, on the understanding that they'll have no worries about telling you to put the cheap tat down. Don't buy something which you think might make a great present without knowing exactly who it's for. Use a debit card or cash as much as possible while sales shopping. Only use your credit card if you're disciplined and confident you can clear the balance. Be careful to check the store's returns policy - some will let you bring items back if you change your mind but others will only offer an exchange or credit note, which isn't the same as getting your money back. Particular rules apply when it comes to buying clothes, especially for women. The main one is not to buy anything you need to lose weight to fit into as chances are it will simply end up at the back of the wardrobe and in a charity shop six months later. Ask yourself what you'll wear something with, because if you need to buy other clothes to go with a reduced item then it's not a bargain. Even if something appears to be a great buy, stop and ask yourself whether you really need it. For example, just how many white T-shirts can you wear at once? Also watch out for big prices claiming to be a great deal. A pounds 150 designer dress reduced from pounds 700 sounds fantastic, but if it wasn't on your list and you don't actually have that much cash it's not a bargain. Also ignore rails of the cheapest rubbish unless you have an iron will - you can sometimes find real gems amongst them but, remember, most of these sale rails exist because nobody liked those clothes in the first place. No matter what you're buying, try to shop around for the best deal. There are times when you need to plan in advance and be prepared to get there early or queue if there are just a few big items for sale, but in the main it pays to take your time to compare prices. Some of the big stores have fantastic deals on furniture, TVs and electrical equipment and if you can get exactly what you want at a discounted price then that's the best bargain. Don't be rushed into making a decision and don't be swayed by offers of a good price only if you buy it quickly. If it is a good company and a genuine deal, it will be there tomorrow. And that really is the trick behind getting the right sales attitude: if you wouldn't have thought about buying it at full price, then don't consider it at all. Buying for the sake of it isn't a bargain so, unless you know what you're doing, take your money back home and save it towards something you really want. Your rights For goods bought in a sale, you have the same rights as normal - unless a particular fault has been pointed out to you in advance - so don't be fobbed off if you have cause for complaint. When purchases don't meet their specification, such as clothing that is damaged after the first wash, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement. If a damaged item needs repairing, the repair should be carried out within a reasonable period of time and without causing you significant inconvenience. The shop may say you have to claim a refund from the manufacturer, or claim under the manufacturer's guarantee. This isn't true. Shoppers' rights under the Sale of Goods Act are against the retailer, not the manufacturer. Guarantees simply give shoppers additional rights. If an item of clothing you have bought ruins any of your other belongings - for example, the colour runs due to a fault and discolours other clothes - you may be entitled to compensation over and above the price of the item. If you lose your receipts, your rights still apply. Alternative proof of purchase may be necessary, such as a creditcard bill or bank statement. If goods you buy are faulty, incorrectly described or not fit for purpose, you may be entitled to your money back, an exchange or a repair. When purchasing items costing more than pounds 100, using a credit card will get you extra protection from your credit card company should problems arise. If you need to return faulty goods that are bulky, heavy or difficult to carry, you can ask the seller to collect them. Always double-check a retailer's refund policy before buying. Although many shops allow you to exchange full-price goods that you've had second thoughts about, they do this as a goodwill gesture and might not do the same for sales items. Finally, don't forget that you don't have any grounds for complaint if you: Were told about a fault prior to purchasing Examined the item when you bought it and should have seen the fault Did the damage yourself Made a mista when buying the item Simply changed your mind. Copyright 2006 . Scottish Record & Sunday Mail Limited. |