It’s SALE time!
At this time of year we think about the “sales”. But, particularly this year, where traditional “bricks and mortar” shops have been having a really hard time and brands are struggling or going out of business, it seems as if it’s been a constant SALE of one sort or another. And, in the last couple of previous years, the SALE has been before Christmas rather than starting on Boxing Day. It made me think, today, about putting this post for anyone confused or being urged to BUY NOW, BE QUICK, and all the other tricks that are used to get us to part with our hard-earned cash (eg Debenhams’ “Closing Down Sale”), to help you take a moment to not get swept up in the momentum, and make your purchases with more thought.
Yes, of course the good stuff usually sells out first, so you do need to be quick in that sense, but please take a moment to consider these 7 tips:
1. Don’t panic
Don’t be panicked into ordering or buying something if it doesn’t look quite right for some reason (eg colour, pattern or style) just because there’s one left in your size, or 53 people have been viewing this item in the last 10 minutes! Just stop and look at the discount. I just saw a Hobbs cashmere jumper in the Debenhams “closing down sale” that was 15% off. If you had your eye on this anyway, and now it’s reduced to the cheapest price you’ve seen it for, and think that if you hang on for a further reduction your size won’t be available any more, then maybe now is the time to buy.
2. Remember why you didn’t like previous purchases
Keep in mind reasons why you ditched previous items, like the sleeves being too short or the jumper wasn’t long enough to cover your back when you hop in the car seat and you get a cold shock!
3. Why are you being tempted?
Ask yourself, why are you being tempted? Do you NEED this item (ie it’s perfect for you and you haven’t got anything like it in the wardrobe already), or do you just fancy something new and we all love a discount?
4. When will you wear it?
Ask yourself how many times you see yourself wearing the item, and in what situations? Most people expect to get more than one wear out of a garment these days, so how much will you enjoy wearing it, and will the number of wears equate or outweigh the cost?
5. What else will it go with?
Will buying this cause you to spend more money buying other things to go with it? A savvy shopper will buy items that already go with multiple things in the wardrobe, as they are building a wardrobe of items that are right for them, in the colour theme that suits, styles that suit their body shape and suit their “clothing personality”.
6. Rate It
Now, if you’ve got this far and think you should purchase, or you have ordered and it’s arrived, give it a rating out of 10 (10 being perfect). Do not purchase or keep the item if it is below a 7. If it is a 7, have a look at what you already have and decide if you really WANT or NEED it. If you do not, perhaps you should return it while you have the chance.
7. Returns
Finally, check the returns policy, and don’t be afraid to use it.
If you’re at sea when it comes to shopping for bargains, or shopping generally, please contact me to see how I can make your life easier!
Current (and previous) clients of Your Colour & Style get some shopping support for free – ask me how!
Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
