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sales shopping

Sales Shopping Advice

30th December 2024 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

The shops want a clear-out after Christmas to make way for new Spring stock, so want to sell their clothing etc at a price to attract sales.

BEWARE

i)  The price – is it a bargain?

What is the reason you are attracted to this item? If it is the price maybe that’s not the best consideration. And, how much of a discount is it on the original price? In the UK, the retailer is supposed to abide by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, which govern the rules around sale prices. Here are some key points:

  1. Original Price Disclosure: Retailers must show the original price and ensure it was the price at which the product was sold for a “meaningful period of time”.
  2. Genuine Discounts: Discounts should be genuine and not misleading. For example, a discount claimed against a significantly higher recommended retail price is not allowed.
  3. Clear and Accurate Information: All promotional information must be clear, accurate, and not ambiguous.
  4. Duration of Sales: There’s no strict “28-day” rule anymore, but the original price should have been in effect for a reasonable period before the sale.
ii)  Scams

Nowadays there are two aspects to the sales, and it is already being reported that online sales shopping has increased this year. Let’s face it, who wants to drive/use fuel/pay to park (if you can find a space anywhere near where you want to go)/wait for a bus, potentially get cold and or wet, when you can shop from the comfort of your home?

But, scams are so rife now and getting better all the time in terms of imitating real websites, using fake links etc that it is very easy to get caught out.

Plus, when you “buy before you try” you are more likely to run the risk of needing to return things.

CHECK THE RETURNS POLICY

Before you click, or purchase in store, please check the returns policy for SALE items. A retailer’s rules are usually different to shopping at the full price. You usually get less time to make up your mind for a return, may only be offered a credit note, or not be allowed any form of return/refund.

Being rushed into a decision

Rushed purchases are more likely to not be great because they have not been fully thought-through. If you are determined to bag a bargain, it will only be a bargain if you use it!

Stylists talk about “price per wear”, which means the more you use something, the more worth the investment it was. If you pay £100 for a dress, and wear it 10 times, it will be better value than a dress that was 50% off (ie £50) but you may only wear it once (and usually regret buying it in the first place!). In these days of sustainable shopping, we need to consider more than ever about how many times we think we will use something.

So, my advice for sales shopping is this, BEFORE you hit the shops or click that link:

  1. Review your wardrobe for items you may NEED rather than just want. If something is wearing out or worn out and needs replacing, put it on a list. Even if you don’t find it in the sale, the next opportunity may present itself – maybe in a charity or pre-loved shop – and you will still “get a bargin”.
  2. Stick to the list!
  3. Have you thought about budget? How much would you normally pay for this item?
  4. Did you have your eye on something when it was full price – maybe now’s the time to see if it is there and in your size.
  5. Check for quality. If there are lots of the same thing in the sale, it could indicate that the original price wasn’t seen as worth the item when it was at its normal price. Look at the material, lining (if there is one), the care label, and the quality of stitching/matching patterns at the seams etc to determine the garment’s quality.

Other advice about hitting the sales generally:

  • Usually the best bargains are at the beginning of the sale, not what’s left at the end.
  • If you have time, can you compare prices across your favourite brands?
  • Have you signed up for newsletters? (Sometimes you can get a further discount by signing up for a newsletter – normally online though.)
  • Can you use a discount card or use a cashback website or card? Do you have a “Blue Light” card which gives discount to NHS, Council workers and Services personnel.

And finally,

If you are able to return something unwanted for a refund, I advise checking the money has reached your account. This can be some days after you receive confirmation that you will get a refund.

I hope that’s a helpful summary of things to consider before you rush to spend your hard-earned cash.

Take care: it’s a jungle out there!

Oh, and if you want any impartial advice, you know who to call …

FionaPersonalShopper

07469 246722

Your DRESS WITHOUT STRESS Consultant

Filed Under: Blog, Shopping Blog Tagged With: bargain, sales shopping

7 “SALE” Shopping Tips

14th December 2020 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Blog, Shopping Blog Tagged With: Clothes shopping, On-line shopping, sales shopping

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