Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission: Clip coupons. Coupons are useful when they save you money on what you re already planning to buy. Check coupons for any restrictions. For example, do expiration dates apply, or do you have to spend a certain amount before you can use the coupon? Some retailers will accept expired coupons, and even coupons from their competitors. Check with the retailer before you leave home to learn their policy.
Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission: Carefully consider bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise. For example, Buy One, Get One Free or Free Gift with Purchase. If you don t really want or need the item, it s not a deal.
Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission: Ask about sale adjustments. If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount?
Holiday Shopping on a Budget: Tips from the Federal Trade Commission: Ask about refund and return policies. Many merchants may have different refund and return policies for sale items. For example, clearance merchandise may be on final sale, meaning no refunds or exchanges.
Discount tips: There are over 300 outlet centers. You might find one closer than you think. Also when you take a trip, you could find you go right by one.
Discount tips: Since each store is owned by the company, you will usually find a huge selection of that company s merchandise. This selection will generally be much larger than any you can find locally. Some items are only sold through outlet stores.
Discount tips: Outlets typically offer a 30%-40% discount over retail every day. However, you might get the same discount or better close to home when a local store has a sale.
Discount tips: Outlets have sales. You will probably find unbeatable prices then. Get on their mailing list.
Discount tips: Outlet stores will generally have seasonal clothes much longer than retail stores.
Discount tips: If you find flaws in first-quality garments, talk to the manager. You may be able to get a larger discount.