Written by Cara Jackson

A good relationship with a retail assistant is key to having a good shopping experience. Each retail assistant is employed to serve, help and maintain the appearance of the store. They understand their own roles and are equipped with plenty of useful product knowledge. It is the retail assistant that can point you in the direction of amazing sale items that you may have otherwise missed.

Here are a few of our tips on how to get the most (and maybe bag a bargain) from the person behind the counter.

Be polite, considerate and respectful

To get the best help and advice from a shop assistant you need to treat them with respect. It’s as simple as being polite and using your manners. A shopper who is nice to a sales assistant will get genuine help and advice and in many cases, the shop assistant will go above and beyond their role to ensure the customer has a good experience. Alternatively, a shopper who is rude and obnoxious will get the least amount of help while in the store.

Don’t be afraid to ask

The best way to be sale-savvy is to ask your shop assistant about the current sales that the store has running. They can point you in the right direction to ensure that you leave the store with the right product and no buyer’s remorse.

Give yourself plenty of time to shop

Entering a shop five minutes before closing and taking your time shopping can annoy sales assistants. By staying in a shop after closing you are forcing the assistant work later than required. Many have a tendency to tell customers anything just to make the sale a quick process. If you want genuine service, aim to shop well before closing time.

Minimise distractions

Avoid getting distracted by talking on your phone when being served. This is the time that shop assistants inform customers about special deals or sales that are running. Being distracted prevents them from voicing these offers, and you may miss out on something exciting.

Haggle

Don’t be afraid to politely ask for a discount when buying an expensive product. In many cases you will get one. Stores like JB Hi-Fi, Bunnings Warehouse and The Good Guys have sales assistants that will happily bargain with you over price.

However, be aware that many smaller stores don’t allow their workers to give further discounts to customers. If a shop assistant says that they are not allowed to give you a discount, it is unlikely that you will be able to change their mind.

Treating shop assistants with respect is a fantastic way to ensure you get bang for your buck. From being shown the perfect dress on the discount rack to being offered a VIP store membership, being courteous is a great way to grab a bargain.

Think you know where all the online bargins are? Think again...

 

Whether you’re completely sold on online shopping or you dabble in the occasional web buy, there’s one certainty about the “add to cart” experience — and that is: there are plenty of bargains to be found.

From daily deals sites to private shopping clubs, there are so many “up to 70 per cent off” emails arriving in the average bargain hunter’s inbox each day that seasoned shoppers are becoming relatively numbed to words (SALE!) that were once music to their ears... that is until they get a whiff of another bargain!

Such is the thrill of the hunt that we’re never tired of hearing about more chances to save money shopping online. And so without further ado, let us introduce to you a newcomer on the bargain shopping scene — Grays Outlet — which we're sure will tickly your bargain bone a much as the Boxing Day sales. 

An extension of the well known auction site Grays Online, Grays Outlet is Australia’s first online outlet centre, offering a huge range of discounted products by brands you know and love (but which you would prefer not to buy at full retail price!).

You can find up to 70 per cent off the RRP on everything from cosmetics to kitchen appliances, clothing, footwear, wine and fragrances from top labels.

Our first browse of the site revealed some great bargains, such as Mossimo dress for $34.95 (a saving of 56 per cent off the RRP) and a 75mL bottle of Diesel Plus Masculine Eau de Toilette for 80 per cent of its usual retail price — at the time of writing down to a miniscule $4.95. Kids don’t miss out either, with average savings on toys being up around 57 per cent. We also spotted brands such as Calvin Klein, Diana Ferrari, Panasonic and Dell.

The site is super easy to navigate and offers something for everyone with consumer, commercial and industrial products available. Now excuse us while we avoid the Christmas sale crowds and cash in on some excellent online bargains...

 

Our tips for getting the most from the biggest shopping day of the year!

By Laura Rankine

-Start bright and early to get first pick of the bargain products and to ensure that less time is spent circling the car park. However, don’t forget that on Boxing Day, others will have the same idea. Set aside at least half an hour to find parking or take public transport when you can. Be aware that you may still have to battle lines at the major shopping centres - even if it is 5am! 

 -Look prepared and feel confident. Have a fresh face of makeup and a do your hair nicely to avoid the impact a drab appearance and florescent lighting can have on your self-esteem and poise. Not looking and feeling confident will impact how you see yourself in your new outfits.

 - Be prepared for an active day of walking and changing. Wear comfortable shoes, an outfit that is easy to slip in and out of, carry a bottle of water and bring a bag that you can sling over your shoulder so that your hands are free. Don’t start the day with a heavy handbag as it will weigh you down as the hours pass.

 -Plan ahead. Know the location of shops that you would like to visit and go straight there without spending time searching. Browsing during the chaos of Boxing Day sales can tire you out quickly, so be sure to find important items at the beginning of the day.

 -Generally sales are best for purchasing older stock, not new arrivals. Keep in mind that you may not be able to find more than a small discount on brand new, in-season items.

-Don’t forget that many Boxing Day sales aren’t one day only! Most stores extend their sales for at least two to three days after the 26th, so if you’re not keen on fighting the crowds, make another day your sales day.

-Be aware of items that you already have at home. It is easy to get overwhelmed and carried away by all the big sale signs and overspend on clothing, home wares and appliances that you don’t actually need. Make a list of items that you will get good use out of, and what you really have enough of. Keep it on hand during the day to limit impulse purchases.

-Don’t spend too much time deliberating over whether to try something on or not. If in doubt, grab it anyway. That way you won’t lose it to the clutches of another shopper.

-If you are shopping in a group, don’t be afraid to break away and shop on your own. You are on a mission, and waiting for other people to try on items and make decisions for their own purchases wastes time. With the stressful atmosphere, every second counts.

-Gift cards and vouchers are popular Christmas gifts. Make the most of them and use them for your Boxing Day purchases.

-Don’t forget that not everything in store is on sale. Make sure you check before you take your items up to the counter. The last minute realisation at the register or worse, checking the receipt after leaving the store, is an easy way to spend outside your allocated budget.

-Retailers are entirely aware that Boxing Day is their biggest day of the year. Most take full advantage and fill the store with new signage highlighting their ‘sales’. Try not to get overwhelmed by all of this and be aware that they are there for a reason – so that you spend money. Make sure that you are getting a real discount on items. If you have a smart phone, apps such as ‘Sale Saver’ allow you to punch in the numbers and calculate the sale price. For more bargain shopping apps see Top Apps for Bargain Shopping.

Do you have any secrets to make the most out of the Boxing Day sales? Post your ideas and tips below!

Written by Cara Jackson

It’s that time of year again, music festival season. There is nothing quite like the exciting atmosphere of a music festival, however festival days tend to be pricey, with tickets alone cost more than $150. It is because of this that we have some tips to help you pick out a great, affordable festival outfit.

Festival fashion should be fun, fresh and light, but never your best outfit. Most of the time a festival outfit will come home caked in mud, sweat and remnants of the day. Rather than wasting money on an expensive outfit that you can never wear again, search for an outfit that has all the fun, brightness of festival fashion without the hefty price tag.

Shoes
The most important thing to remember with festival shoes is comfort is key. While heels may look fantastic, chances are you will be in pain by the end of the day. You will also be walking around in dirt and grass throughout the day. Cute little canvas shoes are a great option. These will protect your feet and provide you with the comfort you need to dance all day. You can find these at K-Mart, Target or Big W for less than $15; a fantastic buy as at the end of the day the shoes may be ruined.

Hats
A hat is absolutely crucial to a festival. Sunstroke is not a lot of fun. Hats protect and act as a cute little accessory to complete an outfit. Adorable straw hats are always in fashion for festivals. Stores like Sports Girl, Rubi and Jay Jays have cute hats for around $20.

Shorts
Shorts are great for festivals. They let you show off your gorgeous legs, all while being extremely practical. Shorts are able to withstand vigorous dancing, mosh pitting, running to the bathroom and strong winds.

Playsuits
Playsuits combine the practicality of shorts and the style of dresses. These adorable little numbers have been increasing in popularity over the past couple of festival seasons. Check out outlet stores such as Direct Factory Outlets to find a gorgeous playsuit for a fraction of the price.

Dresses
Dresses are the old faithful for festival fashion. They are perfect for a girl who enjoys the swish and the freedom that they offer. Vintage dresses are very popular, especially for events such as the Falls Music and Arts Festival or St Jerome's Laneway that have an indie edge. Save dollars by looking through op shops for that perfect vintage look for half the price you would pay for something brand new.

Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an absolute necessity for festivals as they keep your eyes protected from the harsh sun and add a unique touch to your outfit. However, make sure that you leave your expensive designers at home! With the action of the day, there is a high chance that they will get broken, stolen or lost. Instead, buy a cheap pair from a fashion accessories store. Rayban Wayfarer style sunglasses are especially popular at festivals and can be bought for around $15 from Equip.

Other tips and tricks

- Eat a good breakfast before you leave to save money that you would otherwise spend on greasy, fast food.

- Buy a bottle of water and re-fill it throughout the day. Don’t spend $4 on a small bottle every time you get thirsty.

- Avoid buying band merchandise at the festival. By looking in the sale section on a performer’s website you can usually find great deals for less than half the price!

- Comfort is key with every festival. It should be taken into account with every item of clothing that you wear. Most festivals run for up to twelve hours, so be sure to pick out clothes that don’t restrict you and allow you to dance the hours away.

 

 

Written by Kristen Le

Grocery shopping is a task that all of us encounter at some stage, yet despite being a weekly event, many of us still don’t get the hang of how to grocery shop in a way that’s optimum for our bank accounts. Here are fifteen hot tips to help you get frugal at the grocery store.

1. Planning exactly what meals you’re going to have will mean knowing exactly what you’ll need to purchase; this will cut down impulse buys drastically, and also reduce the number of times you’ll need to go to the shop.

2. Before you leave the house to go grocery shopping, do a “once over” of your kitchen cupboards and check what items are there; this will save you doubling up on items you forgot you already had and wasting money.

3. Check the use-by-date of any perishable items, like milk. If you found that you didn’t use it that much last time, buy a smaller quantity next time. This will save money and wastage.

4. Write a shopping list and stick to it - no more aimless wandering in the candy aisle for things you don’t need!

5. When you go to the grocery store take cash only, and leave your EFTPOS or credit cards at home; it’ll limit the amount you can spend and get you thinking more critically about what items you really need.

6. Buy items with a relatively long shelf life in bulk - rice, pasta or a large block of longer-lasting cheeses like cheddar are good examples. Only buy in bulk items that you know you or your family will consume.

7. Avoid frozen and pre-packaged meals; they’re expensive and usually don’t yield that many servings. Buy fresh and cook from scratch when possible.

8. Buy vegies on an as-needed basis; you’ll want them to be fresh, and they’re fairly inexpensive. This is better than buying lots of vegies and not being able to use them all then throwing them out.

9. Fresh fruit should be bought in small amounts and in a decent variety; this will ensure a bit of something for everyone. You can always go back to buy more fruit later if needed.

10. Buy canned fruits and vegetables; they’re cheap, have a very long shelf life, and can be used in a wide variety of ways.

11. Keep your eye out for weekly flyers or catalogues from your local grocery store; it will alert you of the best discounts and offers at the time.

12. Meat is usually the most expensive item on the shopping list, but many people don’t want to skimp on the quality, so head out early to a market and bulk-buy meat, then freeze it in portions (but don’t buy more than you’ll realistically use!).

13. You can also save on meat by buying less expensive cuts, like brisket or ham hock - they are slightly more fatty but can be slow cooked so that the fat melts and the meat is tender. Chicken, turkey and pork will generally be less expensive than beef and lamb. Alternatively, serve meat in less meals.

14. Canned tuna is cheap, high in protein and easy to add to pasta, or salads to make decent meals.

15. “Home brand” items are often very similar in quality to branded items, but much cheaper. “Home brand” cereals, yoghurts, cheese, bread and cleaning products can be significantly cheaper than their respective branded versions - remember you want to pay for quality, not fancy packaging, so do your research and compare nutritional values if unsure; you’ll often find that the “home brand” versions are not far off branded.

 

By Jennifer Kang

For investment-dressing shop-till-you-droppers, the notion of buying nothing new is, well, nothing short of scandalous. After all, for many of us shop-savvy fashionistas, life is often defined by the thrill that comes with the purchase of a fashionably frugal item that just happens to be in-season and new.

So, fashion-devotee shoppers, if I remind you that October is Buy Nothing New month (www.buynothingnew.com.au), you’ll probably stop reading this blog in about two sentences’ time, wouldn’t you? Well, aside from the fact that I have two sentences to recapture your attention, the good news is, this month-long campaign, which raises awareness about conscientious consumption, isn’t about going without a must-have addition to your wardrobe, nor is it about buying nothing new, never.

It’s more about reassessing what you really need, considering where the stuff you purchase comes from and where it eventually ends up – fashion-purgatory-esque, wasteful landfill – as well as what your alternatives are.

“What are the alternatives,” you ask? Well, there are plenty – from clothes swapping and swishing, to renting, recycling and up-cycling, there are many ways to integrate the ‘Buy Nothing New’ shopper’s mentality into your wardrobe, fashionably. Caught your attention, have I?

Swish and save

Loved the dress your friend was wearing on your recent night out? Borrow it in exchange for your friend borrowing the dress, jacket, bag or necklace of yours she loves. This is what we call ‘swishing’, an eco-fashionable and sustainable way to swap clothes, shoes or accessories with friends, family or acquaintances. Swishing is great for one-time wear items that you’re eyeing; in other words, things, which would usually require you to spend all your saved-up pennies intended for a net-a-porter purchase that you wear once and never wear again. You’ll be able to wear your friend’s dress once and return it... and you won’t have to spend a dollar, nor do you have to buy something new.

Savvy swaps

Swapping and swishing. Similar concepts, but oh-so-different in the recessionista’s dictionary. Unlike what is implied, clothes swaps usually entail slightly more formal clothes-exchange deals for the serious, savvy shopper. Swap-meets may require you to pay a small entrance fee for a market where you’ll be able to swap your old clothes for someone else’s. You’ll be given fashion-dollars (say, buttons as currency), to spend at the clothing swap, in exchange for your garments.

Recessionista renting

 Looking for a stand-out dress for the pre-Christmas social circuit? So am I. And when I told a shop-savvy work colleague that I was prepared to make a wage-slave move by spending a fortnight’s worth of my pay for a stand-out dress to wear at a black tie event, she sent me to fashion-oblivion when she told me about www.dressedup.com.au. How could I have not known about this amazing designer clothing hire site? Featuring dresses from the crème de la crème of Australia’s designers, you can browse through a huge collection of designer dresses, borrow them for small fraction of its retail price and enjoy it for as long as you choose.

Recycle, up-cycle, save cycle

Recycling and up-cycling aren’t as unglamorous as they sound. Purchase from op shops and use material from used items to make new ones (recycling) or simply fix or revamp ‘useless’ items that contribute to your garage clutter (up-cycling). You’ll prevent waste and you can uncover your hidden clothing or furniture design skills.

What are your favourite ways to go about Buying Nothing New this month? Share to save.

Written by Kristen Le

So far, we’ve covered the dress and the shoes; you’ve managed to borrow a hot little number off a friend and invested in some nude-coloured pumps – so far so good, but what about the accessories? Spring Racing Carnival just isn’t the same without some kind of headpiece and perhaps a little bling, so here are some tips on how to get this part right without blowing your budget.

THE ACCESSORIES

When it comes to the races, I would say I have a love/hate relationship with hats and fascinators – in particular with the latter. On the one hand, they can look absolutely stunning, and they’re nice to bring out for special occasions...but on the other hand, when else would you really need to wear something like a fascinator? Appropriate events are few and far between, and unless you’re a regular Autumn and Spring race-goer, it’s understandable if you’re a bit hesitant in spending a lot on something you may only ever wear once in your life, or at least once a year. Whilst the universe won’t explode if you don’t wear a hat or fascinator to a race day, you might feel very naked without one amongst the abundance of other frilled and feathered headwear around you.

Hats are a good option because they are practical; they provide shade and you’re therefore more likely to wear them to other occasions – lunches, picnics, the beach – and so on. Fascinators however, are usually more dainty, show your face more, and won’t reveal embarrassing hat-hair if they blow off into the wind. The downside is they can also be quite expensive! Try a DIY approach by buying pieces for your fascinator from a craft store like Lincraft or Spotlight and putting your customised headpiece together yourself. This way you can make sure the colour and style matches your outfit perfectly. If opting for a hat – you can add on embellishments and features in the same manner. Discount department stores like Target, Kmart and Big W also sell an abundance of hats and fascinators in basic colours for a decent price – have a look and see if you can spruce these up to match your outfit more, or for the biggest bargain visit a few op shops and see what you can find. Chain stores like Diva, Equip and Lovisa also sell headpieces suitable for the races, and if you don’t want to wear a hat or fascinator, a cute detailed headband will also do the trick, and are usually much cheaper.

As for jewellery, sometimes more items might not even be needed – a hat or fascinator often stands out enough, and you don’t want to clutter your outfit by over-accessorising. Stick to simple rather than statement pieces – smaller earrings and a simple wrist cuff can be enough. Check out the op shops for one-off pieces or borrow from a friend for a budget way to accessorise.

 

 So that brings our budget spring racing planning advice to a close. Have you got any special tips that you are planning on using in preparation for race days?

Written by Kristen Le

Last time, we looked at ways to save on your dress for the Spring Racing Carnival. Whilst the dress can often be the priciest part of your races experience, the shoes can easily equal or trump the cost of the dress if you’re like me and have a bit of a thing for a good quality leather high heel. It can be an expensive habit, but there are ways to optimise on your spending in this department, and if you’re not comfortable swapping or borrowing shoes with other people and need to purchase a new pair for the races, here’s how.

THE SHOES

Shoes can be tricky at the races. The first thing to remember is that you’ll be out all day, and can often be standing on lawn or asphalt for long periods of time – you’ll definitely want to be comfortable. There are a few ways to do this. If you don’t mind dropping a little extra cash for your shoes, you can opt for a leather or leather-lined shoe; they are usually dearer than a synthetic or non-leather shoe but will last much longer and feel softer on your feet. Think of them as an investment piece – a term that all bargain fashionistas know too well! Like the dress, you’ll want to be able to wear your new shoes again, so if you’re looking at 6-inch stilettos that look great but have straps that cut into your feet, think of the pain you might endure whilst standing in them all day and use that as a deterrent to buy on a whim. Quality and comfort equal a longer lasting – and more appealing – shoe.

Another way to save on your shoes for the races is to buy flats or sandals. There are all too many cute embellished ballet flats out there these days to match any outfit, and flats and sandals can be significantly cheaper than a high heel. It’s okay if you don’t want to go leather for a flat shoe; your feet won’t be at an unnatural angle like with a heel, so being in a flat will be much more tolerable and the material isn’t as significant. If you still want to add height to your outfit but don’t want to splurge on an expensive high heel – try a wedge. Many chain discount department stores like Target, Kmart or Big W are offering a huge range of wedges this Spring that are lightweight and comfortable for a very reasonable price. Nude-coloured shoes are also a great investment – they are extremely versatile, and go with absolutely anything. Nude shoes are especially good if you are attending more than one race day as they’ll match any dress, and if you’re looking at cost per wear, these shoes will definitely be worth it.

 

Stay tuned for How to plan your races outfit on a budget: Part 3 – THE ACCESSORIES

Written by Kristen Le

 

 Spring time always brings with it a real zest for life that I can’t help but love. Flowers start blooming, the sun seems to shine brighter, and what now appears to be only drab greys and blacks of my winter wardrobe start getting replaced by bright colours and adventurous fabrics. So it’s no surprise that one of the things I look forward to the most each spring is an event where all of the blossoming, sunshine and colour seem to entwine into a giant celebration of the season – the Spring Racing Carnival.

 The chance to take advantage of the beautiful weather, spend a whole day enjoying the company of good friends, and to get all dressed up and looking a little fabulous – it’s sometimes hard to resist the spontaneous acts of splurging that tend to happen in the months leading up to the races. A new dress here; some wedges there. A fascinator over there...but that one doesn’t match my dress for Oaks so I’ll probably have to buy a second one...ahhh! Before I know it, hundreds of dollars will have vanished from my wallet before I can utter “Makybe Diva”. So what’s the solution? Careful planning, a bit of foresight and as always – shopping discipline! Here are some tips on how to do the races in smashing style, without smashing your bank account.

 

THE DRESS

 I’ll admit, there have been times where I’ve gone out shopping and seen “the one”...you know, that one dress you lay eyes on and suddenly life feels meaningless without it? Turns out that I do this quite often, and looking into my wardrobe, it did make me think – was I really in love with each dress at first sight? Maybe, yes, but I could have saved a lot of money if I had thought ahead a little. When shopping for the races it’s natural to want to stand out, but if your dress features bold colours, zany prints or is impractical in cut, ask yourself before buying if you would wear such a dress again; try to think of at least 3 specific events or occasions you would be able to wear it to, and if not, ask if it’s really worth the price you’re paying? Consider the fabric – it will say something about the longevity of the dress, and the longer it lasts, the more chances you’ll get to wear it in the future. Also check out the washing instructions – is it “dry-clean only”? Remember these points and if it really is love, try to make sure it’s lasting love, not fleeting love! Another great way to save on your dress for the races is to swap or borrow a pre-loved one from a girlfriend – this is especially good if you’re going to more than one race day. Lastly, if you really can’t resist the urge to splurge, try buying a bright top and wearing it with a skirt you already own; smaller garments usually cost much less than a dress.

 

Stay tuned for How to plan your races outfit on a budget: Part 2 – THE SHOES

 
By Kelly Stock

You’ve heard that shopping online can save you thousands, but where do you find those savings and how can you get the most out of the countless internet deals, online stores and web applications?

And what about retail stores — how can you make sure you find the cheapest prices every time?

Why Pay Retail? — a new book by one of eBay Australia’s top strategy execs Todd Alexander — has got the answers to these questions, and then some.

Written in concise easy-to-understand language, the book provides a snapshot of the current online shopping and retail world specifically for Australian consumers, and is packed with information on how to save money shopping online, using smartphone applications and in traditional retail stores.

Both seasoned bargain shoppers and those new to the game will learn new money-saving shopping tricks from this book.

Covering most of the major and current players in the online shopping market, Why Pay Retail? looks at how to get the most out of shopping clubs and group-buying sites, as well as mobile applications that let you compare prices on your phone while you’re in store.

As well as online bargain-shopping techniques such as signing up to e-newsletters and registering on group deal websites, it also offers tips for face-to-face negotiations with shop assistants in retail stores, which is something many people struggle with.

There is a chapter dedicated to how you can make the most out of eBay shopping; search strategies for finding the best bargains on Google (ever heard of Google “shopping”?), and the most effective ways to find and share bargains with friends and family through social networking sites.

Alexander also shows readers how to shop online safely. A big concern for many Australians is identity theft, but in recounting his personal experience of identity theft and offering some great tips on how to stay as safe as possible online the author helps readers dodge those web shopping traps.

Why Pay Retail? is an informative and up-to-date shopping guide that equips you with all the knowledge you need to get the most out of bargain shopping online and in retail stores. An essential read for money-savvy shoppers!

WIN A COPY OF WHY PAY RETAIL?

We have 5 copies of Why Pay Retail? to give away! Simply let us know your best bargain shopping tip for your chance to win. Comment below or bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au