Bargain Shopper Blog

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.

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.

 

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

 

 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

“Hauling” is the latest trend amongst brag-happy bargain shoppers. So what’s it all about? Alissa Nasti investigates 

For a bargain shopper, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as dragging shiny new purchases back home, dumping them on the bed and going through them one by one. My favourite part of shopping happens as soon as I get home and I get to gloat about all the awesome stuff I bought and all the money I saved. And everyone knows gloating is way more satisfying when done in good company. My long-suffering boyfriend has had to sit through many a self-commentated catwalk show – “I scored these boots for sixty per cent off! How awesome is that?? And see how well they go with this tunic I got at that clearance sale? Do you like the colour? And what about these shorts? I know it’s the middle of winter but they looked so good on I couldn’t resist...”

Strangely enough, it turns out this phenomenon has both a name and a much more captive audience than my boyfriend.

“Hauling” is exactly what I described above, only it exists in the world of YouTube. After shopping sprees at budget fashion stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Target, haulers — most of whom are based in the US — tape themselves going through their purchases (or “haul”), explaining in detail what each item is, why they bought it and how much they bought it for.

Sound tedious and maybe a bit bratty? Millions of viewers would disagree. Bubbly 18-year-old Blair Fowler — aka juicystar07 — is YouTube’s queen of haul, posting hundreds of videos dedicated to her shopping habit on her hugely popular channel, which has had an unbelievable 52 million views. She has even been featured on Good Morning America and now has her own mobile phone accessories line. Not bad for bargain-obsessed teen fashionista.

Juicystar07


Blair is just one of thousands of YouTube haulers who obsessively catalogue their bargains; users ricebunny, CityandMakeup are also hugely popular, while DulceCandy87 posts beauty supply hauls that attract hundreds of thousands of views within hours.

Clearly, we bargain shoppers are a supportive lot — there’s something captivating and even inspiring about watching other bargain shoppers obsessively catalogue their deals.


DulceCandy87


But beyond that, I’m unclear what value viewers get out of YouTube hauls. Those lucky enough to live next to a Forever 21 can take advantage of some hot sale tips, I suppose, but for the rest of us it’s purely vicarious – and pointless. I’d much rather go score a haul of my own than watch somebody else rejoice over theirs. Now I know how my boyfriend feels!

What about you? Do you haul? Can you see the appeal in it? Or do you think it’s nothing more than bragging?

News flash: finding products to make your hair look amazing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Save your pennies and forget your local salon. Here are our bargain-product picks for radiant-looking hair that save you money and time as well!

By Alex Lazcano.


Garnier Fructis Colour Last Shampoo and Conditioner $5.95
If you’ve splurged on getting your hair coloured then making sure that your colour stays vibrant is vital. There are loads of salon shampoos and conditioners with chemical/heat protection but on top of the cost of colour their prices make us wince. Some brands you can find at the supermarket do just as good a job. We find the Garnier brand leaves your hair feeling healthy and full, while helping to maintain colour.

Dove Damage Therapy Daily Treatment Conditioner — Intensive Repair $7.99
If you have dry and brittle hair then this daily treatment is a great alternative to getting a professional one, simply because it keeps your hair healthy and strong with everyday use. However, remember to only use a small amount to avoid product build-up.

Body Shop Coconut Oil Hair Shine $13.95
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from the harsh Australian sun. Your locks can take a UV beating as well, and swimming in saltwater can also cause your hair to dry out. While we know everybody is crazy about Moroccan Oil to moisturise hair, at around $50 for 100ml it’s out of our bargain radar. This moisturising balm from The Body Shop is made with pure coconut oil to add shine and definition to all hair types.

Pantene Pro V Deep Fortifying treatments $6.99
If your hair has been through a tough time and needs some serious TLC then try a Deep Fortifying treatment from Pantene. Not only is it affordable but you will get more than one use out of this tube. Use it once a week or once a fortnight and your hair will feel like it's had a royal salon treatment every time.

Avon Naturals Macadamia and Aloe Smooth & Silky Shampoo $3.99
Avon has a great variety of scented shampoos that don’t leave your hair feeling drab like some other non-salon brands. Priced at $3.99 they are value-for-money in a bottle. We love Avon’s shampoo with natural macadamia oil and aloe vera.

Avon Naturals Almond Milk & Wheat Protein 2-in-1 $4.99
Now ladies, try not to shudder at the thought of having to use 2-in-1…because this is unlike any 2-in-1 you have ever used or had nightmares about. This gentle shampoo/conditioner not only smells great but also leaves your hair tangle free and soft. It’s perfect for busy women, and men will love the convenience of it, too.

Batiste Dry Hair Shampoo $9.95
Running late to work and have no time to wash out your tresses? Easy spray your roots with this dry shampoo and your hair will feel clean, fresh and smell great!


What bargain hair products do you swear by? Comment below or email bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au

With only seventeen days left until Santa arrives, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. As a smug bargain shopper who has not only bought all her Christmas presents, but wrapped most of them too, here are a few tips and gift ideas to help those of you that are lagging behind.

Before you set out...

Compile a list of who you’re buying for, your budget and some gift ideas. Wandering aimlessly through a shopping centre at crazy o’clock on the eve of Christmas Eve makes you desperate; you’ll probably end up spending much more than you intended just to end the ordeal. If you have some ideas up your sleeve, you’re more likely to complete the job in less time and with less detriment to your purse.

Once you have an idea of what you plan to buy, compare prices. Visit the websites of different brands and check the catalogues that arrive daily in your letterbox. Another great source of such information, www.lasoo.com.au features the current catalogues of stores such as Myer, Big W and Target, helping you find the best deals before hitting the shops. Many shops will better a competitor’s price in order to obtain your business. Have the discounted price quoted in writing and take it to the store that was originally cheaper to barter their price down further. You will be surprised how much you can save as the stores compete to better each other’s prices.

Bargain gifts for girls

Candles: Girls of any age will appreciate such a sweet gift. Visit Kit Cosmetics for a great selection from a range of price points, with lovely scented candles starting from around $20.
Beauty products: While online sites such as www.strawberrynet.com provide the best deals, it pays to keep an eye on the rotating sales at department stores such as Myer and David Jones, both of which regularly offer special prices for fragrances and cosmetics. Also check out brand name outlets such as Crabtree & Evelyn, The Body Shop and Natio which offer bargains year round.
Accessories: A beautiful scarf need not be pricey; check out high street stores such as Sportsgirl and Witchery where you’ll pick something up for around $30-$40.
Tea sets: A great gift is something you’d love to have but would never buy for yourself, such as a tea set! Find some affordable but gorgeous pieces at T2 or the Made in Japan outlet.
Books, CDs and DVDs: If my own behaviour is like that of other women, I rarely buy any of these three items for myself but love to receive them as gifts. Visit JB Hi Fi for the lowest priced DVDs and CDs and check out Big W and Borders for a great range of books. Again, always compare prices by checking catalogues and store websites.
PJs: Who wouldn’t welcome a fresh new nightie or pyjama set in their stocking? Again hit the outlets of your favourite brands, such as Peter Alexander at DFO, where you’ll find great reductions on past season stock.

Bargain gifts for boys

Accessories: Consider ties, belts, scarves or hats as stocking fillers for guys — all of which can be found at most factory outlets for under $20.
Wine and beer: Let’s face it – sometimes the best gifts are those we can drink! Buy your man a slab of his favourite beer or perhaps a wine hamper from sites such as www.prospectwines.com.au
Beauty products: Just like the girls, guys like to smell nice! Help him out with his favourite scent; a good starting point is Priceline or Chemist Warehouse, where you’ll find designer fragrances from as low as $10!
Sporting goods: Whether buying for your dad, boyfriend, brother or friend, chances are there’s a particular sport that takes his fancy. For the golf-lover, for example, golf balls, golf tees and gloves are a godsend when it comes to finding the perfect gift.
Clothes: Sometimes considered a dull gift, something for his wardrobe may be welcomed by the man who hates to shop. After all, it keeps him from doing it himself! Check out the Country Road and Witchery Man outlets, as well as any other brands he loves. Make sure to check the sizing of his existing clothes before you hit the shops.

For next year...

Whenever you come across a fabulous sale or an unbelievable factory outlet, consider if anything could be stockpiled for Christmas gifts. Not only does this alleviate the last-minute present-rush pressure, it increases the chances of scoring a bargain and reduces the squeeze you will feel on your wallet. For the super-organised, the Boxing Day sales are a great time to buy all your gifts and wrapping paper for the coming year.

What are your Christmas shopping strategies and tips? Comment below or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

Follow these easy tips to ensure you buy the right pieces for the right price.

Investment portfolio
We’ve all heard this advice a million times but once more may make the difference: for a truly efficient wardrobe buy investment pieces that promise longevity and versatility. Once you’ve invested in a structured jacket or blazer, well-fitting jeans, an A-line skirt, crisp white shirt, wear-anywhere dress and black woollen cardigan, you can brighten up your outfits with an array of colourful accessories.

Accessorise
For most women, the first thing we notice on a girlfriend is her accessories: her jewellery, shoes, bag or scarf. It is these pieces that make or break an outfit, giving it a unique appeal either way. Scour op shops for a one-off bargain or hit the accessories racks of chain stores such as Sportsgirl, Diva, Dotti and Equip.

Plan ahead
To save money, figure out which pieces you actually need for your lifestyle and then scope out the sales to find them. That way you will avoid having a closet full of clothes that you only wear once. Scrutinise your wardrobe and make a list of what is missing. Begin by visiting the websites of your favourite stores, or the brands most likely to carry what you need. Online shopping is also your chance to compare prices and secure the best deal.

Shop often
Many of us went on shopping hiatus during the global financial crisis to avoid the credit crunch. When it came time to replenish our wardrobes, however, we had forgotten how to shop! If you shop often — even if you don’t need to actually buy anything — you'll have an informed idea of what's available and on trend.

The occasional splurge
Though I risk the wrath of the bargain shopping gods by suggesting this, if one super special item catches your eye don’t be afraid to treat yourself. A classic bag, glamorous pair of shoes or designer pair of sunnies will uplift any outfit and is therefore worth the investment. On the rare occasion that you do break the bargain barrier, make sure you consider all the essential shopping points such as wearability, cost per wear and versatility to ensure your purchase is wise.

What are your bargain shopping rules? Comment on this post or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au