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...

 

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

Written By Samantha Lee

If you’ve been in Sydney in the past few months and consider yourself a seasoned shopper, chances are you’ve been swept up in Zara mania.

The Spanish-based retail giant, which opened the doors of its flagship Australian store in Westfield Sydney on April 20, has been met with loads of excitement and about as much controversy.

Shoppers are still flocking to the Pitt St store and enduring checkout queues, seduced by the promise of on-trend and affordable clothing. Considering the brand’s international reputation for bringing catwalk-quality designs to the masses, Zara is already being hailed a game-changer in Australian retail.

But despite all this hype, I’m still left to question whether its overseas reputation has truly been realised here in Australia.

Word from the blogosphere is that Sydney’s store has become a dump-site for leftover European stock. Some unconvinced bloggers have described our Zara as a let-down, particularly those who have shopped at its sister outlets worldwide. Others can’t see what all the fuss is about, providing feedback that nothing in stock looks even remotely catwalk-worthy nor does it live up to expectations about clothing quality.

Visiting the store myself, I failed to find many of the clothing items that I recognised from the collection available online. Zara Sydney’s selection seems to lack the choice of styles and vibrant colours that have won the brand international acclaim. Asking one of the floor staff about its range, she reassured me that this collection was customised and chosen specifically for Australian shoppers, which may explain why much of the clothing and accessories stray from those available overseas.

Admittedly the prices are incredibly reasonable. Shoppers can pick up a pair of tailored pants for $50, t-shirts for $20 and winter knitwear from around $60. The garment quality, however, is still questionable. After attempting to try on several items with broken zippers or missing buttons, I left with two knit jumpers, one of which is already unravelling less than a week later.

What’s your opinion on all the Zara hype? Have you been there yet? Do you think it’s overrated?

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

If you’re anything like me, in the lead up to Valentine’s Day you’ll tell anyone who listens that it’s a meaningless, consumer-driven event that doesn’t deserve recognition. Then on the day itself you pore over the love messages published in the newspapers and are secretly upset when no flowers arrive on your desk. So this year I’ve been pro-active and come up with some cheap Valentine's Day gift ideas with which to share the love.

Bargain gifts for girls
Most girls don’t need to be wined, dined or swept off their feet on Valentine’s Day – they just want the date acknowledged!
• Love letters: What could be more romantic than a personalised poem, love letter or song for your lady? Serious or funny, with references to her special qualities and quirks, this gift from the heart is sure to make her swoon.
• Homemade pamper pack: Hit the local market or beauty outlet stores for a bar of homemade soap, a cheap shower puff or set of exfoliating gloves, shower gel and moisturiser and a single-treatment face mask sachet from the supermarket or pharmacy. Run a bath for her when she gets home and have a glass of wine ready!
• Romantic night in: Hire a DVD from your local rental or buy a cheap film for next to nothing at the likes of JB Hi Fi or Big W. Stock up on popcorn, soft drink and a selection of small pick-and-mix chocolates for some tasty show time treats then sit back and enjoy.
• Small and lacy: Spoil the girl in your life with a cute lingerie or PJ set. This doesn’t have to cost the earth; visit outlet stores at DFO such as Peter Alexander for some fantastic bargains on past season goods.
• Roses are red: Traditional doesn’t mean boring! A bunch of flowers, a single rose or even a posy picked from the garden will melt her heart and score you brownie points for the rest of the year.

Bargain gifts for boys
When it comes to romantic gifts, guys can be a little bit trickier to buy for. Forget about the schmaltz factor and just do something for him that you know he’ll love!
• Sweet treats: It’s said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Give this tactic a go and bake him some cookies, a cake or maybe his favourite dessert. Presentation counts so don’t forget to have some cellophane and ribbon on hand to wrap the completed goodies.
• Dinner for two: Forget an expensive restaurant; cook your man’s favourite meal! Light some candles; hit ‘play’ on some mood music and pop the cork on a nice bottle of wine.
• Cheese please: In keeping with the food theme, prepare a hamper for him with a selection of deli cheeses and seasonal fruits, all of which can be bought at the local markets. Complement this with a bottle of red wine and some crackers and you’ve got yourself a cheesy picnic.
• Gift vouchers: But not for his local book store... Customise a book of coupons with services you can provide. A free massage, cuddles on demand – this is a winner for both of you!
• Practical gifts: Consider your man’s hobbies: the football player might enjoy a new ball that you can kick around in the park together; the amateur chef might like a new utensil for the kitchen. While this isn’t necessarily the most romantic gift, he’ll appreciate the thought and love it all the same.

What are you planning to do for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Comment on this post or email bsgm@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