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.

 

 

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

1. You excitedly tell anyone within hearing range how much you paid for your latest bargain. You also throw in the original price (and perhaps the percentage saved) for good measure.

2. You find yourself standing on tip toes or squatting on the floor at the supermarket. You know that premium-position shelves at eye-level are bought rather than earned, so the best bargains are to be had in the ‘cheap seats’.

3. You’re a member of every frequent flyer or rewards program for which membership is free. You have a VIP shopping card for all your favourite stores. In short - you love freebies.

4. You can’t remember the last time you paid full price for a piece of clothing. You assess your outfit each day and pride yourself not only on its price but also the value per wear achieved.

5. You find yourself advertising upcoming sales to friends and work colleagues via text, phone, email, Facebook — and any other means of communication within reach.

6. The last time you went to the movies any day other than Tuesday was back when your parents still bought your ticket.

7. You go out of your way to find a petrol station that offers a shopping docket deal. Even though you know it will only incur a saving of a few dollars, it’s still better than paying full price.

8. You’re going on holidays and suspend your gym membership for the duration of the trip — even if you’ll only be away for a week.

9. You wouldn’t dream of buying something on the ‘just arrived’ rack — even if it’s in a factory outlet.

10. You buy your summer clothes in winter and your winter clothes in summer. Sure, you might not be able to wear those lovely boots on a 35-degree day, but come winter they’ll be a welcome alternative to your thongs.

What telltale sign proves you’re a bargain hunter? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

There are some things I hate spending money on. From gym gear to homewares and petrol, these are my begrudged buys.

It seems my hard-earned money disappears each week into a bottomless well of necessities. I can understand rent and groceries — I like a roof over my head and food on my plate — but do I really need to buy things that will provide no pleasure? Yes, my runners have holes in them (probably because I drag my feet all the way to the gym) but I’d much rather buy a nice dress than a new pair. And sure I need sensible work clothes, but I’ll only wear them while sitting in front of a computer all day. Each time I make such a purchase, I’m sure I scare off the shop attendant with my gritted teeth and scowls.

So what can be done to ease the pain of buying these unwanted but necessary things in our lives? For me, it’s all about finding the best bargain and laughing in the face of over-priced goods.

For example, when my runners were banned from the gym recently I hit the outlets for a discounted pair. Has anyone seen the cost of sportswear lately? For something you’re just going to sweat in, it’s ridiculously overpriced. By hitting the retail outlets, I spent $70 instead of $200. Not so painful.

When stocking up on work clothes, I make a list of what I need, always looking for maximum versatility. There’s no point buying a top that will only go with one thing; think simple and basic, so you can wear each item with a variety of skirt, pants and dress combinations. I’ve also found that layers go a long way; think black leggings and long-sleeve tops. What was once merely a lovely summer dress for the warmer months can be thrown over the trusty aforementioned pieces for a cosy outfit in winter.

The next undesirable is homewares. Whether you’re hosting or attending a party, you generally need platters, cheese knives or serving bowls. My solution is to hit the op shops. I’ve found some great items; $5 never-been-used china platters; old-fashioned cutlery and 50¢ champagne saucers for the races. At such low prices, it doesn’t matter if you break them or leave the lot behind.

Last on my black list is petrol. I hate buying it but don’t get very far without it. Like everything else in my life, I shop around for the best price, take discount shopping dockets along for the ride and make my purchase on the lower-priced days — namely Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And, to reward my endeavours, I buy myself a sweet treat for the journey home.

What are your resentful purchases? Comment below or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au