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...

 

“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?

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

I am considering buying a pair of heavily discounted jeans online, and while I’m not baulking at the price (they're a steal — discounted from $180 to $75) the $10 postage fee has got me thinking: what if they don’t fit? What if the style doesn’t suit my shape? Of course, I can send them back, but is it worth it?

Is it a better “bargain” to take the risk of them not fitting and wear the postage fee (plus the extra postage cost and inconvenience of returning them) or to drive to a mall or jeans-laden shopping district and spend half a day trying on denim to find the perfectly-fitting pair, knowing that no money has gone to waste?

Considering I don’t particularly enjoy trying on jeans (it’s such a rigmarole to strip off your pants time after time and squeeze into those super-stiff-with-newness strides!) the answer is more or less staring me in the face. Paying for postage is paying for convenience of having the jeans ushered straight to your home for you to try on in front of your own private tell-it-like-it-is bedroom mirror.

I also figure that I probably wouldn’t be able to find as good a bargain in-store, and I’d end up spending that $10 anyway on parking and a food court lunch.

But what if the first pair doesn’t fit, and then the second and third pairs of jeans don’t fit either? Then I’m up to around $50 in debt with nothing to show for it. Maybe I should find a store that stocks this brand and style, try them on, then buy online. But by then the sale could be over!

It's all a matter of weighing up your priorities against convenience and cost. I think in this case I will "add to cart"... 

Do you always make sure you try on clothes in-store before buying them online? Or are you willing to take the pay-for-postage risk? Have you ever bought and sent back clothing items more than once, and was it worth it?

Comment below or email bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au

Winter has more than arrived and our summer outfits have disappeared into hibernation. Hard as it is to get out of bed on these frosty mornings, for me it’s even harder finding something to wear. In summer I’m happy to throw on a sun dress and thongs; in winter it’s all about socks, tights, long sleeved tops, jackets, gloves and hats…

As with all my bargain fashion decisions, in winter I calculate value for money according to cost per wear. I might spend a small fortune on a dress, but if I wear it to death then the expense is justified. If, on the other hand, I buy a cheap item but rarely wear it, my pocket change was wasted. There are certain items in my wardrobe that fit into the first category — where items practically pay for themselves given how often I wear them. Here are my top five priceless pieces that are getting a good workout right now:

1. Black cotton leggings. These are a pivotal part of my winter uniform. I wear them with everything — summer dresses, winter dresses, oversized shirts. Just call me liquorice legs.
2. Fine wool cardigans. Country Road and Witchery do great basic cardis that can be worn year-round; I own them in black and grey so am pretty much covered for every outfit.
3. Flat leather boots. Heeled versions might look nicer, but when all’s said and done I’m a lazy girl who prefers to be comfortable when it’s cold. Worn over leggings or jeans, with dresses or skirts, these are a winner in any colour (though I favour black and brown).
4. A silk party dress. It’s tricky to look pretty in winter, thanks to the bulk of layers. Thank goodness for my long-sleeve cream silk dress (picked up at a Bettina Liano sale) that I can dress up with stockings, heels and a belt, or dress down with leggings.
5. Ugg Boots. Not exactly a fashion statement but Uggs are the perfect footwear to come home to at night or wear on the way to yoga.

What items in your wardrobe are worth their weight in gold in the colder months? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog 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

Though I consider myself a highly skilled bargain shopper, I must admit there are several things I’ve purchased on sale that have delivered zero value for money. Sure, a deal or steal is fantastic in theory — as long as there’s a place for it in your life.

Cost per wear
No matter how amazing a bargain you uncover, there’s no point buying something if you never end up using it. For example, if you buy a T-shirt on sale for $5 but never wear it, you have wasted $5. Not a huge amount but it all adds up!

Caught up in the excitement of a sale, I’m sure many of us are guilty of falling madly in love with a particular item and becoming blind to its inappropriateness. Whether it’s a size too small, does nothing for your figure or is just plain wrong, certain items should never leave the dress rack. I’m guilty of all these faults. I once bought a beautiful Witchery silk dress that was two sizes too big, having convinced myself that a belt would solve the problem. In the end, the only person to get any wear out of it was the mannequin I used to help sell the dress on eBay years later.

To avoid such blunders, ask yourself a few questions before heading to the cash register. Does the item fit perfectly? Is it flattering — both in colour and style? Does the item go with more than three things in your wardrobe? How often will you wear it? Can you wash it at home or will it be at the dry-cleaners every weekend? Only once you have answered these questions should you even consider forking out your hard-earned cash.

Be prepared
There’s no point entering a sale aimlessly — you’ll just end up buying things you don’t need that take up precious wardrobe space. To save money, figure out which fashion pieces you actually need for your lifestyle then check out the sales to find them. Go forth with a clear list and mark off the missing items as you go.

As a regular visitor to sales, I should have a complete wardrobe by now — sadly, this is not the case. I have hundreds of dresses but no trousers, jeans, neutral heels or sandals. I always head straight to the pretty dresses — meanwhile I have nothing to wear with them.

Classic blunders
There are certain rules to follow when shopping at sales to ensure you’re scoring a true bargain. Too often we convince ourselves that we can fix a faulty item once we have it home. Shopping for clothes is like relationships: you shouldn’t think you can change them into something they’re not!

Rule 1: Cheap shoes are never a good idea
Cheap shoes made from synthetic materials will not only hurt your feet; they’ll also fall apart after a few wears. A good pair of soles — and genuine leather — will last years and provide a much better cost-per-wear ratio.

Rule 2: Solid foundation
How many times have you found an item with a button missing or a tiny hole, but bought it regardless? Sure, minor adjustments can always be made but if the stitching is poor or damaged, the garment is no good. I once bought a designer top at a sale — the only one of its kind with all the buttons and stitching intact. I failed to take this as a sign that it would inevitably fall apart as well (which sure enough it did).

Rule 3: Try before you buy
No matter how long the queue, always wait for the change room. Sales often feature a no-returns policy, so if you truly love the item try it on. Big sales often have communal change rooms, so be sure to wear good underwear that will work with any outfit. And once you’re in the change room — BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If you’re never going to wear it, don’t buy it. It’s as simple as that.

What sales faux pas have you made? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au