Black Friday Smarts
After a day gorging on turkey, pie, potatoes and stuffing, the thought of trying to find a new outfit might sound completely unappealing.
But Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year for one reason: sales. With some stores opening in the wee hours of the morning, Black Friday is a shopper’s dream.
This year, try something new, challenge yourself with a budget or just enjoy the time at the mall. Planning on joining in the retail relay this year? Check out these tips:
Cosmopolitan
Try bold colors: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hues, especially really bright shades. Color is an excellent opportunity to express your personality and set yourself apart from other people. It’s one of the best ways to cultivate a signature style of your own.”
Splurge now and then: “If an item catches your eye, like a great bag, and you know you’ll wear or use it a lot, then invest in it.”
Mix high- and low-end: “You don’t have to wear labels to look great.”
Be your own stylist: “Find something that inspires you – like a favorite movie.”
Hit the big stores first: “Tiny boutiques are awesome for browsing, but if you’re looking for the best sales, hit the major chain stores first. They have more merchandise to get rid of and more turnover, so their sales are better.”
Check the back room: “Found the perfect piece but it’s sold out in your size? Don’t fret! Ask the salesperson to check the inventory at other stores. Shipping is often complimentary, especially if you go through the store instead of heading online right away.”
The Budget Fashionista
Know what looks good on you: “Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.”
Know the names of sales associates: “Sales associates are a great source of information on upcoming sales and have access to friends-and-family coupons, which offer up to an additional 25 percent off store merchandise. Some might even let you use their employee discounts.”
Leave the debit and credit cards at home: “I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who views paying for purchases with plastic cards as not spending “real” money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual indication of how much you’re spending.”
Head to the outlet malls: “Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle.”
Remember the 70/30 rule: “Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70 percent of your closet should be classic pieces, 30 percent trendy pieces.
Go as cheap as possible on trendy items because they have a short closet lifespan; purchase these pieces at stores like H&M, Target, Forever 21, Wet Seal, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits coats, evening and purses.”
Recycle fashion: “Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother. While you’re there, offer to help clean out her closet. You’ll be amazed at the goodies you’ll find.
If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, hold a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring unwanted, high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.”
Locate the nearest thrift store: “Use thrift stores to add a bit of originality to your wardrobe. Print out my guide to designers and search for pieces like vintage jewelry, designer dresses and quality inexpensive coats.”
The Federal Trade Commission
Make a list and set a budget: “List the people you plan to buy gifts for, the type of gifts you plan to buy and how much you plan to spend. Include the cost of cash gifts, holiday travel, extra food, wrappings, decorations, greeting cards and postage. If it relates to the holiday season and it costs money, add it to your budget.”
Shop around: “A ‘sale’ price isn’t always the ‘best’ price. Some merchants may offer a sale price on the item you want for a limited time; other merchants may offer items at a discount everyday.”
Look for price-matching policies: “Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor’s prices.”
Go online: “Check out websites that compare prices. If you decide to buy from an online merchant, keep shipping costs and delivery time in mind.”
“Carefully consider bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise. For example, “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Free Gift with Purchase.” If you don’t really want or need the item, it’s not a deal.”
Clip coupons: “Coupons are useful when they save you money on what you’re already planning to buy. Check coupons for any restrictions.
For example, do expiration dates apply, or do you have to spend a certain amount before you can use the coupon? Some retailers will accept expired coupons, and even coupons from their competitors. Check with the retailer before you leave home to learn their policy.”
Ask about sale adjustments: “If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount?”
Consider layaway: “Layaway purchase plans are designed for people who want to buy merchandise without using credit or paying the full price immediately.
When you use layaway, you typically make a deposit – usually a percentage of the purchase price – and pay over time until you have paid for the item in full. In exchange, the retailer holds the merchandise for you. To avoid problems, get the store’s layaway policy in writing.”
Keep an eye on your wallet: “Don’t flash cash. Keep an eye on your credit or debit card during transactions, and get them back as quickly as possible. If your cards are lost or stolen, report the loss or theft immediately to the card issuers.”
Ask about refund and return policies: “Many merchants may have different refund and return policies for sale items. “For example, clearance merchandise may be on final sale, meaning no refunds or exchanges.”
Keep good records: “Whether you’re ordering by mail, phone, or online, it’s important to keep detailed information about the transaction, including your order number, shipping costs and dates, warranties, and refund and return policies.”
Ship early: “If you’re sending gifts to out-of-towners, factor in extra time for shipping. If you wait until the last minute, you may pay a hefty price for express or overnight shipping.”
– k.vandyke@aggiemail.usu.edu