Let’s face it, it’s a recession. We should really stop spending altogether, but when you’re a shopping addict, it’s really hard. But don’t fear, there are ways you can buy what you like on a tight budget, it’s just about being clever about what sites you shop from, and how you shop.
Here are a few pointers on how you can spend and save, all at the same time:
Buy Budget Items
There are so many budget clothes shops out there it’s hard to know where you can go to get something that’s both fashionable and decent quality.
One place that I’ve sworn off going to for new clothes is eBay shops. Crappy quality, fake brands, items that look nothing like the picture, unclear or just no return policy.
Why put yourself through the stress? Don’t get me wrong, I love eBay, I just don’t like the eBay shop side.
There are far better places to go – BooHoo.com, for example. The quality is good, sizing is relatively accurate, and about 70% of the designs are actually really nice, and could be mistaken for Warehouse/Topshop pieces (though they do have a few horrendous anomalies chucked in there).
Also, most tops are under $23, most dresses are under $39, and most shoes are under $31. And if it doesn’t fit, you can send it back for free, and get your money back in around 2 weeks. Fab.
Sign Up To Mailing Lists
One of the things I cannot promote enough is signing yourself up to your favorite clothing websites, even if they’re not really within your budget range. There are three main reasons why: discount codes, sale alerts, and secret sales.
Shops like ASOS.com do so many secret sales and ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-them’ offers that you only find out through email.
Warehouse and Oasis let you know about discounts and sales the day they’re live, so you can get first dibs.
Take Advantage Of Permanent Discounts
Most clothing websites seem to now have permanent sales online to get rid of old stock. While this can sometimes mean you’re buying bikinis and sundresses in January, or trawling through a collection of the world’s worst crop-tops to find something decent, it can be worth it in the long run.
Come summer, you’ll have an amazing array of dresses and beachwear you bought for less than a tenner, or you just might be able to find that gem in the rough.
My advice for online sale shopping? Search by size, filter by item and order by price.
Also, be aware of sites based in the Channel Islands as they charge VAT free prices. FeelUnique.com is a great one – they stock virtually every prominent cosmetics and skincare brand at discount prices, and their delivery is completely free. They also run sales quite often, and let you know if your favorite brands have any offers on them.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Second Hand
One word: eBay. If you’re not worried about someone else having used the items before you, eBay listings are a great way to find anything at a huge drop in price. Just make sure you take everything said about the item with a pinch of salt. “New without tags”? Means – probably worn a couple of times.
Make sure you always check the sellers star rating, where the item’s being shipped from, and their returns policy – if you’re cynical you won’t get any nasty surprises. And ALWAYS pay through PayPal – you never know who your bank details might be shared with otherwise.
If you’re looking for books or music, Amazon Marketplace is one of the best places to go to, as long as you don’t mind the covers being a bit scrunched. There are a number of UK based distributors who have good quality CDs and books for 1 cent. Yes, that’s one penny. And the P&P costs are generally under $3, so you’re not being ripped off there either. Again, take everything with a pinch of salt, and be prepared for a couple of scratches on the CD – though if it’s 1p, you haven’t exactly lost much if it’s not great quality.
It’s so simple to find great value items if you know where to look. Just make sure you always shop with reputable companies, and if you’re buying from an unknown seller on eBay or Amazon marketplace be prepared to not get exactly what you bargained for.
About the author: Jasmine Ayres regularly blogs for Optilead, a leading supplier of interactive voice response software. She is an expert in online shopping, cart abandonment and text message marketing, and writes to make people more internet-savvy.
Photo credit: 401k