The internet has changed our buying habits. Many people have found the convenience of online shopping to be a great experience. You can easily click and see the product. You have a fun time shopping, browsing, reading and getting informed about products. And you don’t have to take time out from your busy schedule to fight traffic, crowds and lines to buy the perfect gift for your recipient.
No wonder Internet business generated $301 billion in revenue last year, by a University of Texas estimate.
If you compare shopping online to offline you would think as far as security goes, it would favor offline shopping, right? Not really.
In the years past, shoppers were more reluctant to do their shopping online – now things have changed greatly. And that confidence in consumers directly reflects the enormous growth of online sales.
I have a friend who took his wife out for a romantic evening to a local restaurant. The last place you would expect credit card fraud to happen. By the time he noticed they had charged him double the amount for their dinner, it was too late to go back to the restaurant. He rang me and we concluded that it must be a mistake. It was later that we found out that the restaurant owner’s reputation was a bit shaky. Apparently he frequently overcharged customers in the hope they wouldn’t notice.
I don’t know. It’s a funny world we live in.
Does this mean the internet is safe? Relatively yes, but don’t forget, the Internet is an open field and there are some bad elements out there.
We have been shopping online for years. We never had a problem with credit card fraud on the Internet. But then again, we always take precautions. From this point forward, you will see 10 checkpoints online merchants have to pass to secure our business...
Will your credit card details be safe?
Reputable companies online know that one of the things preventing customers from placing orders with them is customers not been sure whether their credit card details will be safe. Responsible companies have taken this concern onboard and have set up their systems to provide the customer with maximum security.
How would you know if you are entering your payment details on a secure page?
You should see a picture of a lock on the bottom right hand side of your screen. This lock will appear on the page that you fill in when ordering and ensures that your name, address and credit card information is being sent to the online store through encrypted code. This encrypted code means that a hacker will not be able to steal your credit card information.
Does the online store value your privacy and confidentiality?
Prior to the internet days, when I used to order something from a mail order company, mysteriously I would be sent advertising from companies that I hadn’t done business with. Back then I didn’t know that companies sold your personal information for advertising purposes to other companies.
Receiving junk mail was annoying but because of the cost involved, it didn’t happen constantly. Imagine now if you do business online with a company that doesn’t respect your privacy and sells your email address.
Next time you open your email software, you are bombarded with emails ranging from a dozen to hundreds. Now that’s not annoying – it’s intolerable.
So moral of the story here, make sure your email address won’t be sold. Ensure the online store has a privacy statement which would state they will maintain your personal details in the strictest privacy and confidentiality.
Does the online store have contact details?
You may think, of course an online store would display their contact details on their website. You would be surprised. I was. No email address, nothing. This is a sure red flag.
Reputable companies will have contact details.
Do they have a refund policy?
Offline stores have a refund policy and you go into the store, physically select the product and are then allowed to return it for whatever reason. If a refund policy is important in offline stores, it’s twice as important for online stores.
The internet in convenience surpasses the offline world when it comes to shopping - but one thing it can’t match is that offline you can physically touch the product. Therefore a refund policy of 30 days is great, more is better. No refund policy and I would stay away.
Do they send you some sort of confirmation when you place your order?
When you place your order what you need is something to tell you they have receive it, a receipt if you like.
A reputable company will either issue you one via email or display a new page of their website where they thank you and tell you the order went through okay and your product is on its way.
When do they deliver?
What times do they deliver during the day? Do they deliver on the weekends? Can you choose a time to have your gift delivered? Will it be delivered personally to the recipient intended or will the courier leave it outside their door?
How will your gift arrive?
If its flowers, will it come with a vase or in a nice box or wrapped? Will your bouquet contain flower care instructions? How about flower food to make your flowers last longer?
If you’ve ordered another gift product, will they wrap it? In what kind of material will they deliver it? Do they tell you these things on their website?
How long have they been in business?
This may not mean too much. There are companies that start off and surpass all others. But perhaps for your peace of mind, you may want to use an online store that has been in business for some years. To check the history of the company is easy.
You can go to networksolutions.com and click on "whois" on the top bar. You will be taken to a page where you can enter the web address of the online store you want to check and you will receive the relevant information.
Is the online store’s site easy to use?
Is navigating easy? Is looking for products easy? Do their graphics download in a reasonable time? A sure sign of an amateur sight is if they have their website cluttered with information.
Have they gotten any bad reviews?
A reputable company isn’t necessary one that hasn’t any bad reviews to its name. It’s virtually impossible to please everyone.
There have been companies I have bought from and absolutely loved. So it surprises me sometimes when I stumble on a bad review about their products or even bad comments about them.
So when is a bad comment about a company worth considering? I take note of reviews where the writer complains of:
* not receiving the product
* not receiving a refund
* not having their emails answered
If you want to see what kind of reviews a company may have, click on alexa.com. When you get to the website, type in the address of the store you want to check out. This will also show you how long the company has been in business.
Online shopping is fun. Take a little care and make it an experience! Happy shopping!
Copyright © Gina Stathopoulos
Looking for a gift? Let Gina and Nick show you what we buy for friends/family and each other. At our site you will find popular gifts, gift information and stories from our readers. Come have a look http://www.we-recommend.com
Written by: Gina Stathopoulos
More shopping tips on http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
Thursday, January 15, 2009
9 Tips to Improve Your Shopping Cart
Whether you call it a shopping cart, a basket or a bag, the process of completing a purchase on your site has to be as simple and pleasant as you can make it. And you MUST offer the assurances your customers need to reduce their security concerns.
1. Let customers know where they are in the process. Number the steps in the checkout process, and clearly label the task for every step. Allow shoppers to review what they did in previous steps and return to the current step if they do go back.
2. Include a link to the product detail page. Shoppers may want to make sure they selected the right item before they
complete their purchase. They shouldn’t have to navigate using their “BACK” button.
3. Add pictures in the shopping cart.
Including a thumbnail image of the product within the shopping cart has been shown to increase the conversion rate by as much as 10 percent.
4. Make the next step obvious.
Include prominent "Next Step" buttons on every checkout page. Be sure that the button you want shoppers to click on is the most obvious item on the page.
5. Make changes easy.
It should be simple for shoppers to change the quantity or delete items from their shopping cart.
6. Keep it friendly.
If information is missing or incorrect, provide an error message that helps the shopper understand the problem and how to correct it. But never blame him for making a mistake.
7. Reassure your customers.
Shoppers’ concerns increase during the checkout process. If they have a problem with the checkout or feel uncomfortable
using their credit card online, display your toll-free phone number so they can still complete their purchase. Link to
warranties, shipping costs, and return policies.
A clear summary of your privacy practices also reassures shoppers. Nobody reads or understands those endless legal policies, so if you need a legal document, link to it from the summary.
8. Don’t ask for information that’s not necessary. Make the checkout process as brief as possible. If you do request
non-essential information make sure that required fields are clearly marked and placed at the top of the page.
9. Include third-party reinforcement.
Truste, Verisign, Better Business Bureau and credit card logos help customers feel more secure, as do “real” testimonials.
10. Use an exit survey.
If a shopper abandons the checkout process, offer an incentive to complete an exit survey. She may tell you why
she didn't complete her purchase— very valuable information!
About the Author
Barry Harrison is the author of "REDiTIPS"
eMarketing Newsletter and a partner in Resolve Digital,
Web Strategies for the Real World.
Visit his site at http://www.resolvedigital.com or
mailto:barry@resolvedigital.com
Written by: Barry Harrison
More shopping tips on http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
1. Let customers know where they are in the process. Number the steps in the checkout process, and clearly label the task for every step. Allow shoppers to review what they did in previous steps and return to the current step if they do go back.
2. Include a link to the product detail page. Shoppers may want to make sure they selected the right item before they
complete their purchase. They shouldn’t have to navigate using their “BACK” button.
3. Add pictures in the shopping cart.
Including a thumbnail image of the product within the shopping cart has been shown to increase the conversion rate by as much as 10 percent.
4. Make the next step obvious.
Include prominent "Next Step" buttons on every checkout page. Be sure that the button you want shoppers to click on is the most obvious item on the page.
5. Make changes easy.
It should be simple for shoppers to change the quantity or delete items from their shopping cart.
6. Keep it friendly.
If information is missing or incorrect, provide an error message that helps the shopper understand the problem and how to correct it. But never blame him for making a mistake.
7. Reassure your customers.
Shoppers’ concerns increase during the checkout process. If they have a problem with the checkout or feel uncomfortable
using their credit card online, display your toll-free phone number so they can still complete their purchase. Link to
warranties, shipping costs, and return policies.
A clear summary of your privacy practices also reassures shoppers. Nobody reads or understands those endless legal policies, so if you need a legal document, link to it from the summary.
8. Don’t ask for information that’s not necessary. Make the checkout process as brief as possible. If you do request
non-essential information make sure that required fields are clearly marked and placed at the top of the page.
9. Include third-party reinforcement.
Truste, Verisign, Better Business Bureau and credit card logos help customers feel more secure, as do “real” testimonials.
10. Use an exit survey.
If a shopper abandons the checkout process, offer an incentive to complete an exit survey. She may tell you why
she didn't complete her purchase— very valuable information!
About the Author
Barry Harrison is the author of "REDiTIPS"
eMarketing Newsletter and a partner in Resolve Digital,
Web Strategies for the Real World.
Visit his site at http://www.resolvedigital.com or
mailto:barry@resolvedigital.com
Written by: Barry Harrison
More shopping tips on http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
9 Tips For Weight Loss Shopping
Everybody is different. What works for your friend might not work for you, or might work better for you. Therefore, these suggestions for shopping for weight loss are presented as helps, and I hope you will find something of use to you. With just a little thought and creativity, you should be able to come up with several more tips yourself.
1. Always use a list when you shop, and stick to it. Almost any other food item you put in the buggy will be something that does NOT fit in to your weight loss plan.
2. Plan ahead. Decide what your meals are going to be, and what ingredients you will need. Include portion sizes in this planning. If you just buy a pack of steaks, you will probably cook all those steaks at once and there is a chance they may be eaten all at once. Planning your meals will help you prepare your shopping list. Plan also for meals such as lunches you carry to work.
3. Take someone with you who you can trust to be on your side. By "on your side", I mean, of course, someone who understands and supports your weight loss goals. While this person should be aware of what you are trying to accomplish, YOU must understand that they ARE trying to help you, and YOU must give them permission to express their honest thoughts about purchases you are making...especially if you are deviating from your list.
4. Have this trusted friend or family member HELP you draw up your shopping list.
5. Always eat before shopping. It is a fact that shopping when hungry increases your tendency to put extra items in your shopping cart.
6. Learn to read the labels. Almost every food you buy has a label outlining nutritional content and levels. Knowledge of nutritional needs is important, but does not need to be daunting. Basic information is easy to obtain.
7. Avoid convenience foods. Most have additional calories, fats, or carbohydrates. Although they may taste great, this is often a direct result of those very attributes.
8. Plan PREPARED meals. Cook from scratch. Not only will you probably enjoy the meals more, but having to prepare a meal helps prevent you from indulging yourself with a quick and easy snack or meal.
9. Avoid buying "empty" foods. These are foods such as chips, cookies, or candy. An apple may have as many calories as a piece of candy, but it contains a much higher level of nutrition, and provides factors such as fiber, for example.
10. Buy foods you really like. Eating in a healthy manner does NOT have to be a boring or unrewarding experience. Types of meals enjoyed in Japan, for example, can be tasty and a different and inviting experience, but they can also be very good for you. Again, be aware of portion sizes. Just because it is "good for you" doesn't mean you ought to go back for seconds or thirds.
There you are, 10 hints for shopping for weight loss. Since portion sizes was mentioned twice, let me leave you with this thought. Most Americans eat portions much larger than recommended sizes. A discussion of portion size is more than can be incorporated into this small article. However, people in France tend to eat very rich foods yet do not have the obesity problems found in America. People in Japan who eat a traditional Japanese diet tend not to have an obesity problem such as is found in America. As diverse as these two cultures and their diet are, a common factor is portion size. They typically eat much smaller portions than Americans.
About the author:
The author's interest in fitness and health began in 1970 when he first read Dr. Kenneth Cooper's "Aerobics". Find more weight loss tips at http://nodiet4me.com . You can find additional articles on fitness, health, and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com .
Written by: Donovan Baldwin
More shopping tips on http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
1. Always use a list when you shop, and stick to it. Almost any other food item you put in the buggy will be something that does NOT fit in to your weight loss plan.
2. Plan ahead. Decide what your meals are going to be, and what ingredients you will need. Include portion sizes in this planning. If you just buy a pack of steaks, you will probably cook all those steaks at once and there is a chance they may be eaten all at once. Planning your meals will help you prepare your shopping list. Plan also for meals such as lunches you carry to work.
3. Take someone with you who you can trust to be on your side. By "on your side", I mean, of course, someone who understands and supports your weight loss goals. While this person should be aware of what you are trying to accomplish, YOU must understand that they ARE trying to help you, and YOU must give them permission to express their honest thoughts about purchases you are making...especially if you are deviating from your list.
4. Have this trusted friend or family member HELP you draw up your shopping list.
5. Always eat before shopping. It is a fact that shopping when hungry increases your tendency to put extra items in your shopping cart.
6. Learn to read the labels. Almost every food you buy has a label outlining nutritional content and levels. Knowledge of nutritional needs is important, but does not need to be daunting. Basic information is easy to obtain.
7. Avoid convenience foods. Most have additional calories, fats, or carbohydrates. Although they may taste great, this is often a direct result of those very attributes.
8. Plan PREPARED meals. Cook from scratch. Not only will you probably enjoy the meals more, but having to prepare a meal helps prevent you from indulging yourself with a quick and easy snack or meal.
9. Avoid buying "empty" foods. These are foods such as chips, cookies, or candy. An apple may have as many calories as a piece of candy, but it contains a much higher level of nutrition, and provides factors such as fiber, for example.
10. Buy foods you really like. Eating in a healthy manner does NOT have to be a boring or unrewarding experience. Types of meals enjoyed in Japan, for example, can be tasty and a different and inviting experience, but they can also be very good for you. Again, be aware of portion sizes. Just because it is "good for you" doesn't mean you ought to go back for seconds or thirds.
There you are, 10 hints for shopping for weight loss. Since portion sizes was mentioned twice, let me leave you with this thought. Most Americans eat portions much larger than recommended sizes. A discussion of portion size is more than can be incorporated into this small article. However, people in France tend to eat very rich foods yet do not have the obesity problems found in America. People in Japan who eat a traditional Japanese diet tend not to have an obesity problem such as is found in America. As diverse as these two cultures and their diet are, a common factor is portion size. They typically eat much smaller portions than Americans.
About the author:
The author's interest in fitness and health began in 1970 when he first read Dr. Kenneth Cooper's "Aerobics". Find more weight loss tips at http://nodiet4me.com . You can find additional articles on fitness, health, and weight loss at http://nodiet4me.blogspot.com .
Written by: Donovan Baldwin
More shopping tips on http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
Friday, January 2, 2009
9 Smart Shopping Tips To Protect Your Family From Getting Sick
Prevention of food poisoning starts with your trip to the supermarket. Here's how to start off safely.
1. Pick up your packaged and canned foods first. Buy cans and jars that look perfect. Don’t buy canned goods that are dented, cracked or bulging. These are the warning signs that dangerous bacteria may be growing in the can.
2. Look for any expiration dates on the labels and never buy outdated food. Likewise, check the "use by" or "sell by" date on dairy products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream and pick the ones that will stay fresh longest in your refrigerator.
3. Check eggs, too. Choose eggs that are refrigerated in the store. Before putting them in your cart, open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and none are cracked or broken.
4. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood sometimes drip. The juices that drip may have germs. Keep these juices away from other foods. Put raw meat, poultry, and seafood into plastic bags before they go into the cart. Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
5. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and re-frozen.
6. Check for cleanliness at the meat or fish counter and the salad bar. For instance, cooked shrimp lying on the same bed of ice as raw fish could become contaminated.
7. When shopping for shellfish, buy from markets that get their supplies from state-approved sources; stay clear of vendors who sell shellfish from roadside stands or the back of a truck. And if you're planning to harvest your own shellfish, heed posted warnings about the water's safety.
8. Pick up milk, frozen foods, and perishables (meat, poultry, fish) last. Always put these products in separate plastic bags so that drippings don't contaminate other foods in your shopping cart.
9. Drive immediately home from the grocery store. This will give cold or frozen food less time to warm up before you get home. If the destination is farther away than 30 minutes, bring a cooler with ice or commercial freezing gels from home and place perishables in it.
Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
Terry Nicholls is the author of the eBook "Food Safety: Protecting Your Family From Food Poisoning". For more tips like these, and to learn more about his book, visit his website at http://tinyurl.com/3fr2t
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
1. Pick up your packaged and canned foods first. Buy cans and jars that look perfect. Don’t buy canned goods that are dented, cracked or bulging. These are the warning signs that dangerous bacteria may be growing in the can.
2. Look for any expiration dates on the labels and never buy outdated food. Likewise, check the "use by" or "sell by" date on dairy products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream and pick the ones that will stay fresh longest in your refrigerator.
3. Check eggs, too. Choose eggs that are refrigerated in the store. Before putting them in your cart, open the carton and make sure that the eggs are clean and none are cracked or broken.
4. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood sometimes drip. The juices that drip may have germs. Keep these juices away from other foods. Put raw meat, poultry, and seafood into plastic bags before they go into the cart. Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator.
5. Don't buy frozen seafood if the packages are open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. If the package cover is transparent, look for signs of frost or ice crystals. This could mean that the fish has either been stored for a long time or thawed and re-frozen.
6. Check for cleanliness at the meat or fish counter and the salad bar. For instance, cooked shrimp lying on the same bed of ice as raw fish could become contaminated.
7. When shopping for shellfish, buy from markets that get their supplies from state-approved sources; stay clear of vendors who sell shellfish from roadside stands or the back of a truck. And if you're planning to harvest your own shellfish, heed posted warnings about the water's safety.
8. Pick up milk, frozen foods, and perishables (meat, poultry, fish) last. Always put these products in separate plastic bags so that drippings don't contaminate other foods in your shopping cart.
9. Drive immediately home from the grocery store. This will give cold or frozen food less time to warm up before you get home. If the destination is farther away than 30 minutes, bring a cooler with ice or commercial freezing gels from home and place perishables in it.
Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
Terry Nicholls is the author of the eBook "Food Safety: Protecting Your Family From Food Poisoning". For more tips like these, and to learn more about his book, visit his website at http://tinyurl.com/3fr2t
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
9 Inside Tips to Saving Money and Making the Most of Your Retail Shopping Experience
1.How to Get the Best Clearance Price in Stores
In most retail stores, clearance is marked down at the beginning of the month. And for stores that use the tiered clearance system, where items fall in price as the month progresses, you will find that the best time to get the lowest price for a clearance item is toward the end of the month.
2.Yellow Tag, Red Tag Clearance Method - When the Best Price Isn’t Always the Final Clearance Price
Stores that use the yellow tag to red tag clearance method also use a tiered system to incrementally mark down items on clearance. Generally, items are placed on clearance at the beginning of the month and will be gradually marked down as the month progresses. Any remaining yellow-ticketed items are then red ticketed for final clearance at the beginning of the following month. Because this system is percentage based, when the yellow-ticketed price drops to its lowest percentage off (usually 50% off the yellow-ticketed clearance price) makes this the best item to buy. This way you can save as much as 80% off the regular price of an item. However, if you wait until the same item is red-ticketed for final clearance, you will pay a higher price and only receive about 50-60% off the regular price. This is a clearance strategy used by many major retailers.
3.Too Early/Too Late For a Great Sale – Not Anymore
Most retail stores have an unpublished policy that allows customers to receive the sale price for an item either a day before or a day after the begin and end dates of an advertised sale. You just have to ask to receive the sale price.
4.Price Adjustment – Too Late, Not Necessarily
Most retailers have a published policy allowing customers a specific timeframe to receive price adjustments and an unpublished policy that actually extends this timeframe anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Even if you are outside the official timeframe for a price change, make the request, as most stores will honor the adjustment based on the unpublished policy and because they won’t risk losing a customer.
5.Buy One, Get One Free and Buy One, Get One ½ Off Sales (BOGO) – Great for the Retailer, Bad for the Customer
The national retail store I work at part-time as Ad-Set Supervisor usually has a Buy One, Get One Free, and Buy One, Get One ½ Off Sale, also know as BOGOs, twice every sale cycle (12 weeks). It always amazes me how many people flock to the store for these sales because in the retail industry, these are known to be one of the worst sales for customers. How? By breaking the numbers down one can quickly see just what I mean. Let’s say you need a pair of jeans and find that there is a BOGO sale at your favorite store offering you ½ off the second purchase. If you paid $20.00 for the first pair and $10 for the second pair (since it was ½ off) your total purchase amount on two pairs of jeans is $30.00, with an overall savings of $10.00 or 25%. But more than likely, these same jeans usually go on sale for 30 to 40% off during one of the store’s regular sale events. That means if you had purchased these same jeans during a regular 30% off sale you would have paid $14.00 per pair or $28 for two pairs a savings of $12.00, or 30% off saving you an additional $2.00 than the BOGO Sale. At 40% off you would have paid $12.00 per pair or $24.00 for two pairs, or 40% off saving you an additional $6.00 than the BOGO Sale.
Buy One, Get One Free Sales are only good if you plan on purchasing two of the same items anyway. Otherwise, they force customers to purchase more than they had planned causing them to bring home two items they only wanted one of in the first place. A way around this dilemma is to shop with a friend or relative who intends to purchase the same type of item that you are going to purchase. Stores love these sales because it is a way of getting customers to spend more money, reduce store inventory quicker, and increase sales figures.
6.Shopping Day Savings Passes, Just Ask
Several national retail stores offer Shopping Day Savings Passes, coupons offering the customer anywhere from 10-20% off every purchase made throughout that day. These “savings passes” are available at customer service desks. All you need to do is ask. One large retailer that offers these passes is Macys.
7.Those People with the Scanners – They Know More Than You Think
Ever go into a store and see some of the associates with a scanner scanning items? Well, more than likely those are “Ad Setters” responsible for placing sale signs for upcoming sale events. Almost every store has an Ad Set Crew. Some stores have the Ad Set Crew set ads for upcoming sales after store closing. Most, however, have the Crew start setting ads a few hours prior to closing. Shop during these hours and seek these people out. Why? They are the most knowledgeable about what store sales are the best for customers and when these sales are going to occur since they know about upcoming sales weeks in advance. If you are wondering if an item you are interested in purchasing is cheaper during the current sale or cheaper during an upcoming sale, they can usually scan it and tell you. I have helped countless customers save this way and then proceeded to tell them about the day prior, day later rule covered in tip number three. Most regular sales associates don’t have this inside information about upcoming sales, nor do they have the ability to find out what upcoming sales prices are going to be on items - that’s why you need to speak to an Ad Setter.
8.Imperfections = Discounts, Even Packaging
Everyone probably knows about getting an additional discount on imperfect merchandise, but many don’t know that imperfect packaging gets the same discounts. The store I work at, like most stores, has a policy that allows at least an additional 10-20% discount on damaged items. Even if the only damage is to an item’s packaging, we gladly give this discount when someone asks. As a result, I have learned to purposefully seek out items that have damaged packaging and to always ask for this extra discount. To date, I have always received it. Being willing to purchase items with damaged packaging creates a win-win situation for both customers and the store: the store gets rid of slightly blemished items and customers save money.
9.Forgot Your Extra Savings Coupon – No Problem, Just Tell the Cashier
Many stores send out extra savings coupons to holders of their credit cards or loyal customers on their mailing list. Sometimes, however, customers get to the register only to realize that they forgot to bring their “Extra Savings Coupon” with them. If this happens to you, no problem, since most stores have a policy granting the discount to the customer anyway just by telling the cashier that you forgot your savings coupon.
I hope you are able to save tons of money as I have by using these ten tips. Prior to working in retail I would have considered myself a frugal and smart shopper but have since become even better and saved more. By learning the ins-and-outs of the retail world and by using these tips, I now pay less for brand-new brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods than I had previously paid at thrift stores and I hope you do too. Happy Shopping and Saving!
About the Author
Jona is an instructional designer, web and graphic designer, and technical and business writer. When she isn’t working on client projects, she can be found updating her personal project, www.simpleandfrugal.com, a website dedicated to those seeking to simplify their lives. Jona has been practicing simple living/voluntary simplicity for over 10 years and is available for speaking engagements. Contact her at simplefrugal@fuse.net.
Written by: Jona E. Kessans (Simple & Frugal)
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
In most retail stores, clearance is marked down at the beginning of the month. And for stores that use the tiered clearance system, where items fall in price as the month progresses, you will find that the best time to get the lowest price for a clearance item is toward the end of the month.
2.Yellow Tag, Red Tag Clearance Method - When the Best Price Isn’t Always the Final Clearance Price
Stores that use the yellow tag to red tag clearance method also use a tiered system to incrementally mark down items on clearance. Generally, items are placed on clearance at the beginning of the month and will be gradually marked down as the month progresses. Any remaining yellow-ticketed items are then red ticketed for final clearance at the beginning of the following month. Because this system is percentage based, when the yellow-ticketed price drops to its lowest percentage off (usually 50% off the yellow-ticketed clearance price) makes this the best item to buy. This way you can save as much as 80% off the regular price of an item. However, if you wait until the same item is red-ticketed for final clearance, you will pay a higher price and only receive about 50-60% off the regular price. This is a clearance strategy used by many major retailers.
3.Too Early/Too Late For a Great Sale – Not Anymore
Most retail stores have an unpublished policy that allows customers to receive the sale price for an item either a day before or a day after the begin and end dates of an advertised sale. You just have to ask to receive the sale price.
4.Price Adjustment – Too Late, Not Necessarily
Most retailers have a published policy allowing customers a specific timeframe to receive price adjustments and an unpublished policy that actually extends this timeframe anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Even if you are outside the official timeframe for a price change, make the request, as most stores will honor the adjustment based on the unpublished policy and because they won’t risk losing a customer.
5.Buy One, Get One Free and Buy One, Get One ½ Off Sales (BOGO) – Great for the Retailer, Bad for the Customer
The national retail store I work at part-time as Ad-Set Supervisor usually has a Buy One, Get One Free, and Buy One, Get One ½ Off Sale, also know as BOGOs, twice every sale cycle (12 weeks). It always amazes me how many people flock to the store for these sales because in the retail industry, these are known to be one of the worst sales for customers. How? By breaking the numbers down one can quickly see just what I mean. Let’s say you need a pair of jeans and find that there is a BOGO sale at your favorite store offering you ½ off the second purchase. If you paid $20.00 for the first pair and $10 for the second pair (since it was ½ off) your total purchase amount on two pairs of jeans is $30.00, with an overall savings of $10.00 or 25%. But more than likely, these same jeans usually go on sale for 30 to 40% off during one of the store’s regular sale events. That means if you had purchased these same jeans during a regular 30% off sale you would have paid $14.00 per pair or $28 for two pairs a savings of $12.00, or 30% off saving you an additional $2.00 than the BOGO Sale. At 40% off you would have paid $12.00 per pair or $24.00 for two pairs, or 40% off saving you an additional $6.00 than the BOGO Sale.
Buy One, Get One Free Sales are only good if you plan on purchasing two of the same items anyway. Otherwise, they force customers to purchase more than they had planned causing them to bring home two items they only wanted one of in the first place. A way around this dilemma is to shop with a friend or relative who intends to purchase the same type of item that you are going to purchase. Stores love these sales because it is a way of getting customers to spend more money, reduce store inventory quicker, and increase sales figures.
6.Shopping Day Savings Passes, Just Ask
Several national retail stores offer Shopping Day Savings Passes, coupons offering the customer anywhere from 10-20% off every purchase made throughout that day. These “savings passes” are available at customer service desks. All you need to do is ask. One large retailer that offers these passes is Macys.
7.Those People with the Scanners – They Know More Than You Think
Ever go into a store and see some of the associates with a scanner scanning items? Well, more than likely those are “Ad Setters” responsible for placing sale signs for upcoming sale events. Almost every store has an Ad Set Crew. Some stores have the Ad Set Crew set ads for upcoming sales after store closing. Most, however, have the Crew start setting ads a few hours prior to closing. Shop during these hours and seek these people out. Why? They are the most knowledgeable about what store sales are the best for customers and when these sales are going to occur since they know about upcoming sales weeks in advance. If you are wondering if an item you are interested in purchasing is cheaper during the current sale or cheaper during an upcoming sale, they can usually scan it and tell you. I have helped countless customers save this way and then proceeded to tell them about the day prior, day later rule covered in tip number three. Most regular sales associates don’t have this inside information about upcoming sales, nor do they have the ability to find out what upcoming sales prices are going to be on items - that’s why you need to speak to an Ad Setter.
8.Imperfections = Discounts, Even Packaging
Everyone probably knows about getting an additional discount on imperfect merchandise, but many don’t know that imperfect packaging gets the same discounts. The store I work at, like most stores, has a policy that allows at least an additional 10-20% discount on damaged items. Even if the only damage is to an item’s packaging, we gladly give this discount when someone asks. As a result, I have learned to purposefully seek out items that have damaged packaging and to always ask for this extra discount. To date, I have always received it. Being willing to purchase items with damaged packaging creates a win-win situation for both customers and the store: the store gets rid of slightly blemished items and customers save money.
9.Forgot Your Extra Savings Coupon – No Problem, Just Tell the Cashier
Many stores send out extra savings coupons to holders of their credit cards or loyal customers on their mailing list. Sometimes, however, customers get to the register only to realize that they forgot to bring their “Extra Savings Coupon” with them. If this happens to you, no problem, since most stores have a policy granting the discount to the customer anyway just by telling the cashier that you forgot your savings coupon.
I hope you are able to save tons of money as I have by using these ten tips. Prior to working in retail I would have considered myself a frugal and smart shopper but have since become even better and saved more. By learning the ins-and-outs of the retail world and by using these tips, I now pay less for brand-new brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods than I had previously paid at thrift stores and I hope you do too. Happy Shopping and Saving!
About the Author
Jona is an instructional designer, web and graphic designer, and technical and business writer. When she isn’t working on client projects, she can be found updating her personal project, www.simpleandfrugal.com, a website dedicated to those seeking to simplify their lives. Jona has been practicing simple living/voluntary simplicity for over 10 years and is available for speaking engagements. Contact her at simplefrugal@fuse.net.
Written by: Jona E. Kessans (Simple & Frugal)
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
5 Smart Tips To Avoid the Stress of Shopping For Holiday Gifts
1. Say no to a rigid gift list.
This doesn't mean that when you arrive on a situation like when you get to see a "spunkier" Ipod when you originally thought of giving out a Walkman, you'll always give in. The thing is that you should be open to alternatives with your choice of gifts. You might as wel, jot down all the possible options on that gift on your list in case you're having a hard time looking for it.
2. Nifty over Hefty.
An expensive price tag does not necessarily mean a perfect gift. What is more appreciated is creativity and when someone puts in genuine effort. Your budget does not have to suffer so much during the holidays. Doing your homework will get you a long, long way.
3. Doing some favor is a labor of love.
Instead of material presents, an act of kindness can very well serve as a very valuable holiday gift. One may run errands or do things like babysit for a busy aunt, cook dinner for a couple, or do a car wash. Of course, just don't forget to do this for free. One more thing, you can also do this goodie-two-shoes stuff not only for your family and friends but also for those less-fortunate.
4. Techie not Newbie.
For those who are still thinking that the Internet is only a mirage of the future, please wake up. You're so late! Online shopping is one of the many conveniences the Internet offers. Just click the mouse and voila! Before you are a wide array of brands and pricelists for your choice of gifts. Amazon.com, EBay, and Overstock.com are just a few of the best web sites that can help you in this endeavor. Just remember to provide ample time for delivery.
5. Comfort Zone.
During the commotion from shopping for holiday gifts, it's wise to wear your most comfortable outfits. This will make it easier for you to rummage through shelves of stuffs and will make scurrying not much of a hassle.
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
This doesn't mean that when you arrive on a situation like when you get to see a "spunkier" Ipod when you originally thought of giving out a Walkman, you'll always give in. The thing is that you should be open to alternatives with your choice of gifts. You might as wel, jot down all the possible options on that gift on your list in case you're having a hard time looking for it.
2. Nifty over Hefty.
An expensive price tag does not necessarily mean a perfect gift. What is more appreciated is creativity and when someone puts in genuine effort. Your budget does not have to suffer so much during the holidays. Doing your homework will get you a long, long way.
3. Doing some favor is a labor of love.
Instead of material presents, an act of kindness can very well serve as a very valuable holiday gift. One may run errands or do things like babysit for a busy aunt, cook dinner for a couple, or do a car wash. Of course, just don't forget to do this for free. One more thing, you can also do this goodie-two-shoes stuff not only for your family and friends but also for those less-fortunate.
4. Techie not Newbie.
For those who are still thinking that the Internet is only a mirage of the future, please wake up. You're so late! Online shopping is one of the many conveniences the Internet offers. Just click the mouse and voila! Before you are a wide array of brands and pricelists for your choice of gifts. Amazon.com, EBay, and Overstock.com are just a few of the best web sites that can help you in this endeavor. Just remember to provide ample time for delivery.
5. Comfort Zone.
During the commotion from shopping for holiday gifts, it's wise to wear your most comfortable outfits. This will make it easier for you to rummage through shelves of stuffs and will make scurrying not much of a hassle.
More shopping tips http://freegamepark.com/shopping/
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