Before Making a Purchase

[asrai]

1. Before you buy something, ask yourself these questions:
---Can I live without this?
---Do I need it? Or merely want it?
---Do I already have something I can use instead?
---Can I borrow it from a friend or family member?
---How long will I have to work to pay for this?
2. To avoid impulse buys, imagine having to clean the item, or store it.
3. If you can, avoid the middleman.
4. If you need a ruler when you're out shopping, remember this: a dollar
bill is 6 1/8" long.
5. Make it instead of buying it.
6. Substitute with what you already have.
7. Make sure you wear out what you already have.
8. Make sure you use up what you already have.
9. Stockpile when items are on sale.
10. Buy in bulk when it saves money.
11. Learn the sales patterns at your favorite stores.
12. Use generic when possible.
13. Shop at thrift stores, even food (i.e. bakery) thrift stores!
14. Buy merchandise with the best unit pricing. Bigger or smaller does not
mean cheaper.
15. Avoid anything disposable.
16. Shop alone if at all possible.
17. Always check out the discount or clearance racks/bins.
18. Know your merchandise: buying poor quality at any price is never a
bargain!
19. Why Buy? Use the 5 R's instead
---Repair
---Restore
---Reduce
---Reuse
---Recycle
Use "5 R's" for yourself, your loved ones and business.
20. Buy with cash only, not credit.
21. Watch for local motels/hotels selling furnishings when they remodel.
This goes for other businesses as well.
22. Many stores have the policy to match their competitor's prices. If you
see something in the newspaper that you want, but don't want to travel to
that particular store to get it, cut the advertisement out and take it to
your local store.
24. Use coupons if you have them. Remember to bring them along!
25. Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!
26. Always ask for a raincheck. While you are waiting for the product to
come back in, look for more of the coupons on that product.
27. Shop the Sales! Obtain newspaper advertisements and sales flyers for the stores you frequent; compare prices of sale items.
28. Check for "multi-purchase" discounts, or Buy ? Get ? Frees.
29. Some things are cheaper in a warehouse club, but not all. Check your
prices.
30. Shop Garage, tag, or yard sales for things you are not in a hurry for.
31. Do not be brand loyal. Be willing to switch brands.
32. Honor your spending limit.
33. This sounds silly, but don't buy it if you won't use it - even if it is
on sale.
34. Just because the item is on the end of the aisle does not mean it is on
sale.
35. Shop with a calculator.
36. Check all product packages. Some may have special offers printed on or
attached to them.
37. Frequent stores that offer free product samples and in-store coupons.
38. Watch while your items are being scanned and check your receipt before
you leave the store.
39. To save time, compare prices online before shopping,

[marla]

Thanks for the great tips!

[terry1156]

#3 is a good one that doesn't get mentioned often. Farmers markets are great for cheap, quality produce.