When And How to Buy: From a Sales Associates Perspective

I have been working in retail for a total of almost 3 years (Payless, Lane Bryant, and Spirit Halloween). My longest run has been at Payless where in February will be my 2 years. While working in retail I have learned a few tips and tricks that I think are beneficial to others. It’s also good having a mother who in her college years was an assistant manager for Fashion Bug. She is very wise in her retail shopping, and has made me wise as well with her own tips and tricks. It’s no big secret as to what I am going to explain; it’s almost common sense, but many people today are so fast paced they don’t take the time to think while shopping. If you just keep these tips in mind, I can promise you that you will save money.

·         Number one is an obvious; Coupons. My favorite way on stumbling upon coupons is the website Retailmenot.com. You can type in any store (website) and it will pull up a list of current coupons. Some can be printed and used in store, and some can only be used online. The offers are endless and great way to save your money! Another helpful tip when it comes to coupons is at the checkout and the sales associate asks for your phone number, give it. If you rather not give out your phone number simply ask them “Can I give you and email instead?” most likely they will say yes. I say to do this because when they add your phone number and or email you are put into their system and will regularly receive coupons via email or home address. One last great tip when it comes to coupons is go to your favorite stores websites and look for a little box that says “Sign up for the mailing list!”. This puts you, once again, into their system and they will send you coupons via email regularly. Most companies offer a coupon or deal just for signing up, sometimes all the way up to 75% off.

·         Secondly is to compare prices. If you see something you like in a store, think of other stores that might have the same item or similar for less. Target and Wal-Mart are marketed to seem to be the best deals, this sometimes is false. When Target and Wal-Mart of your basic tees for “Only 9$”, you can be smart and get a basic tee from Forever21 at your local mall for 5$. In today’s society almost every has a smart phone. If you are standing in a store debating whether to buy said item or not; whip out that expensive phone and use it! Go online and check out other stores and see if their prices are the better deal.

·         Third is After Season Sales. Stores and companies don’t get there shipment randomly, it is based on trends and seasons. When the trend/season is over the company no longer has a need for those items; therefore marking them down. After winter you can find some nice coats for as low as 20$. Even better look out for these sales and pile on the coupons! Most stores will not advertise a lot for these sales, why? Simply because they have gotten the new seasons trends in and want to sell that at full price compared to last season’s 75% off. So you mostly have to think for yourself when it comes to this helpful tip. Mark on your calendar when the season is over, and go searching for the best deals! I bet you can find amazing ones.

·         Lastly is to ask questions. A sales associate is there to help and assist you. They are trained to answer questions, so ask them! If you don’t have the money, or want to wait for an item to go on sale simply ask “How long will you have this in stock?”, if they know the answer they will tell you. If you didn’t see anything eye catching in a store, when leaving ask them what the upcoming sale is. Most stores make it mandatory for their associates to tell you without you questioning, even though many do not.

I hope these tips and tricks are helpful to you! I know they help my family and I. Have additional tricks I forget? Drop a comment and let me know!