7 Outlet Shopping Tips
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Although it’s true that outlets are great places to find some incredible bargains, there are some things you should keep in mind in order to make sure you really are getting a good deal. Outlet shopping can be a little tricky–and if you aren’t careful, your savings in the end may not be as big as you expected. Featured for you here are seven shopping tips to help make your next shopping excursion to an outlet a money-saving experience.
Budget and Plan
Before you even head out to the nearest outlet, it’s smart to formulate a plan so that you can make the best use of both your time and your money. Have you ever noticed that outlet stores tend to be located out in the middle of nowhere? If the outlet you plan on traveling to is quite some distance away, you have to keep in mind the amount of time and gas that you will need to get there, and plan accordingly. If you would like to save on gas, why not ask a couple of friends or relatives if they would like to come along for a day of outlet shopping? You can split the gas and you won’t have to travel a long distance alone. As well as planning for travel expenses, it’s important that you set a budget for yourself before you go. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of bargain shopping–but if you go overboard, you may defeat your original purpose of attempting to shop for less. Also bear in mind that outlet shopping can be an all-day event, wear comfortable clothing and shoes so that you feel good while you shop.
Do Your Homework
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If you’re a fan of a particular name brand or store, be sure you know what their regular prices usually run before looking for those items at an outlet. By doing a little research on brands and prices, you’ll know a good bargain when you see one. Markdowns at outlets aren’t always as big as you’d expect them to be–so having some awareness of regular retail prices can give you a huge advantage when it comes to outlet shopping.
Know When to Shop
Outlets are usually packed with shoppers over the weekend, so plan your visit during a weekday instead. Early mornings during the week tend to be slower at outlets–typically it’s the best time of day to avoid the crowds. If mornings aren’t your thing, try hitting some of your favorite outlet stores during lunch or dinnertime. Mealtimes are usually great times to shop as stores usually aren’t as busy then. Outlet shopping when there are fewer customers makes it easier to browse the racks for the best deals.
Examine Items Carefully
Many outlet stores have irregulars, mislabeled items, and returns mixed in with all of the merchandise. If you think you’ve found a great bargain item, look it over carefully before you checkout. If it’s an irregular item, be sure you can live with whatever the flaws are. If you are buying a clothing item for yourself, try it on first. Some articles of clothing may have been labeled incorrectly, ultimately landing it in the outlet store you’re shopping in.
Buy Off-Season Merchandise
Off-season items are almost always discounted no matter where they’re sold–and they’re even cheaper when purchased at outlet stores. You can stock up on clothing and gifts for next year by shopping off-season, and you can stand to save a lot of money in the process.
Use Coupons When You Can
You may think that because outlet merchandise is already discounted that you can’t use coupons. Before you assume that your coupons are no good when outlet shopping, ask. You have nothing to lose and only savings to gain, so find out what the outlet store’s policy is regarding coupons before you tuck them away. Before you go shopping at an outlet, visit one of the many coupon websites out there to see if you can find any free coupons to take along with you.
Be Aware of Return Policies
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Many outlet stores have very strict return policies, and you should know what those are before you buy. Return policies usually specify the number of days in which you have to return an item, and while some will give you your money back, others may do exchanges or store credit only. If the outlet mall or store is too far away for you to simply drive back to make a return, consider your purchases carefully before you head home. If you decide later that the item isn’t what you wanted, it may not be worth the trip you need to make to return it.
The next time you visit an outlet store, utilize some of these helpful tips as you shop. By planning ahead and knowing what to look for, you’ll have a better chance of finding some of your favorite items at prices that will make you smile.
Guest post from Adam. Adam shares more tips and a Sears outlet coupon through FrugalDad.com.
