How to shop wisely in the January sales

The New Year's sales are full of bargains to be had - but which ones are the best?

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Been waiting all year for the post-Christmas bargains? January sales offer customers a variety of cut-price items. Unfortunately, these sales attract many people, so it's best to be prepared before hitting the mall!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Paper
Pen
Newspapers & Magazines
Internet Access

Step1

Create a want-list: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, make a note of items that you'd buy if only they were that little bit cheaper. It always helps to note the store you have seen the item in so you can hit these shops first. You may strike it lucky and find that item on sale with a massive reduction!

Step2

Great things to include in your list are: Christmas cards, decorations and wraps, next year's Christmas presents as well as birthday presents. January is known for its white sales, so it's worth considering replacing towels and linens.

Step3

Shop around before Christmas and note the prices of items on your list. This will help you avoid buying items that are bogus bargains.

Step4

Set yourself a budget that you can afford. It's pointless saving money if it leads you down a road towards debt.

Step5

The day before your planned shopping trip, try and work out your route. Ensure you know where the bathrooms are in the mall as well as restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Step6

In the shops, stick to items on your list. This should limit naughty, impulsive buying. Remember to buy with your head, not your heart.

Step7

Avoid looking at the reduction. This is a technique used to lure you into parting with your cash. Instead buy based on price alone!

Step8

Some items may be marked down because of defects, so always give your item a full check before you buy!

Step9

Take advantage of the services of a sales assistant: If you can't see the item you are after, they might be able to locate stock in another store or in the back room. Be prepared to wait for their services as they're bound to be busy!

Step10

Always check out your shop's return policy at the checkout. This varies from store to store. If you can't get into a changing room, knowing you can return or exchange an item is handy!

Tips & Warnings

If the thought of competing with hundreds of shoppers for great buys fills you with dread, shop online to save time and frustration while you save money!