
5 top tips to avoid January Sales turning into January Sorrows
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It’s that time of the year again... sale season! And who doesn’t love a good January Sale? After the madness of Christmas has settled, it’s nice to take a breath, relax, and go online to find some bargains to spend that Christmas cash on. But beware! Many retailers will simply be using this period to shift a load of junk that they otherwise cannot sell, so here’s our tips to ensure sale season doesn’t turn into silly season.
1. Only buy stuff you actually need
A bargain is only a bargain if you really need it. How many times have you set out to shop for something you really need, only to notice that the same store is giving 25% off other products you really like. It would be rude not to really... wouldn’t it? I mean, 25% off is almost like you are stealing it from them! But then, you get home, you look at your bank balance, and buyer’s remorse kicks in. Oh well, nothing a little overtime at work can’t solve and you make a promise to yourself not to fall into the store’s sales trap next time...
2. Do you see yourself using this item regularly?
How many times have we bought a shiny new item, only to only use it once or never take it out the pack at all? Check the back of your wardrobe and drawers and you’re bound to find that ‘must have’ item you impulse-bought in the ‘don’t miss out super sale of 2019’ still in the plastic wrapper and gathering dust. Don’t fall for the false economy of buying an item simply because it appears to be a bargain. If you buy a discounted item that you will use all the time – it's a bargain. If you buy a discounted item you never use – it's a complete waste of cash!
3. Is this item on sale because they no longer make it?
Always be careful about buying discounted items where there’s an accompanying message along the lines of “discontinued” or “reduced to clear”. Will they still be making this product in future and if not – will you still be able to get spare parts if anything needs fixing? This may be applicable where items need certain batteries to operate, lighting that requires certain types of bulbs or white goods that may need parts replacing over time.
4. Is this item on sale because the retailer simply can’t shift it?
There’s nothing worse than buying an item that looks like such a bargain you simply cannot resist, then discovering everyone hates it. They won’t tell you of course... but will be sniggering behind your back whilst you are blissfully unaware. Of course, so long as you’re happy, it’s irrelevant what anybody else thinks. But it’s always worth taking note of a store’s motive to discount the item in the first place.
5. Ensure you can realistically afford it
Just because an item has been reduced to an irresistibly low price doesn’t mean that it’s always affordable. There’s a cost-of-living crisis going on at the moment and looking after the pennies has never been more crucial. Do you have the spare cash for this item – or are you using buy now pay later payment methods such as Klarna? Are you using your Christmas cash for your Boxing Day bargain, or are you sticking it on the credit card and forgetting about it? Remember, credit cards and BNPL will all need to be repaid at some point, so don’t bury your head in the sand, do the maths and budget responsibly!