Top Ten Tips - Going Outlet Shopping
By Tip Diva | Mar 29, 2008
Categories: Activities, Budget, Car, Cheap, Clothes, Clothing, Coupons, Etiquette, Money, Savings, Selling, Shoes, Shopping, Stores, Tips
Outlet shopping is fun, and you can find a lot of great savings. But there is an art to this form of retail therapy:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes - Outlet shopping does require a lot of walking, and it’s probably something best left to sneakers or flats. Leave the heels at home!
- Park In A Convenient Spot - More outlet centers are split up in sections - sometimes, even across a highway. Park in a spot that’s convenient to all centers or the outlet shuttle bus. But, it’s usually the prime parking spot, so get there early.
- Get A Map - Maps are usually available at the outlet center’s visitor center or at kiosks around the outlet center. And while you’re there…
- Check For Coupons - The visitor center and kiosks usually have some sort of coupon booklet. Sometimes it’s free; other times, you have to buy the booklet or join a frequent shopper’s program. Check the quality of the coupons before committing to the latter - if you don’t outlet shop often, it may not be worth your month.
- Ask Yourself If You Really Need Something Before Buying - Cheap prices often entice people to buy things they don’t need, just because the items are cheap. Before you go home with purchases that are just going to sit in the back of your closet, ask yourself if you really need the item before buying.
- Examine Merchandise Before Buying - Some outlet stores sell odds and ends or items that are slightly “off” and can’t be sold in a regular store. Make sure what you’re buying is not broken, stained or otherwise not worth your money.
- Know Your Prices - Yes, outlet prices are cheaper, but they may not be necessarily cheaper than sale items at your local department store. Know your prices before shopping.
- Check Return Policy - Some outlet stores do not allow item returns and others allow you to return things at their regular retail stores. And there are also many stores that come and go, so check their staying power before making any high-end purchase.
- Set Limits - Set a budget so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse. Also, make sure you don’t buy too many things, especially if you go outlet shopping with a tour group. There’s only so much room on the bus!
- Go During Off-Peak Hours - If you can, try to go during off-peak hours. Weekends tend to be very crowded, as well as mid-day.
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