Have you recently indulged in some shopping during the sales? Or are you still delaying that crucial Christmas shopping spree?
It can be challenging to determine if you’re truly getting a good deal in today’s market. But worry not! I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you secure great bargains, place orders, and understand your shopping rights.
The regulations surrounding when an item can be considered discounted are intricate, making it advisable to be cautious. It’s best to be skeptical of a supposed 40% discount on a new TV, as it may not be as good a deal as it seems. Similarly, be wary of warnings like ‘only three items left’ that aim to pressure you into making a purchase.
As I often mention, avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach and refrain from aimless browsing during sales if you’re unsure of what you need to buy. Shoppers without a clear gift list are the prime targets for retailers who employ various psychological tactics to encourage impulse buying. Stay ahead by conducting quick checks to outsmart these strategies.
The value of goods ultimately depends on what you are willing to pay. To start, examine the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (RRP). Typically, these prices represent the highest amount you might pay and are often inflated to allow for discounts. Then, search for the product and brand you’re eyeing on a search engine and review the available shopping options to gauge the prevailing market rates. Be cautious of unfamiliar stores offering unusually low prices, as they could be fraudulent.
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Several free price tracking websites monitor item prices over a period, typically a year. Use platforms like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon products and PriceSpy for other retailers. These tools indicate if you’re getting a good deal during a sale or if the item was cheaper previously. Waiting for a better deal could result in more savings. Some sites even offer price alerts to notify you when prices drop within your preferred range.
Consider leaving items in your online shopping cart for a few days. Retailers may send you a discount code or offer up to 20% off via email as an incentive.
Utilize online services like Honey to search for voucher codes easily. Click on the code on the website instead of dealing with cumbersome codes that may not work. Additionally, use cashback sites such as TopCashback to recoup a portion of your spending on purchases.
Exercise caution when encountering shops on social media, as many offer subpar products or scams. Before making impulsive purchases, conduct research on the store. Several social media retailers operate outside the UK, potentially leading to delayed deliveries, customs charges, and return complications.
Even if a business claims to be UK-based with national flags on its website, verify its authenticity. Check for address details on the ‘contact us’ and ‘returns’ pages; a lack of address suggests the business may be based overseas.
Each year, I receive numerous emails from readers recounting disappointing purchases from online retailers and social media platforms, ranging from misleading descriptions to faulty products. Online stores are easily established, with some resorting to using legitimate product images from reputable retailers or AI-generated visuals. Before making a purchase, conduct thorough research on the brand’s reputation through review sites and customer feedback.
If the goods or services you receive are damaged, misrepresented, or undelivered, you are protected by consumer laws.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 governs most shopping