Shopping Tips

My most important shopping rule is that it usually pays to shop around. The bigger the item your looking to purchase, the more this rule comes into play.
When you do make your purchase, hold on to your receipt. Find out about the price matching policy at the store you bought your item in. If you see it advertised for less bring in the receipt and most stores will give you the difference.
If the stores you shop at frequently have a free rewards program then sign up. Normally these programs pay out certificates or gift cards when you achieve certain spending levels. By also signing up for these types of programs you can usually get extra coupons or special exclusive offers.
If you shop frequently at a specific store you also might want to consider getting a store credit card there. Be careful though. Too many store credit cards can obviously effect your credit score. Its not worth opening a store credit card to save 10 percent off a $20 purchase, but If you're spending $2000 or more for a new television or a few thousand dollars at Home Depot or Lowes that 10 percent off can be a good $200 or more off. That might be worth it for you if you think you'll continue to be shopper there.
Do you have to be the first to own that newest gadget on the market? Sometimes that newer technology sometimes need to be out a little before the bugs are completely worked out. Sometimes the technology doesn't catch on like the Laser Disk, Beta tapes or HD DVD. Many other times the items just get better and cheaper. Just look back at how much more plasma tv's, DVD burners, laptops, Blum Ray, XBOX 360 and the PS3 were even just a year or two ago. The longer a technology is out, it usually just gets better and cheaper the more you wait.
Don't try and keep up with the neighbors. Just because someone else bought something doesn't mean you need to go get one too. Just make sure the item is really needed and will be used instead just being thrown in a closet, drawer or garage once the initial thrill wears off.
Check out generic versions of certain products. If you look at certain vitamins for example and compare them at the pharmacy you'll see in most cases they are exactly the same. This works for a great deal of items. Except soda for some reason. That grocery store brand Cola just doesn't stack up to the real thing.
Depending on where you live there can be a lot of great used DVD, Video Game and CD stores. Most stores have a warrantee on these items so you don't have much to worry about and it can a lot cheaper than buying new. Half.com and Ebay.com can also be a great place to get both new and used items.
When using rebates for any product remember one thing. The reason why companies give rebates instead of just discounting the price is they are counting on a certain number of people not submitting the rebate. Maybe the consumer loses the paperwork or maybe they forget to mail it in. They may fill out the rebate incorrectly and forget to inquire about it. I suggest as soon as possible read over the rebate rules and requirements, fill out the paper work, and mail in the rebate. If it says 6-8 weeks for redemption write that down on a calendar. If after one or more weeks after that time period you don't receive your rebate then contact the company. Make sure you save your receipts and copies of any forms until after your rebate is received.
One reason why so many people get great deals is they aren't afraid to ask for them. When my mother took us shopping for a crib, when our baby was on her way, she just asked if the salesman at the local furniture store could knock off another $50 and he did without hesitation. I wouldn't even have thought of asking. The worst the guy could have said was that he couldn't and the deal would what we were going to pay to begin with, so she had nothing to lose and we had $50 to gain.
Don't go overboard, but always review your bills. At least briefly scan them over. If there is something you think is wrong, contact the company. Before calling a company to complain or asking for an adjustment read over my Top Ten Rules when contacting a companies customer service.
If you're shopping for new car read my guide to car buying. If you're ready to pull the trigger why not just check out one more dealership first. How can you really know how good of a deal you have if you haven't compared it. You get the best deal playing one dealership off the other. In most parts of the country there are dealerships selling the same cars within a reasonable distance from each other. If you're lazy and don't want to drive to another dealership or just feel better not dealing face to face call the other dealership. As long as you're not trading in a car everything can be done over the phone now. I have saved thousands doing this or helping other friends buy cars. I once thought I was getting a great deal and then I called another dealership and got them to take off another $600 off plus I had them run to the RMV and my insurance agent for me. They even through in the inspection sticker saving me more time and money. However, If the dealer is saying a load of bull, like if you leave than you can't get this same deal later, then its high pressure and you might be better of not dealing with that kind of salesman anyway. Odds are the deal will be there when you come back.
A really interesting site to try if you make a lot of online purchases or shop at a few select stores such as Amazon, The Apple Store, Best Buy, Circuit City, Costco, Future Shop, Sears, Staples etc. is Priceprotectr.com. Its easy to use and a wonderful, free and unique service. You just cut and paste the stores URL of the item and if that item goes down in price within the stores price guarantee period they send you an email letting you know. You just contact the store you made your purchase at and get a refund for the difference. On major purchases such as computers, appliances or televisions the savings can definitely be worth the effort. Even a $10 savings on smaller items such as video games can be worth the few simple steps you need to take.
Outlet stores are great places to find bargains. Many popular stores sell out of season items for large discounts. Some items may be discontinued or later models with nice markdowns as well. Some outlets sell refurbished electronics and some just sell junk. A great web site to locate an outlet mall near you is Outletbound.com.
A lot of companies have their outlets exclusively online and don't actually have retail outlet locations. Some have both online sites and physical locations. A personal favorite outlet site of mine is Outlet.Philips.com where you find sometimes find some incredible deals on older or refurbished models. This site is constantly having specials so it pays to check frequently before making a purchase.
Check to see if your company gets you discounts with other companies. Many have deals with lot of different places from museums and theme parks to car dealers and wireless companies. Some have special airline discounts and hotel deals as well. If you belong to AAA and you're traveling it doesn't hurt to ask if you qualify for a lower rate either. AAA does have deals with some hotels and car rental agencies, which they may not advertise and the worst they can say is no and charge you what you were going to pay originally.
Shopping out of season is a great ways to get great deals. Look for next years winter jack at the very end of winter or early spring . You can also find great deals on summer clothes and bathing suits in late summer or early fall.