THE CROSS

This recently expanded store on Homer and Davie is now 8,000 feet of gorgeous. Stop at The Cross for beautiful bed and table linens, throw pillows and furniture, not to mention the city’s best selection of Moroccan poofs. (See mine below.)  Co-owners Darci Ilich and Stephanie Vogler also offer interior design services and an extensive online catalogue. Follow The Cross on Instagram for a regular dose of inspiration.

EAST INDIA CARPETS

This Vancouver mainstay is the place to go for luxury rugs and carpets. (They’ve been in the business since 1948!) Indian, Tibetan, silk, shag, jute, wool… the selection is vast. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at East India, consider a custom rug.  I’m currently consulting with them about replacing this tired runner with something lighter and punchier.  I have to go custom because of the length of the hallway.

MINT

Mint Interiors is actually two shops, one on the corner of 2^nd and Fir and the other half a block up. The former mainly carries smaller pieces include tableware, throws, cushions and other design-forward knickknacks, including many pieces from Jonathan Adler. The larger store is home to a well-curated selection of furniture. I recently purchased this leather chair after coveting it for more than a year. It was time it came home with me. 

PARLIAMENT

Nestled among the touristy shops of Water Street in Gastown, Parliament is a great source for modern furnishings and accessories.  Prices are relatively reasonable and I always find something cheap and cheerful that will inject colour into my predominantly neutral home palate, like this turquoise bowl.  Plus, I love their owl logo.  Owls are pretty common these days, but I swear I saw it here first. 

PERIDOT

Think white, light and yes, somewhat girly.  Tucked away on West 14^th off of Granville, if I’m looking for something specific, Peridot is my first stop.  I love the selection in store and shop owner, Leah Balderson, is my home decor secret weapon.   She has great style, sticks to my budget and is wonderful at sourcing out specific pieces.  She came to the rescue when I searched high and low for a glass chandelier. 

PROVIDE

High-end chachkie heaven. Provide carries many beautiful ceramics, glass ware, artwork and jewelry by local designer Shereen de Rousseau.  I bought a gorgeous painting from local artist David Burns here and it’s a great source for gifts, including ones for myself, like this turquoise, green and dark blue vase that I’ve had for years.  The rich hues still put a smile on my face.  

Do you have a favourite decor store that I’ve missed, either in Vancouver or elsewhere? I’d love to hear about it! 

The latest arrival in town is Primitive Culture and I for one couldn’t be more excited.  I’ve been frequenting the Calgary location for years because the collection is accessible and realistic.  It’s not trying too hard to be unique, and offers women’s clothing and accessories with just enough edge for an urban girl who loves fashion, wants her own look and at the same time needs to be smart about what she buys. Translation:  Anything I’ve bought from Primitive Culture I get a lot of wear out of and after shopping there I’ve never suffered retail remorse.  Lines include Gary Graham, Current Elliot and Faith Connexion.  There’s lots of denim, jewelry and accessories as well as Golden Goose boots (worth the investment).  If you walk in with 50 bucks to spend, you’ll find something.  Walk in with $500 and you’ll have a really good time.

The other reason I want everyone to check out the store is that, as I said, it’s from Calgary.  Remember The Flood last spring?  It doesn’t make national headlines anymore (not sure what else could these days, with Rob Ford getting in the way of everything) but the long, slow rebuilding process has barely begun.  Just ask my sister.  She lost her house.  As in, lost everything on two floors and the whole place had to be gutted.  Furniture, appliances, art, clothing, family pictures…GONZO.  And there is no flood insurance in Canada, so, a lot of people will be working themselves out of a hole for many many years to come.

The owner of Primitive Culture, Lisa, says her Calgary business is down by a third due to the flood.  “People there just have more important things to worry about then what kind of jeans they’re wearing.”

So if you’re a slave to fashion check out the shop next time you’re in town.  You’ll find something you love and will be helping out some flood victims.  (Sort of.  It doesn’t take much for me to justify shopping for fashion!)

Primitive Culture in Calgary, AB

[Top image from Rebecca Bree’s blog]

I want sales clerks to be friendly, of course, but greetings have gone overboard.  I don’t want to say hi 10 times, talk about the weather, discuss whether or not I’m working that day, or reveal my plans for the afternoon.  Call me a grouch, but it doesn’t make me feel welcome, it makes me feel hounded.  At one store I frequent regularly, the sales rep said, “You come here a lot, do you live around here?”  If you’re monitoring how often I’m coming into your store, that doesn’t make me feel like coming back.

Get more mirrors.

Ladies clothiers that don’t have three-way mirrors, or even a smaller mirror that I can hold up, astound me.  I am not buying shorts, pants, a clingier skirt or dress, let alone a bathing suit, without one.  I usually carry a makeup mirror with me but sometimes I forget. If you can’t show me my back view, you’ll be seeing my backside when I walk out the door, empty handed. 

Stay competitive.  

I will go look in store, but I often buy online. Increasingly, that’s where I’m finding better prices.  A pair of shoes: $235 in store. Online at the retailer’s Canadian website: $198.  A dress: $265 in store.  Online: on sale for $134!  Even when I add in shipping, handling, duties and taxes, I often save money.  When I tell sales clerks this, I get an “Oh, really?” Yes. Really.

I know it can cost more to run a brick and mortar store, but I need to watch my pocketbook too.  So yes, I’m turning into a show-roomer.  One Australian store is charging $5 for people who “just want to look.”  If that’s the wave of the future, so be it. I’m still saving money. 

Make it easy for me to give you my money.  

I’m a flesh and blood customer standing before you.  Salesperson, if you’re on the phone, take a message and call them back.  If the phone rings, let the machine pick up. Deal with me first.  One in the hand is better than two in the bush. 

Got a retail beef? Let’s hear it!

Top photo: JapanDave/Flickr

Safe Shopping Online

It pays to be careful with your financial information, whether you shop online or in person. If you are wary of shopping online because of security worries, here are a few tips to help you shop with more peace of mind:

• Sign up for a PayPal account and use it as your main method of paying for purchases instead of giving stores your credit card information directly. Most stores now do offer PayPal as a checkout option. PayPal helps keep your financial information safe by not sharing it with the store you’re shopping at. Since online shopping security is PayPal’s main business, you can bet they have the most advanced systems in place to keep your financial information safe.

• Only use a credit card with a small credit limit, like $500 or less. This way you minimize the amount of money that could potentially be lost if a store’s online security became compromised.

• Keep an eye on your credit card statement, whether you shop online or not. Check it at least weekly by phone or online. This way, if your card information does become compromised, you’ll be able to catch any fraudulent charges quickly.

• Use a prepaid credit card, like a Visa gift card or MasterCard prepaid card, to shop online. These one-time-use cards have a unique number that is not connected to your personal finances. You also don’t need a credit check to get one because they’re just like cash. If a retailer’s security becomes compromised, you won’t need to worry since the card information was only temporary and it’s not connected to any of your personal banking information.

  • Note: Treat these cards like cash. If you lose it, you’ve lost whatever balance it held. 

Where to Find the Best Deals

As many people know, the internet is the best way to do your research on products before you buy. It’s also turning into a real deal-finder’s treasure trove.

Research online

• Start by looking at the big box stores online, as well as local independent stores. E.g. for electronics: Future Shop, Best Buy, The Source, Sears, etc. Do your comparison shopping on these sites and make a note of the price ranges.

• If you have time to shop around and wait for sales, sign up for e-newsletters from your favourite stores. Also be sure to join their Facebook/Google+ pages and follow them on Twitter.

  • Watch for emails and social posts about discounts and sales, and also watch for special coupon codes for discounts or free shipping.

  • Some companies will give you an incentive or discount for signing up for their newsletters. 

  • Free shipping is a pretty good deal to take advantage of if you normally would be paying a lot, even if you’re not getting something on sale.

  • Often you can find deals online that aren’t advertised in store.

Comparison Shopping Search Engines

Online tools abound when it comes to looking for deals. There are some websites dedicated to amalgamating store offerings. These are a great way to comparison shop online, however it’s always good to check local stores in your area as well. Sites to try include:

• ShopStyle (for fashion)
• NextTag
• Google Shopping
• BizRate
• Shoptoit.ca
• Shopbot.ca
• PriceGrabber.ca
• PriceCanada.com (for electronics)
• PriceBat.ca (for electronics)

Deal Finder Sites

There are also many websites that amalgamate deals for you, and you can join in the community and share deals you find too. Some Canadian deal-finder sites include:

• Redflagdeals.com: Be sure to check the forums on this site, not only for deals, but also for product reviews.

• MotherofaDeal.com: A very well-organized site with more of a family focus.

• SimplyFrugal.ca: This site’s focus is more on really saving money. Lots of great tips for people who want to learn how to get the most out of using coupons.

• Smartcanucks.ca: This site is similar to above and also has a local deals section (as do a couple of others) where you can search by province/city. Good for those who are trying to shop local.

One of our other favourite sites to check is RetailMeNot.com. It’s an American site though so they may not have all of your Canadian retailers available, but if you do cross-border shopping, it’s a must-check.

Retail Websites

Also be sure to check the retail store websites themselves, and even the manufacturer/brand website. These sites often have newsletters you can sign up for to receive alerts of special deals/coupons. The deal-finder sites listed above will usually have the inside info from larger retailers and brands, but smaller ones may not always be on their radar.

Don’t forget to check Amazon.ca. In the last couple of years they’ve expanded their offerings beyond books to electronics, home & garden products, kitchen, and just recently watches, among other things. The advantage of shopping at Amazon is that you can often take advantage of their free shipping, which is for orders $25 or over.

Deal Tip: Amazon.ca often puts many of our A&K Top Picks on sale, so keep an eye out for those deals. We’ve seen the KitchenAid 12-cup Food Processor and also the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer both discounted up to 50% (or more) on Amazon.ca.

Note: Amazon.ca also allows 3rd party stores to sell through their site, and often these stores’ products aren’t eligible for the free shipping offer, so it’s important to note whether you’re purchasing a product directly from Amazon or from a partner retailer.

Cross-Border Shopping (for Canadians)

If finding what you want at a Canadian retailer online isn’t as easy as you thought it would be, you’re not alone. While many Canadian retailers do have online shopping, some of the big ones like The Bay (online shopping just launched in 2011), Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, etc. still haven’t answered the online call from customers. In that case, you may want to look south of the border to see if your order can be filled.

A good place to start looking for potential stores to shop at is Canada Post’s shopper section. While the comparison shopping tool is somewhat limited, if you search a product, you’ll find a list of Canadian retailers that sell online, as well as US retailers that will ship to Canada.

Money Note: If you purchase from a US retailer, remember that you have to take into account duty, currency exchange, and tax (which may not be charged to you by the retailer), as well as credit card fees for the exchange. It adds up and may not be as great a deal in the end as it appears to be at first.

Flash Sales: Are they a good deal?

Flash sales are typically one-day sales offered by retailers who usually are looking to get rid of stock. Yes they are a good deal if you are in the market for the items that go on sale.

Some retailers require you to be a member to participate in their flash sales. We like:

• Gilt.com (for men’s shopping)
• Prive.com (up & coming fashion)
• Dealuxe.ca (fashion)
• TripAlerts.com (travel)

Stores that offer flash sales often have daily or weekly email newsletters you can sign up for, or they post the deals on their Facebook/Twitter/Google+ pages.

Mind over money note: Flash sales can be bad for impulse buyers (people who can’t stop themselves from buying something because it’s such a good deal, even if they don’t need it.) That’s when being signed up for all these emails and alerts can backfire on you. If you are on a tight budget but have a tendency to splurge, we don’t recommend signing up for flash sale alerts.

“Secret” Savings: Always use Promo Codes

The great thing about shopping online, especially in the last year or two, is that retailers have all clued into the tremendous advantages of offering promo codes to online customers. Promo codes are limited time offers for discounts or free shipping (or both!) that you apply to your order when checking out in order to access special savings. These savings aren’t often offered to in-person shoppers, but sometimes they are extended to in-store purchases. 

The sites we mentioned above under the Deal Finder section often list promo codes you can use during checkout for a variety of stores. Also be sure to check the store/brand Facebook/Twitter/Google+ pages for deal posts. You may have to scroll few a few days of posts, but it will be worth it if you find something that’s still valid.

Social Media Shopping Deals

As mentioned above, take advantage of deals on Facebook/Twitter/Google+. It’s definitely a good idea to LIKE (become a fan of) a brand or business page that has products you’re searching for.

The problem with social media is that you may not necessarily see the post about the deal unless you’re checking the site every day. If you’re actively looking for deals, you should log on everyday or a couple of times a day to check.

The Fine Print

If the deal sounds too good to be true, look for that fine print. You might not be getting the most up-to-date item, or the item could be refurbished. E.g. a deeply discounted Android tablet may running a really old version of the Android software, which means you’ll have to update it, if it’s even possible with that tablet’s hardware configuration. 

If you participate in group deals at sites like Groupon, Living Social, TheDailySteal, etc., it’s important to read the fine print because these offers usually come with expiry dates, limitations, and they also may have other stipulations. E.g. [big print] “Save 50% on product at Product City!” [small print] “…when you spend a minimum of $1000”

How do you know you are getting the best deal?

You can’t always be on top of the best deals. Do your best to comparison shop online. If you do find a better deal somewhere, but would prefer to shop at a store closer to home, ask your preferred store if they’ll match the price of the competitor. Sometimes they’ll even beat the competitor’s price.

After you buy something (especially big-ticket items), keep an eye out for sales at other stores within the following two weeks or so. Often you can go back to the store where you purchased the item and ask them to price match. Many stores have price matching policies you can check out on their websites. If the store won’t price match, and the savings is enough to be worth your time and energy, return the item to the original store (if you’re still within the return policy’s time period) and go re-purchase the item at the new store.

Best time of day to online shop

Anytime! That’s the beauty of online shopping.

It’s important to note that if a store is having a huge sale (e.g. Boxing Day, Black Friday), a huge surge of web traffic as soon as the sale starts may slow the site servers down or crash them completely.

Mind Over Money

While online shopping is the ultimate in convenience, there are some warning signs to be aware of, especially for impulse shoppers.

Curb impulse buying

1. All these great ways to stay up-to-date on deals can also be your downfall. They are addictive, and they can make you spend money you don’t have and buy things you don’t need just because it’s a great deal. They can make you think you need something when you really don’t. You know that old saying “Ignorance is bliss”? Well in this case, it’s true. What you don’t know won’t hurt your bank account. Always ask yourself before you buy: “If I didn’t know about this product, or know it was on sale, would I still want to buy it?” We find that question to be a good way to give yourself a reality check.

2. Credit is so easy to use online, even if your credit card is frozen in a block of ice in the freezer. All you need is to know the number, expiry, and 3 digit code – all easy enough to remember. Plus, if you save your credit card info at some sites, you don’t even need to remember.

Watch those shipping costs/extra fees

With online shopping often comes shipping fees. If you’re unable to get a free shipping or shipping discount, you may end up paying a lot for shipping. Shipping can be a deal killer, especially if you’re buying from the US, which also means duties, handling fees, etc.

On top of paying initial shipping fees, if you have to return something, it can cost you quite a bit more ship it back. Sometimes it’s not even worth returning something. Look for stores that offer free return shipping if you’re not sure about the item in the first place.

Many US retailers who regularly ship to Canada will collect duty and taxes during the checkout process. This is good for letting you know exactly how much your item will cost all totalled (at least in US dollars). If you have to return an item to one of these retailers, the duty and taxes should automatically be refunded to you along with the product price.

If you have to return something to a US retailer that didn’t charge you tax/duty during checkout, and your taxes/duty was charged to you by the shipper (e.g. Canada Post or a courier) on behalf of Canada Customs, you can submit a refund claim for the fees through Canada Customs. More info is on their website.

While the economy of late has made some retailers take drastic measures and slash prices frequently to win your dollars, there are some months of the year when it is still best to buy things like a new fridge or a car. Here are our general rules for the right time to buy some of the more common items on your shopping list.

JANUARY

• Activewear & winter clothing. New merchandise tends to arrive in stores between January and March, so it’s the perfect time to get a good deal on last year’s styles.

• Calendars. This is pretty obvious, but it’s important to note that the longer you wait, the more of a discount you’ll get. Keep in mind that many calendars (especially day planners) will include a week or even the full month of January. If you can wait until the end of January, you may be able to get a really good deal on a calender, as long as you don’t mind the limited selection.

• Flooring (carpet, hardwood, tile, laminate). Manufacturers often bring new styles in spring. Post holiday rush is a great time to redo your floors.

• Linens. Watch for flyers advertising “White Sales” in January to signal the start of bedding sales. (And remember, they sell more colours than just white!) This is when winter bedding and colours go on sale to make way for Spring. Same applies to July-August for discounts on summer bedding.

• Chocolate (part 1). If you’re a lover of chocolaty delights, now’s the time to stock up on all the luxurious chocolates that didn’t sell during the holiday season.

• Motorcycles. This only holds true for wintry climates, but you can be sure to find some good deals on bikes during the snowy months. Just be extra careful on your test drives!

• Men’s suits (part 1). Now is the time that retailers are getting ready to make room for new spring styles, so get you fill of autumn-weight suits now. Just be sure the styles you buy are timeless so you won’t look outdated next season.

FEBRUARY

• Furniture (part 1). Most manufacturers debut new lines of furniture each spring. This takes advantage of the summer patio season, as well as people on a spring cleaning kick, or even those buying a new home. (Spring/Summer is the busiest time for real estate sales.) In February, you’ll find the best deals on last year’s stock. Floor models prices may be even more slashed, but they can also be a little bashed up. Watch for dents, rips, and smudges. If you’re handy, maybe these won’t deter you from getting a great deal.

• Chocolate (part 2). Post Valentine’s Day, reap the rewards of unsold chocolates by stocking up on heart-shaped delights.

• Video games. Hold off buying the latest and greatest games, typically released October-December for the holiday season, and you’ll be able to find some great deals on those same games now.

• Cameras. Most manufacturers release new model cameras in February, so this is a good time to get a deal on last year’s model.

• Home theatres, entertainment systems. Once the Super Bowl passes, retailers who brought in the big guns for game day will be looking to offload any leftover stock.

MARCH

• Perfume. Christmas and Valentine’s Day are traditionally the most popular time of the year to give perfume as a gift. If you can wait until after these special occasions pass, you’ll be able to find some great deals that will leave you smelling pretty.

• Cookware. Gearing up for wedding season, you may find some large retailers offering sales to grab the attention of soon-to-be marrieds.

• Televisions. Manufacturers typically ship new television models each March, so watch for clearance deals on last year’s models now.

APRIL

• Mattresses. New lines of mattresses tend to hit stores in May, so watch for mattress sales in the weeks leading up to the new mattress promotions. Also, some stores will have mix & match sales any time of year, where you purchase a mattress and box spring that don’t match. Most people don’t mind

• Chocolate (part 3). After the Easter Bunny makes his rounds, chocolate lovers can gather up the unsold bunnies, eggs, and other treats at a great deal.

MAY

• Paint. Some manufacturers put their interior paints and deck stains on sale in time for spring cleaning, but you can often find the biggest sales and deepest discounts on interior and exterior paints on long weekends in the summer.

• Vacuum cleaners. New models arrive in stores in June, so keep your eyes open for great deals in May as new stock gets cleared out.

JUNE

• Tools & Hardware. Just in time for Father’s Day, watch for some great deals on drills, saws, and other such big boy toys.

• Running shoes. Manufacturers are usually under the gun to come up with new running shoe models every six months. (Look for sales in the winter too.)

• Jewelry. This tip could apply to any month besides December, February (Valentine’s Day), and May (Mother’s Day). Avoid shopping at those peak times to ensure you get a better deal.

JULY

• Summer clothes. Like clockwork, clothes start going on sale the first weekend of July, leaving you lots of summertime left to enjoy your new, low-priced duds.

• Furniture (part 2). Another round of new furniture styles typically debut in the fall, so all of the spring/summer furniture will be reduced to make floor space. Again, watch for even further discounts on floor models, and watch out for dents, rips, and smudges.

• Men’s Suits (part 2). July is when the spring/summer weight men’s suits head over to the sale rack. Again, be sure the styles you buy are timeless & classic.

AUGUST

• Large appliances. New appliance models arrive at most stores in September and October, so August is a great time to be looking at last season’s less expensive options. These may include floor models – some with scratches, some not. Just make sure that the item works as it should before you buy, and that the manufacturer’s warranty will be in place from your date of purchase. Watch for sale flyers in advance of long weekends. Also, you may come across even further appliance discounts in January on any of the previous years’ models that didn’t sell in the August-September sales.

• Barbecues, air conditioners, outdoor toys, and other summer fare. As the threat of the first day of school looms closer, ease the anxiety with some end-of-summer deals on toys, activities, and other warm weather appliances.

SEPTEMBER

• Perennial plants & shrubs. By this time of year, most perennial plants have already put on their best show and are getting ready to hibernate for the winter. Buy and plant now for a great showing next spring and summer. Just be sure the plant doesn’t appear too stressed from being in a pot for so long. You may need to use a little extra TLC to coax root-bound plants into a comfortable new home in your garden.

• Cars. New models are arriving, which means old models are looking just that – old. Take advantage of dealerships’ need to make room by making them an offer they can’t refuse.

OCTOBER

• Fall clothing. With the rush of back-to-school over, retailers are making way for heavy-duty winter clothing while there’s still some decent fall weather to enjoy. Take advantages of great fall deals to keep you styling into the holiday season.

NOVEMBER

• Chocolate (part 4). Post Hallowe’en is when prices on great snack-size chocolates are slashed. If like doing your own holiday baking, buy up all the Hallowe’en chocolates you can find and melt it down or chip it up and use in your Christmas treats. No one will be the wiser.

• Used vehicles. They generally show their worst characteristics during the winter months, so dealers and private sellers are less hard-nosed.

DECEMBER

• Wedding dresses. December is typically a slow time of year for dress boutiques, so they may offer some great deals just to get people in the door. Be sure to make time for dress shopping between all of your other holiday activities!

• RVs, ATVs, Boats. Yet another retail segment that experiences slow business during December, you may find some great deals as retailers try to increase business activity and also make room for new models arriving in the pre-season months.

Other considerations

In general, the best time of day to shop, whether you’re browsing or returning items, is 10am on weekdays. Crowds are usually low, and salespeople are fresh for the day.

Online, many stores offer a price watch service where you can sign up for alerts when items go on sale. (Canadian Tire does this, for example.) This is a great way to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on big ticket items.

Of course not every sale is linked to a particular time of year. Keep a watchful eye on big chain stores. Lots of stock and high turnover mean there will always be sale items available. (Read: Never pay full price for towels or a mattress!)

Keep in mind that while you may wait for an item to go on sale, your selection diminishes and popular items can sell out completely. If you have your eye on something in particular that you absolutely must have, waiting for a sale may leave you disappointed.

Trying the perfect dress on in the change room

I found the cutest polka dot dress by designer Trina Turk at a local store. It’s the perfect blend of feminine and flirty. With a cardigan, great for work. With a pair of strappy heels, just the thing for a summer’s evening out. Clearly, this was the perfect dress and I wanted it. Bad.

At $430, the dress was an investment. And with the tax, ouch! I turned to the web for a game of “Can I find it for cheaper?”

Turns out, the Millicent dots print dress, in Blueberry, is widely available for about $348 US. As any online shopper knows, when you’re buying online, there are still the taxes, duty and shipping/handling charges to consider. When it came to my dress, the price differences between websites were pretty significant.

Dress arrived, trying on again!

At the Trina Turk store, the dress total came to $525 Canadian. Yikes! Moving on. At Bloomingdales, the total price was $495 even though the shipping was “free”.

Things got a little better at Amazon.com, ringing in at $462. After a much additional investigation, I found it at Piperlime. (An online store that carries dozens of brands.) The dress, all in, was $432. Eureka!

Shipping costs are discretionary and up to the merchant and delivery service. Duty is determined by the type of product, where it’s made, and its value. In fact, as this dress is made in the US, duty isn’t supposed to apply. And taxes, of course, non-negotiable.

Big costs and inconsistencies come in “brokerage” fees and exchange rates. With the former, courier companies and postal services charge you to get the package through customs. They also often throw in a disbursement fee – a charge for prepaying the duty for you.

And exchange rates? While the Canadian dollar has been hovering around or even above par, certain retailers are still charging some pretty steep rates. In one case, quite a bit more, like $397! (I’m not naming any names but it rhymes with Zoomingdales.)

Clearly, it pays to shop around. Don’t just compare prices between one site and the next. Go through the check out process (up to the point of paying) to see how these charges are stacking up.

My dress arrived yesterday and I’m more than happy with my savings. Now I just have to wait for warmer weather. Until then, I wonder if I can track down those adorable orange ballet flats I saw…

Happy in my new dress!

Prepare Ahead of Time

Establish needs vs. wants

Making this distinction will help you stay on track with your budget. It can be difficult to fight the urge to buy things because they seem like such a great deal, but if you prepare ahead of time and only look at the items you need, you’ll save yourself lots of heartache when your credit card statement arrives. Discipline, Shopping Bags!

Make a detailed list

Once you’ve decided what you need, make a list of the items you’ll be looking for at Boxing Day/Black Friday sales. Go online and look at the items. Do your research, look for product reviews. Be specific and note brands, models, and features, so that you don’t accidentally purchase a lesser item accidentally and end up being disappointed.

Know your prices

Do your research ahead of time on the items you wish to buy on Boxing Day/Black Friday. Make a list of the regular prices as well as any discounted prices you’ve noticed lately. Once the sales advertisements hit your mailbox or inbox, you’ll be able to determine whether you really are getting a good deal, or whether you should wait for an end of season clearance at another time.

Have a back-up

There’s a chance that things on your list might be sold out by the time you get to the stores. For example, if you’re planning on purchasing a particular TV model, be sure to have one or two other models on your list to fall back on as second and third choices. You should just as thoroughly research these as you did your first choice in order to make sure you’re buying a product that has all of the features you’re looking for.

Watch for sneak peeks

Once you know what you’ll be looking for on Boxing Day/Black Friday, watch for those sale alerts and flyers to start coming in a few days beforehand. Be sure to sign up for email alerts through all your favourite retailer websites. If you’re on Facebook, watch these retailer Facebook pages as well. Boxing Day flyers and email alerts start appearing in around the 20th to 22nd. Black Friday flyers the same, about 3-7 days before the actual day.

Map out a plan

Once you’ve got your research and list, map out your plan for hitting the stores. You don’t want to be back-tracking or fighting through traffic and crowds unnecessarily.

Shop online

Many retailers start their Boxing Day/Black Friday sales early online. In fact, last year a big electronic retailer started their Boxing Day sale online on Christmas Eve at 8pm!

To prepare prepare ahead of time for online Boxing Day/Black Friday shopping

• Go to your favourite retailer websites and sign up for their e-newsletter, which will often give you sale alerts and sneak peeks, as mentioned above.

• Also, be sure to update all of your account information on each site (billing and shipping addresses, phone number, saved credit card information, etc.) to make it easier during checkout and avoid potential mistakes.

• You can also bookmark the pages of all the items you are hoping to purchase during the Boxing Day/Black Friday sale, or put them in a wish list if the website offers that option. Then you can come back later and move everything to your cart. Don’t bother putting things in your cart ahead of time since retailers often purge carts before big sale days.

ON THE DAY OF THE SALE EVENT

Time it right

We think the best time to go is just after the opening rush, about an hour after the store opens. By that time, all the people who lined up will have finished up their purchases and moved on, leaving lots of room and selection for the next shift of shoppers.

Avoid going in the early afternoon, which seems to be one of the busier times as many people decide to go out to the mall after enjoying a lazy morning.

Eat before you go

Breakfast is the most important meal for energizing your day. Don’t eat a big meal, however. Eat lots of fruit and protein.

If it’s going to be a long shopping day, bring nutritious snacks with you (e.g. bananas, mandarin oranges, nuts, energy bars, water) so that you can keep your energy level up and avoid getting dehydrated (and grumpy), and also not waste time in food line-ups at the mall.

Dress appropriately

Comfortable shoes, obviously! Wear lightweight clothing in thin layers, especially if you’re going to be trying on clothes. Leave your heavy winter coat at home or in the car.

Wear a cross-body purse to leave your hands free. Empty your purse and bring only the essentials to lighten your load.

Bring a good collapsible tote bag or two to help you carry your purchases so that you won’t have to keep track of too many bags.

Credit or cash?

If you don’t want to risk overspending, use cash only. However, be extra vigilant in crowds. (Pickpockets love crowds!)

Debit cards also equal cash, but an advantage of using real money is that some stores with multiple checkouts may set up a “cash only” line. This means you may get through the checkout faster than plastic users, especially if the whole computer/banking system is slowing down, as it sometimes does on heavy shopping days.

Have compassion for the sales people

Don’t expect to be met with the same level of service you normally might get. Sales people will have been preparing for days, and in the case of Boxing Day (Dec. 26), may already be tired from the pre-Christmas rush. Expect line-ups, don’t complain.

Don’t expect to have your product questions answered. (As always, it’s important to do your research beforehand and that way you can answer all your own questions.)

Don’t bother negotiating

Often it’ll be junior staff working on Boxing Day/Black Friday and they won’t have the authority to make deals.

Check out the check out

Keep a keen eye on the till as your purchases are being added up properly. Mistakes are not uncommon, especially on a day like Boxing Day or Black Friday. Have patience and use courtesy when dealing with mistakes.

Shop alone

If you’re serious about snagging the deals and you have a long list, go solo today. Shopping with friends can just slow you down, and heaven forbid, could cause unnecessary competition if you pick up the last of something that your friend wants (or vice versa). Leave young kids at home with a spouse or sitter.

BEWARE of HOLIDAY HUMBUGS

The Bait & Switch

While it’s illegal in Canada, it still does happen on occasion. Watch out for retailers that advertise an item at a ridiculously low price to draw in customers. When customers arrive, the product is sold out, but the retailer then proceeds to sell you a similar item at a higher price.

Theft from Cars

Just as important to be aware of during the holiday season, be careful when leaving purchases in your car as thieves tend to hit mall and store parking lots for easy pickings. Keep everything out of sight, and use your trunk to store bags and coats.

Pickpockets

Crowds are inevitable on big sale event days, and pickpockets work best when hidden in big groups of people. Keep your personal items close and your purchases in sight at all times. Use a zip up purse at minimum, and zip it after every purchase!

Yourself!

What do we mean by this? We’re talking about psychology of course; it’s all about mind over money. Remember, just because something looks like a really good deal, doesn’t mean you should buy it. Avoid impulse purchases by telling yourself ahead of time you will not indulge your impulses. Stick to your list and things you’ve researched and you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and unnecessary debt after the holidays.

Happy shopping!

Anna & Kristina

In recent years, with so many people in trouble after succumbing to the false sense of riches a credit card offers, layaway programs have started to make a comeback. If you tend to overspend, or if you want to make a purchase but also get a handle on your debt, it’s time to take a serious look at layaway.

And don’t worry, it’s not a loan shark scheme created to keep you chained up in interest payments for life. In fact, layaway a legitimate, tried and true method for paying without credit, even if you have bad credit.

How Layaway Works

Programs may differ from store to store, but generally you put about a 10% deposit on an item, settle on a payment schedule, and pay a nominal layaway fee (which is almost always less than what you’d pay in interest if you used a credit card). Then you make your payments regularly over your payment term, and once you’ve successfully paid off your item, it’s yours to take home.

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? Well it is. But along with these advantages of layaway, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of:

Advantages of Layaway Programs

• There are no interest charges.

• The cost of your item is spread over many payments, which makes big purchases more budget-friendly.

• No need for a credit card or a credit check. If you have bad credit or no credit, it doesn’t matter since the store is not taking a risk on you.

• You can usually set your own payment plan to suit your budget, including the frequency of payments, and length of time required to pay it all off.

• You can set items aside ahead of time, without worrying they’ll be out of stock later.- If a sale comes up on something you’ve got your eye on, you can reserve it through layaway even if you can’t afford to pay in full right now.

• If you miss a payment, it won’t affect your credit report. It just means it’ll take a little longer for you to pay everything in full. (See “missed payments” below.)

• Layaway is a great way to teach kids about money. A child can put away a toy or item on his or her own layaway plan, and save money through chores to make payments.

Disadvantages of Layaway Programs

• No instant gratification. (You have to work on your patience!)

• You’ll need to plan ahead and give yourself lots of lead-time when it comes to things like Christmas, birthdays, and weddings. (If you’re a last-minute shopper, you’ll have to change your ways!)

• If the store goes out of business, you may be out of luck. The best way to try and avoid this situation is to shop at well-established, reputable stores.

• It may actually be hard to find a layaway program at a store you usually shop at. Don’t hesitate to ask about it, and also put in a request directly with the manager. The more people asking for the service, the more likely a retailer will offer it.

• If you’re buying a bigger-ticket technology item like a TV or computer, you may opt for a longer term layaway plan of up to a year. Unfortunately, since technology moves so quickly, you may end up with an obsolete item by the time you pay it off, which may only be an issue if you’re one of those people who has to have the latest technology.

Other “Fine Print” Considerations

• If an item goes on sale after you have put it on layaway, you may be able to have your price adjusted. Keep an eye on those coupons as well! However, be sure to read the store’s policy on price adjustments. Some retailers put a limit on the number of adjustments permitted for layaway items.

• You need to be realistic about what you put on layaway. Whether it’s one big ticket item, or a few smaller things, can you really afford the payments? Should you really be buying these things? You can change your mind, but you may not get all your money back. (See “cancellation” below).

• Be sure to keep track of all the payments you’ve made, keep all your receipts, cancelled cheques, etc., in case there are disputes later.

• Missed Payments: Be sure to read the store’s layaway policy carefully when it comes to missed payments. They may forgive one or two, but too many missed payments and you may end up losing all your money, and the item.

• Cancellation: If you change your mind and don’t want something anymore, you can cancel your layaway. However, read the policy since some stores may charge a cancellation or restocking fee. Other stores may only give you store credit for the money you’ve already paid. In some cases it may be better to pay the item off in full and then return it later, rather than cancelling your order mid-way through. Make sure you do the math!

Layaway plans don’t usually work for things like services (e.g. gym memberships, home repairs, etc.) You’ll still need a available cash or a credit card for some purchases. Some financial advisors may tell you that if you have to put something on layaway (or a credit card for that matter), maybe you can’t really afford it in the first place. You should try to pay cash for everything if you want to keep your spending within your means.

If you must use a credit card…

If you do use a credit card and often carry a balance, call your bank and request a low interest card. We’re surprised at how many people don’t actually know about this option. All banks have them, but they don’t necessarily advertise them.

Low interest credit card rates range anywhere from 9-12%, which still isn’t great, but it’s better than 18%+. Be aware that you may have to give up on collecting reward points for a little while if you go with a no-frills low interest card, and some low-interest cards have a yearly fee (usually about $30). It’s a small price to pay to get yourself out of debt.

Bottom Line

Layaway is essentially the opposite of credit cards and if you’re trying to get a handle on your debt, it’s a great way to go.

This is especially true if you shop at chain stores like Banana Republic or department stores like Nordstrom where absolutely everything goes on sale. Believe us, we’ve tested this theory! At the start of every season we hit all the chain stores and make a list or take digital pictures of items we want, and then we track them. Whether you can wait for the sale price or if they’ll still have your size in stock are the main considerations for paying full price or waiting it out. But don’t forget to try Commandment #1: Negotiate!

Tip: Find out whether the store offers sale adjustments. This means if youpay full price for something that goes on sale a week later you get arefund or credit for the discounted amount. 

2. Hit the discount stores

You CAN shop at places like Wal-Mart or Target and still be stylish. Blend discount items with other designer pieces (like a bargain camisole with your favorite designer suit).

Discount and off-price stores mark down designer clothing by about 30% to start with, and go down from there. The best merchandise moves quickly though – these places are a hub for smart shoppers, so you’ll definitely want to find out when new shipments arrive. Befriend the sales clerks!

3. Get on the sample sale circuit

Sample sales are a great way to get designer items for less. (These are garments and accessories that have been used to showcase a designer’s new line). Local retailers and designers offer low low prices on a selection of sample sizes – which tend to be on the small side.

To get onto the sample sale circuit, inquire with any independently owned clothing store or a local designer. Once you get on one list, you’ll find you quickly get invited to lots of private sales. Much like designer warehouses, the best buys at these events get snapped up very quickly. Arrive promptly on the first day but not too early; most sample sellers have a strict ‘no early birds’ policy.

4. Browse the web

Online shopping is a great way to nab hard-to-find and vintage items (especially handbags). The eBay auction site is a good place to start. But before buying, check ratings of individual sellers, learn how to spot a fake (see below) and keep in mind that most bidding happens in the final minutes of an auction.

We like to check online stores to compare prices and watch for sales. And of course, we recommend shopping from sites where you can return the merchandise if it doesn’t fit properly, since buying clothes sight-unseen can be tricky unless you’re familiar with the line. And don’t forget to include shipping, handling and currency conversion (if buying from outside the country) in your budget.

5. Spot the real McCoy

Can you tell the difference between a Kate Spade and a Kate Splade? The problem with shopping at discount, second-hand stores and online is that you’re oftentimes weeding through lots of fakes.

A fake is something that is designed to copy a designer brand, whereas a knockoff is designed to merely look similar. Of course if you’re not a purist a knockoff is a great way to save money and stay stylish. But producing fake merchandise is an infringement of copyright laws and therefore illegal.

Whether it’s a fake or a knockoff, here’s what to look for:

• Labels: Are they sewn or glued on? Glue is a sure sign it isn’t the real deal.

• Logos: Examine them closely. Is the name of the brand spelled correctly? Sometimes a knockoff will be slightly different. (i.e. “Carter” instead of “Cartier”)

• Lining: A true designer handbag is lined, often with leather.

6. Accessorize

A new pair of earrings, belt or scarf can be a great way to update your wardrobe for just a few dollars. Accessories are one easy area to go cheap and still look like a million bucks. The key is to buy simple pieces, with few details.

7. The seven-day rule

Remember our seven-day rule to curb impulse buying. If you see something you just have to have – but don’t really need – walk away. If it’s still on your mind a week later, you were meant to be together.

8. Investment items vs. disposable duds

There is so much selection out there today at so many price points, you can literally buy a pair of jeans for $25 dollars and a pair for $500. So when should you spend more and when should you spend less? We think it’s worth investing in a business suit in a neutral color like black; boots; a winter coat made of wool; jeans that make you look and feel like a million bucks; and one basic handbag for day.

9. It’s a Style Safari out there

We’ve found that if you’re prepared to hunt around, you can find quality T-shirts, sweaters, undergarments and fun eveningwear without breaking the bank. Be patient, curb your impulses, and get on the sale circuit. You know how fun it is to shop, and it’s even more fun if you can stretch your dollars (and then you can also shop some more!) 

Pricing inaccuracies are common. One recent study found that 40% of consumers experience an inaccuracy at least once a year! And that’s only people who notice.

Mistakes happen when an item goes on sale and either the price tag or the cash register hasn’t been updated. Pricing discrepancies are most common during busy shopping times like weekends and holidays, when price scanners are involved, and at large retail chains and department stores where items often go on sale and prices change frequently.

Retailers must honour advertised prices, so keep a watchful eye on that price tag and what you’re actually charged at the cash register.

But it works both ways. Speak up if something was missed, or even when you’ve been given too much change. You don’t want to mess with good shopping karma!

Have you got checkout and shopping tips or stories to share? Post your comments below!