We all love a bargain the bigger the reduction the better we feel. But all too often that fantastic bargain ends up never worn at the back of the wardrobe. All too often we are influenced by the money we think we are saving but are we?

Here are some tips and advice on how to make the most of the sales. 

Make a list

You don’t go to the supermarket without checking what is in your cupboards and making a list. If you just go and shop without really knowing what you need you end up with a lot of food yet nothing to cook for the tea.

Shopping at the sales is the same. Without knowing what you need you are more influenced by the bargain rather than whether you actually need the item. Have a quick check in your wardrobe to see what clothes are getting a bit worn or beginning to look a bit shabby. Do the same with shoes and accessories. Once you have a list of what you need you will be more focused when you hit the shops.

Wear layers

It may be freezing outside but the shops will have the heaters on full blast so wear a jacket that is easy to carry around or if you are at a mall leave it in the car and wear a warm jumper instead. Avoid wearing a polo neck because you will ruin your hair and make up if you are continually taking it off to try on clothes. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes as you will probably spend far longer out shopping than you think and the last thing you want is blisters.

Handbag essentials

A brush or comb and a small canister of hairspray so that you fix your hair if it gets disheveled. A lipstick and some blusher as changing room mirrors can be very cruel and make you look washed out. A touch of blusher and a some lipstick will bring you to life. A face spray to cool you down and keep your skin hydrated and some perfume as busy changing rooms have a smell of their own. A couple of plastic bags are also handy as many stores are now charging for bags.

Know your rights

If you buy something and decide later that you don’t like it the store has no legal obligation to give you a refund unless the goods are faulty. However many stores will do so as a goodwill gesture. Always check when buying what the store’s return policy is as it is sometimes different during the sales. If you find that what you bought is faulty when you get home and it did not say so on the sales ticket it is the retailers responsibility to sort the matter out not the manufacturers. If for some reason you lose your receipt an alternative proof of purchase will be needed such as a credit card bill or a bank statement.

For more information check out www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Internet shopping

The regulations are slightly different when buying over the internet. You have a cooling off period of 7 days from when you actually receive the goods. Check out the company’s refund policy before you buy as you may end up having to pay to return the goods.

Sales are to be enjoyed but try not to get carried away and buy on impulse unless you know you can have a full refund if you change your mind. The last thing you want is to get home and try on the item and think, ‘What on earth was I thinking of buying this?' You want your wardrobe to be full of clothes you feel happy wearing, not full of mad impulse buys that are seldom worn.

Last Updated: January 16, 2010