Smart Shopping: Ways to Outsmart Your Shopping Mall/Grocery Store

"Men go shopping to buy what they need, and women go shopping to find out what they want." -Author Unknown 

In these days wherein a myriad of shopping malls are at a Filipino's disposal, shopping can either be a rewarding or maddening experience--and on rare times, both. Indeed, individuals with a unique proclivity for shopping trends and latest styles would love the idea of having limitless options just within their reach for their easy convenience. From the ayala circuit malls to the string of shopping centers you can find in Makati, there is a seemingly diverse array of shopping options in the Philippines' major metropolis, Metro Manila. Unfortunately, with every boon comes a bane and in more ways than one, shopping can be potentially damaging to your finances--especially when you indulge in frivolous purchasing. 

Have you ever walked into a shop only to come home with items you do not necessarily need nor want? If you have penchant for shopping on sales, this might be a likely (and even regular) occurrence. You might be wondering what compelled you to fork over some cash when you were not really looking to buy. Although marketers have devised cleverer ways to entice the purchasing public to checkout their items in the counter, at the end of the day, it is still your decision and no one is exactly forcing you to make the purchase. In any case, perhaps the best way to arm ourselves against improvident and impulsive buys is to be aware of the things that might be influencing us. Here are a few of those: 

1.) Do not let the store seduce you 

Your senses can fool you and retailers capitalize on this fact by surrounding their stores with elements that will make customers more receptive to buying their products. Observe how your local store does it--some stores incorporate redolent potpourris that entice your senses while the rest would rely on blaring bass-heavy music. Much of the ambiance depends on what merchandise the store is offering, so be wary of this. Beware of lingering far too long than necessary as you will likely fall into the trap of making a purchase. 

2.) Be observant with your purchases 

More often than not, we tend not to expect every single item we check out at the grocery. Albeit time consuming, this is a habit we should develop as it could potentially save us more money. You might overlook certain items like say, a can of luncheon meat for example with the expectation that you are going to pay the same price for it. Unfortunately, retailers are quite adept in manipulating this to their advantage. Yes, you are essentially paying the same price but they have shrunk the can smaller--not too small to make your notice, but small enough to make a difference between what you get and what you pay. In this regard, it may look unchanged to you but a second look would tell you that there is a price-weight fluctuation. In this regard, it is best to observe your purchases and ensure you are getting the best deal out of your buck. 

3.) Beware the freebie

In the marketing climate nowadays, hardly anything would be offered for free. So, be a little wary when retailers are trying to push this campaign to you. More often than not, you have to make a minimum purchase before you can avail of the free item. If you are only making a purchase to get a much coveted item for free, you might want to rethink your shopping choices. 

4.) Indulge your needs 

Our basic needs would include food, clothing and shelter with love being the solitary need you can never purchase. However, we have other needs that do not satiate us physically but are rather good for our emotional well-being. In this regard, we treat ourselves to movies, restaurant dinners, spa days and massages--all of which can lift your spirits up. In no way does this mean you are being imprudent with pecuniary matters, you are allowed to indulge yourself after all. Just remember to stick to your budget.