The Most Important Shopping Rules
Shopping is something we cannot live without. Whether it is for groceries that we will put on the dinner table, or clothes we cannot go out without, shopping is an important part of our lives. As with all crucial aspects of our lives, there are some rules. Not ones that are written down in the constitution, but rather rules of common sense; rules that tend to make the whole shopping experience more pleasant and enjoyable.
You probably think you are about to read another article on how to save money. Of course this is vitally important, especially in these times of global recession, but money isn’t everything. There is plenty of information available on the web about which sales are currently on, so you can keep check on the latest discounts for stores you are planning to visit. Bear in mind though that sales and discounts are not always a marketing ploy; sometimes they are the last desperate attempt of a store to get rid of stuff that nobody wants.
Only shop at stores that you find inviting and pleasant. There is a reason why store owners invest thousands in creating a lovely atmosphere with the lighting, the music, the decorations and so on – and that is to attract a certain type of customer. Appreciate that and visit stores that suit your taste, as they’ll probably have products that suit your taste as well. Plus if you are irritated by anything in the store, you might make some wrong purchase decisions while you are distracted.
Always try to go shopping before lunchtime. It is usually less crowded and the shop assistants are still fresh and therefore much more helpful. There is also the fact that the store is in pristine condition making it much more pleasing to shop there.
Following the same line of thought, never go shopping if you are hungry or tired – it is a sure recipe for disaster. This advice applies especially to grocery shopping – a hungry person buys much, much more than they need. When you are shopping for shoes, the later you go shopping, the more your feet will be tired and swollen, making it more difficult to find something suitable.
Always make a “to buy” list before you leave the house. That way you will get everything you need while you are still fresh and if you have any energy left after that, you can browse all you want with the thought that your work is done and now you can enjoy the experience.
It doesn’t matter which famous store you are shopping at, always check the item for flaws. Even the most trusted and well-established manufacturers make mistakes, it’s only natural. So make sure that the money you are spending is worth it and the product is perfect.
Educate yourself on the store’s return policy. No matter how amazing you feel about the product at the store, it might show you its dark side once you get home, so it’s better to know what action you can take about it.
Don’t be afraid to keep a member of the staff at hand at all times – it’s always good to have a second opinion and after all, it’s their job.
There are many more rules, specific to the area you are shopping in. But if you are tired of reading and just want to get on with it, go and good luck!