Bargain hunting – 9 things all bargain hunters should know
Bargain hunting has been described by some as a subtle art while for others it’s a way of life.
However, the overall consensus is that there are a few details when it comes to bargain hunting that can mean the difference between getting a good deal or not.
Here are 9 things seasoned bargain hunters should know:
Keep your finger on the pulse
Always be prepared to make a purchase if it’s a good deal – so keep your eyes and ears open for that special saving that will help you to get what you want at a killer price.
Put the word out
Make sure that you tell as many people as will listen that you are looking for something at a specific price. The more people that know you are looking for a deal, the more likely you are to find your deal of a lifetime.
Know your budget
There is no point in finding the deal of your dreams but then not being able to afford to actually follow it through. Bargain hunting is as much about knowing your budget as it is about discovering a good deal.
Set clear boundaries
Sure if you want something bad enough, you will make it happen, but that can lead to making bad decisions. So you should always set yourself a clear and finite line that you will not cross. If there is a specific item that you want, set yourself a limit of much you are willing to pay. Don’t try to buy something that you cannot afford.
Make it happen
If you do stumble upon something that you just can’t pass up, then think smart about how to attain it. Rather than indebting yourself, there are plenty of ways to ensure that you can make the transaction happen. For instance, you can offer the seller payment terms and pay the item off. Or layby the item until you can have it. As the saying goes: There is more than one way to cook an egg.
Do your homework
You may think that something is worth X and the seller may think it’s worth Y – value is a tricky concept to people because of human emotions and subjectivity. The market value for everything is important because it puts aside the emotional stuff and helps to focus on what really matters when it comes to striking up a deal.
Be willing to walk away
An item is only as valuable as what someone is willing to pay for it so allow yourself to walk away if the price is just not right, you may find you get your deal anyway.
Don’t be afraid to exhaust your options
From coupons to bartering, there are loads of ways to make sure that you get what you want at the end of the day. And wherever you can save is an opportunity for you to focus your funds elsewhere.
Shop around
Unless you think an item is so rare that you are never going to stumble upon it again, a great way to find a bargain is to shop around. Some places will have better prices than others and sometimes you can find a sale, a discount, a coupon or a rewards programme that will help you to get the deal you are looking for. Your bargain hunting deserves the outcome of a good deal. Keep in mind these tips along with good old-fashioned gumption and you can have your cake and eat it at the end of the day.
