Don’t fall for those tricks retailers use to lure you into overspending! We’ve all overspent at some point. Retailers are so savvy and creative with their strategies that the average consumer is many times flabbergasted at how their bill at the register is so much higher than they expected.
In order to help you NOT fall victim to the tricks, we’ve outlined a few for you.
- Make a list before you go shopping. Before you step into any store make an itinerary of the items you need in your home within your budget. Stick to your list whilst at the store! You’ll be tempted by sights, sounds and even smells as soon as you step into any store. Fantastic merchandise displays will be built that tempts shoppers to stray from their list of “needs” to include a few “nice to haves”.
- Don’t be distracted by the layout of merchandise. Retailers set up their stores in such a way that a shopper would need to stroll by items that are not necessary such as seasonal decor and candy before getting to the heart of the store. Certain brand companies pay stores to position their goods on shelves that are at eye level to the consumer. You ever notice why a certain brand of cereal is always stocked on the middle shelf versus the top? If a store wants the consumer to purchase any item, they strategically position that item to be within a comfortable reach. Stores will want their full priced goods pushed out front and center. If a store has a clearance section, you can bet that it will be positioned at the back of the store.
- Don’t shop on an empty stomach. Since stores usually position candy, chips, cookies and other snack items at the front of their store (and by the cash register), consumers are more prone to satisfy their hunger by buying a snack or two. Those bulk sized food items may also appear to be a better choice if you are hungry. You’ll spend more than what you need if you’re influenced by your tummy growls.
- Don’t let the music influence you. Yes, music can play a big part in how you make your purchases. It sets the tone of the store and enhances a shopping experience. Different stores play different music to inspire consumers. Clothing stores tend to play up beat music to put consumers in a good mood and encourage” good vibrations”. People tend to spend more when in a good mood and may sometimes make decisions they would otherwise not make. Music played during the holiday season is also a great way to inspire consumers to “get into the spirit” and spend. The music will do its job if the consumer leaves a store in a better mood but also a little lighter in the wallet.
- Don’t fall for the buy one get one half price sale. Most retailers have year round sales that lure shoppers to buy more than what they need. If you are armed with a list and a budget, a sale that requires you to spend more than what you are prepared to do is not a deal.
For more tips on how to shop better and avoid the traps of retailers, read “Holiday Spending doesn’t have to lead to Holiday Debt”.
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