Designer Clothing at Bargain Pricing

Although many people enjoy wearing designer fashions, few can afford to fill their closets with popular labels at retail prices. Even if you shop the sales religiously, purchasing high-end fashions can quickly break any budget. Instead of overspending, look for like-new items at area consignment stores.

Antiques Collectibles & Designer Labels

Image by Jeremy Brooks via Flickr

These stores are generally run by independent business owners who have an eye for fashion. People bring in like-new clothing that they no longer want. The shop owner inspects each piece to make sure they’re in top shape before agreeing to sell the items. Then, they price the clothing at about half off retail and split the proceeds with the owner. Most items in consignment stores are no more than a year old, and no one but you will know that the items weren’t purchased new at a major department store or pricey boutique. Whether you’re building a professional wardrobe for work or putting together an outfit for the club, this is a cost-saving habit to develop.

If you have teenagers that love designer labels, this is an even better plan. Because teenagers often tire of the latest fashion quickly, age-appropriate choices fill the racks of consignment stores that target teenagers. And, if your teen changes their mind just as quickly, the investment is much lower, and you can always try to sell it through the consignment store a second time. By shopping at consignment stores, you can keep your entire family in the highest-quality clothing without breaking your budget.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Are You Brand Concious?

Big-name companies spend millions of dollars each year to promote their brands. If they’ve done their job, you instantly picture their products when you hear or see their brand name. Products like Coca-Cola, Xerox, and Apple don’t need any explanation. With a single glimpse of the corporate logo, you know exactly what product is being sold. In some cases, this brand truly means that you’re receiving an exceptional value for your money. At other times, you’re spending more than you should be based on advertising hype.

With certain products, brand is extremely important. For the most part, people know that they can rely on certain automotive brands like Toyota or Honda for about twice as long as other car brands. In addition to enjoying your new ride for as long as possible, you’ll recover more of your initial investment when you decide to sell or trade in your car. In the meantime, a reliable car often means lower maintenance costs.

With many other consumer items, brand names may only mean higher prices, especially when it comes to clothing. If you purchase a cotton T-shirt from a trendy boutique, you may pay $20 or more. However, a discount store may sell a T-shirt without a designer label that will last just as long for $10 or less. Unless you make it a habit of selling your items at a consignment store after just one or two wearings, the additional expense offers no other value other than letting everyone else know your shopping preferences.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Use Your Smartphone to get the Best Bargains

 

QR-code for wapedia.mobi

Image via Wikipedia

Today’s savvy shopper can use their smartphone for more than just playing Angry Birds. These pocket-sized gadgets can let anyone receive deals from their favorite stores while they’re on the go. By using the right combination of apps and signing up with retailers through Facebook or Twitter, you might find a special deal delivered right to your phone while you’re on your way to the store or even while you’re browsing through the selection. Some retailers can even take special codes from your smartphone or scan an image on the screen so that you don’t have to carry paper coupons around with you.

 

Smartphone cameras can also be used to compare prices without surfing the web or running from store to store. Simply snap a picture of the bar code and a price-comparison app will tell you if any other stores in the area are selling the product for a lower price. In some cases, it can even tell you if you can save money by buying online. While you’re looking, some apps will even display coupons, rebates, and other special discounts.

QR codes hold a wealth of information, but they’re not readable with the naked eye. However, your smartphone can quickly transform into a handheld QR reader to allow you to read these little digital squares. Depending on the information embedded within the QR code, you may find a special deal or just the detailed product specs. This information can turn any shopping trip into the deal of a lifetime.

 

Enhanced by Zemanta