As I write this, I’m braving 34 degree weather in Perth, Australia. If you’re wondering what I’m doing about spending the holiday season in the Outback, I have three words for you – obligatory familial matters. That being said, I’ve always loved Christmas in Australia because of Boxing Day sales. This year, the country recorded the most successful sale ever countrywide, with shoppers forming queues as early as 6pm on Christmas Day. The shops opened at 5am in Melbourne (while most of us are still sleeping off the feast from the night before) and shoppers were fueled by excitement and bargain buys – I watched this unfold on the news and all I can think was ‘WOW’.
This reminds me a lot of Black Friday sales – only less vicious. Which brings me to ask the aged old question - “why can’t people get enough of shopping?” It seems no matter what the occasion is, we always have a reason to shop up a storm. From valid reasons like “my TV broke down” to the irrational “buy two get one free tea cosies – dirt cheap!”, I’ve heard them all.
Most of the time, shopping during sale season is more want than need. And I get it, the adrenaline of saving 10 bucks drives you a little cray, but my advice is simple and sweet: do it all in moderation.
Nothing pains me more than panicky shoppers shoving oldies and elbowing pregnant mums out of the way to get their paws on a good bargain. It’s just not worth it. And mind you, the bad stuff doesn’t just happen in Australia or U.S, I’ve seen some scary episodes during GSS and pre-Christmas sales in Singapore too.
Having said my piece, here’s my five-step foolproof guide to a safe (to both your physical and financial health) shopping time during mammoth sale seasons:
1. Make a list
Yes, and check it twice. You’ve gotta be firm on what you do and don’t need. 40 pairs of undies at half the price is not a bargain. You’ll just end up with too much laundry and not enough wardrobe space. You only have one butt, so be wise.
2. Set a budget
Be discipline and set a budget on what you’re allowed to spend. Saving up for sale is just silly, unless it’s a big investment buy that you can justify, don’t even think about it. Also, if you’re going to be starving for the rest of the month to shop, you’re doing it wrong.
3. Plan your route
Once you have your list, you can mark down which are the shops you need to hit. Make sure you plan ‘pit-stops’ to refuel too – cos shopping when you’re low on energy is the fastest way to crash and burn when you’re not even halfway through your list.
4. Keep your credit card(s) at home
This way, you only spend what you have and won’t be tempted to put things on credit. Out of sight, out of mind when it comes to debts is the fastest way to get waist-deep in debt and deep trouble.
5. Walk away
No matter how tempting a sale might be, learn to walk away from it. If it’s not on the list, you don’t need it and the satisfaction of walking away far beats the feeling of going home with two pairs of shoes you don’t even love that much. What’s more, your wallet will thank you for being smart.
Image: BNTNews
Image: BNTNews
