kc Gifts

Outlet shopping can be very fun, but it can be overwhelmed as well.  You can easily get distracted and go out of budget. Here are a few tips on making your next outlet shopping be worth the trip.

for the frugal mommy from Las Vegas

1. Set a spending limit per store. Nothing can ruin a shopping trip like going home and feel completely guilty about your purchase.

2. Practice percentages in your head. You can use this to compute discounts that will be taken off at the register

3. Set a price limit per item. For example, if you put a $15 max limit per shirt, if you find one for $16.99, stick to your plan and pass it up?

4. Try clothes on first before you buy it.  You’ll regret it once you get home if you don’t.

5. Bring coupons with you. Or, you can stop by the information desk and ask for specials and possibly a coupon book.

6. Park on one side of the outlet and go through the outlet as much as you can and come back to your car. You can drop off your bags and find a closer parking spot from where you left off.

7. Check your receipts. Make sure you were charged appropriately per item.

8. Bring a snack and a bottled drink. Outlet foods can be pricey.

9. Be sure of the sizes and preferences of the people you’re buying for. You wouldn’t want to buy an item to come to find out that the person won’t fit that item or dislikes that color.

10. Don’t buy the first thing you find.  Scout around for the best deal before you purchase an item. 

11. Finally, if you have doubts about the item you are purchasing, then don’t buy it. Following your instincts can save you lots of money.

~kristine cruz-munda