Shopping for Discounts at Factory Outlets

Shopping for Discounts at Factory Outlets

Everyone loves a bargain, but at what price are you willing to pay for that bargain. There are some things to thing about before you go "outlet shopping". Remember factory outlets should save you money, not cause you to spend to much money.

  1. Research Knowledge
    • Know the real retail price. Shop around to get an idea of the "real" price.
      • Don't assume that price on the tag is the "real retail price".
      • Check to see if the outlet or the outlet mall has an internet site. It could give you a good idea of the prices and the merchandise that they carry.
      • The manufacture's price is not always the "real" price.
      • 50% off discount - anyone can claim 50% off the "original price" the store might have the "original price 50% higher.
        • 50% off what price is the real question.
        • Make sure you know from which price the 50% is deducted from.
        • beware of "sales", outlet prices etc.
  2. Want vs. Need
    • Know what you are buying, and why you are buying it.
    • Salespeople
    • Don't buy something just because it is cheap. Ask yourself the following questions:
      • Are you buying something that you will probably never use?
      • Is it the right size and the right type?
      • Do you have others that are similar already?
      • If you already have similar item or items at home do you really need an extra one?
      • Is someone trying to encourage you to buy something that you don't really need or want?
  3. Pressure
    • Beware of well meaning sales people, friends, and family.
    • Don't buy anything because you are feeling pressured to buy something.
    • When you feel pressure to buy something.
      • Go out of the store.
      • If at all possible give it 1 hour or a few hours.
      • Keep in mind:
        • many salespeople receive a commission on all the sales that they make.
        • You are going to have to pay the bill.
        • Even the cheapest items can be a waste of money if you don't really need the item/s.
  4. Planning
    1. Plan what you need or want when you go on a shopping.
      • write out a list of items that you want to buy
      • try to go shopping at off hours
        • during the week
        • try to find a time to go shopping when you are not going to be rushed.
        • Check the internet or newspapers for sales.
      • Plan the amount of money you plan to spend, before you leave your house.
  5. Store Layout
    • Check the back and ends of the store.
    • Check out the basement and the top floors of the stores.
    • There you can sometimes find the best bargains.
    • Check to see if there is a clearance sale section in the outlet.
    • Wonder around the store you never know what you are going to find.
  6. Is the discount worth the price?
    • Make sure that it is worth it for you financially to go to the outlet stores or mall.
      • How much will it cost you in gas or transposition costs?
      • Do you need to pay a babysitter?
      • Do you need to take a day off from work to go to the outlet stores?
      • Do you need to stay overnight? Do you need to pay for a hotel?
      • Do you have to go to restaurant or fast food? Do you need to buy something to drink?
  7. "Discounted" Items - Clearance Sale - Final Sale - Floor modals - Open Boxes Irregulars (Slightly damaged)
    • There are many clearance sales, final sales, "as is" and irregulars that can turn out to be an excellent bargains.
    • Find out the return policy on "discounted" items.
    • Check to see if the product works, before you buy.
    • Check to see all the parts are included.
    • Irregulars - Slightly damaged
      • Many times there is nothing wrong with the merchandise except the box could have been open, or there is a small scratch on the product, and you get a huge discount, many time it is really worth it.
  8. Warranty or Guarantee -
    • Where do you have to take the product to be fixed.
      • Is the product under guarantee warranty if the product is:
        • final sale
        • "as is"
        • irregular
        • If you can make sure the product works and all the parts of included.
      • Who give is warranty or guarantee?
        • Does the manufactory offer the guarantee or warranty? If not who offers the guaranttee?
      • If you live far from the service center is there another way to get service.
        • can you send the item to be repaired by mail.
          • Who pays the mailing costs?
          • Can the store or a different branch of the store send the merchandise to the service center?
  9. Outlets Return Policy -
    • Find out the outlets return policy.
    • If you want to return the merchandise can you return it by mail?
    • Do you have to return it at the outlet or can you return it at one of the store branches?