Sales Shopping: A survival guide

There are people who love shopping  during sales. There are people who can only afford to shop in sales. And then there’s the rest of us, who just want to survive the sale mayhem in one piece whilst purchasing some much needed items.

Stereotypically speaking, men aren’t that interested in shopping and hate most types of shopping sprees. Nonetheless, the need to go out and shop eventually becomes a necessity. Not all shopping can be done through an app, especially if you can’t figure out what suits you according to your body type, or the occasion you need it for. The sales are a great way to save money and stock up with clothing essentials for the seasons to come.

We’ve collected some of our best tips to make your shopping spree as pleasurable (and painless) as possible. Here’s our guide:

Think of your purchase in the future
Do you really need another purple shirt? Wouldn’t it better if you bought a pair of jeans to replace your old worn-out ones? Think of your shopping as a little investment. You wouldn’t buy a share that wouldn’t be tradeable right? Then why purchase something that is already out of fashion? Although, male fashion is pretty standardized so, even if you can’t be bothered to check out what next season’s trend is, you can still invest in some classics. 
Tip: Find the missing gaps in your closet and try to fill those during sales.

Check your social calendar
Do you have any important events in the near future? Will they require some special occasion wear? The sales are the perfect period to shop for shirts, ties and suits. Formal social occasions have a strict dress-code and you can buy what you will need to wear well in advance. 
Tip: Buy everything slightly bigger in size, just in case. Better be slightly bigger than tight on the actual day of the event.

Don’t be fooled by the discount
The price tag might seem attractive, but first you have to decide if you actually need it and why it’s on sale. Everybody has unworn clothes with the price tags still hanging in their closet. Major waste of money and I bet those items were all bought in sales. Also, if a designer item has a large reduction maybe you should consider why. Maybe it’s not practical or very out of fashion. Don’t forget nothing will be put on sale if it was only released a month ago, or it’s super popular.
Tip: Consider whether you would buy it if it was full priced.

 

Don’t buy stuff that don’t fit you
People are tempted to buy clothes that don’t fit, in hope of wearing them one day. This is more common with sale items as they are cheaper and that’s how we bite the bait. Although, it's a great motivation, we rarely lose enough weight, just to fit into a pair of trousers. Most likely it will end-up in the back of our closet with the tags still on. 
Tip: If it’s a matter of tailoring, add the reduction price to the seamstress price for fixing it. If the price is near the original is not worth to purchase it. 

Inspect the prospective buys thoroughly
I am the sort of person who checks thoroughly any item before I purchase it. But when it comes to sale items you have to be extra careful. These items have been in the store for at least 6 months therefore they can very easily be faulty. Check for holes, marks and loose threads. Scrutinize the quality before purchase as most sale items aren’t eligible for returns.
Tip: If it’s fabric try stretching it to see if it’s stitched ok. For other items try putting them near the light just to be sure there aren’t any scratches etc. 

The best time to go for a shopping spree
Lastly, the most important decision you should make is when to go on a shopping spree. You have to either go at the beginning of the sale season, when most products will be available but at the higher price. Or, you have to go at the end. Most sizes will be gone but the discount will be maximized. Depending on your size (smaller sizes usually go faster) you can make a conscious choice on when to go. 
Tip: If you are craving one specific item (and you wait for it to go on sale in order to afford it)go as soon as the store announces their sale. Better be safe than sorry. 
 

Enjoy your shopping spree, especially if you don’t do it often. Plan ahead if you need several items. Go with a fashion buddy if you need style advice. If you hate big crowds, go on weekdays or early in the morning. And don’t eat a lot, nothing will fit you and your confidence will drop.