More Ways to Shop Smart

1. Do not go shopping to make yourself feel better. This is number one because yes, things can get quite overwhelming when you find yourself in the middle of a global pandemic. But this is a very unhealthy way to deal with your feelings as you create the mindset that you need things in order to feel good. Shopping should not be considered a form of recreation. Shopping when you are bored or sad often makes you buy unnecessary items as you chase that high of getting something new. This just means that you are avoiding dealing with your feelings properly, and there is even a chance you will feel worse when you realize you have spent a lot of money for no good reason - buyer's remorse. 

2. When buying stuff online, shop incognito to prevent previous search cache raising prices (on hotels or tickets especially). Many websites have flexible pricing systems whereby prices go up when many people view the same item because of the perceived higher demand, or it raises prices personally for people who have viewed them more. This is because they know that the person is interested, and therefore is more likely to buy it even if it is offered at a higher price. 

3. Compare prices for the items at different places. Don't just buy things from the first place you see it at unless you are in a hurry or unless that extra trip will just cost more. Especially for things you usually buy, or more costly things, it is a good idea to do a little bit of extra research because it could translate into big savings.

4. Don't buy things if you can borrow or rent them instead. Books, for example, can just be borrowed from friends or from the library. But this applies to so much more - from hardware and catering equipment you will use only a few times to games and clothes. Many parents, for example, have children's clothes and toys that their own children have outgrown that they would love to give away to someone else who can give them a second life. 

5. Buy secondhand. There is nothing wrong with buying secondhand. There are various shops and online sellers that sell lightly used items for a lower price than a new one, and these can easily serve your purpose. Watch some thrifting videos for inspiration! 

6. Return it if you change your mind. Check their refund and exchange policies, and make use of them if you later realize the purchase was a bad idea. Many physical stores will allow you to refund or exchange your items if you take the items back within a specified amount of days, in mint condition, with your receipt. However, do not make a habit of buying things if you are not sure you need them. Returning items can still be very wasteful as big companies often do not resell returns, meaning that many of them just end up in the landfill. Many online purchases on websites like Booking.com have free cancellations if it is within a specified period and most online subscriptions have a trial period during which you can try the service before deciding if you want to keep paying for it or not.

7. Just buy less. Try to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle and simply don't buy what you don't need!