General Shopping Tips

Do you regard shopping as a necessary evil or as a therapeutic interlude? OPH Good Housekeeping has compiled ten shopping tips to help get the best out of your retail experience; afterall you'll be spending your hard earned cash

Internet Shopping

Shopping from the comfort of your own home can save you time, effort and money. Be sure to use a secure internet connection when making a purchase and check out epinion.com to see how other shoppers have rated the internet sales services of your prospective outlet.

Shop Off-Peak

Shopping during busy periods will slow you down so try to avoid peak times, between 12pm and 2pm and 4pm until 6pm.

Bargain Hunt

Supermarkets invariably sell off perishable goods, heavily discounted at specific times during the week. From my experience opening time on a Sunday is a great time to swoop . Don't be shy, get to know the staff and ask when are you most likely to find the best bargains.

Eat Before You Food Shop

Never go food shopping on an empty stomach as the temptation to over buy may prove too strong. Equally if you are shopping for clothes, gifts or household items it's easier to concentrate if you're not plagued by a rumbling tummy.

Know What You Want

Embarking on a shopping spree, hoping to be inspired as you go along rarely happens. Take time out before you go; have a clear idea of what you wish to purchase, then if something catches your eye that makes you change your mind it's a bonus.

Shop alone

Shopping in pairs or groups inevitably leads to a compromise. You may in fact return home hours later with blisters on your feet and nothing to show for it. Be brave; shop alone or agree to meet up at a pre - arranged time, then each of you can make the most of your shop.

Plan Your Route

When shopping on familiar territory it's easy to plan your route to avoid having to double back laden with parcels. If you have to purchase a heavy or bulky object ensure it's your last purchase or you may find you have to cut your shopping trip short.

Prepare Yourself

Comfortable shoes are a must for any shopping spree. if you are clothes shopping either take a pair of heels with you or take a pair of heels into the fitting room with you. This is particularly important when trying on skirts or dresses; attempts to improvise by standing on tip toes whilst looking in the mirror prove futile because your posture will be wrong.When shopping for evening wear it's worth applying a touch of make-up and paying some attention to your hair before you leave the house. Unless you are fortunate enough to look good in a bin liner, tousled hair and a bare face will give you a distorted view of the image you wish to create.

Be In The Right Frame Of Mind

Clothes shopping when you are having a fat day or an ugly day will not work. Wait till you are feeling rational and then hit the shops.

Take Tea Breaks

Don't be hard on yourself shopping can be hard work. By incorporating regular tea breaks into your shopping day will leave you less frazzled and make your shopping more productive