“50% off all newly released DVD’s”

-There’s nothing I want to watch at the moment but if it’s half price might as well buy some DVD’s.

How does it happen?

I know that as a student with a part-time job it is very easy to receive a pay check and feel the need to use it to indulge in something that we truly enjoy. The problem is that many of us do not know what we really enjoy and as a result we take our fresh new pay checks straight to the mall to go shopping so that we can spend the money we worked so hard for. When I say we do not know what we really enjoy I am referring to the instances where someone goes shopping just for the sake of shopping. There is nothing wrong with shopping, everybody does it, the problem lies in not knowing what you are shopping for. If you decide to go to a mall without a clear understanding of what you are going to purchase, then chances are you’ll fall for the sale trap.

When does it happen?

The viscous sale trap occurs when you purchase something without any prior thought to making this purchase. The purchase is made simply because it is on sale. The most common instances of the sale trap occur when you purchase clothing, repair something, subscribe to some magazine, join a gym, or God only knows what else is purchased just because it is on sale. Chances you are you will not have money set aside for this impulse purchase, usually busting out the trusty credit card for this “once in a lifetime” deal (as most are promoted).

Personal Situation.

Don’t get me wrong I am not judging, actually to be honest I almost fell for the sale trap today while I was brainstorming the concept for this article. I was downtown when some girls (obviously good looking ones dressed in revealing clothing) came up to me with a flyer for 20% at the Guess Store for one day only. I have purchased Guess Jeans before (pre-budget era) and I thought for a split second how could I let this offer pass me by. Then my frugal instinct kicked in, bringing me to the clear realization that I already have a nice pair of Guess Jeans and that 20% off a $160 pair of jeans is not much of a deal. The point of this story is that anyone at any given time is susceptible for falling for the ever so evil sale trap.

Have no fear, there is a cure..

1. Write down your purchases before you leave your home. Do not ever walk into a mall to just “look around.” This will never happen and almost all of the time it leads to at least one purchase. Make sure you have a clear list of what you plan on purchasing so you do not get side tracked or confused looking through many stores unsure of what you truly need.

2. Bring exact amount of money needed. Obviously you should round up on your purchases so that you do not embarrass yourself by not having enough money. You can also easily find out prices of your purchases by checking online. This also requires that you leave your credit card at home (if possible). By not having any extra money you will not make those unexpected purchases, even if you absolutely want to.

3. Ignore all sale signs/ pushy sales people. Whether you have to bring your iPod or pretend you don’t speak English, at all costs avoid sales people. There job is to sell you stuff, period. They do not talk to because they want to help you out, they are paid to sell you stuff. Do not read any sales signs, no matter how amazing they seem. Chances are the small fine print usually states the sale only applies to some items, which you won’t figure out until you’re actually inside the store.