What kind of shopper are you?

When was the last time you looked at the back of your wardrobe? Whenever it was, I bet you found something you’ve never worn and had forgotten you’d ever bought.

However, you don’t have to be a compulsive shopper to own clothes you have never worn; many of us have bought something that hasn’t been right for us. As such, it’s not too difficult to become a smart shopper, but it does take a bit of planning. And if you buy wisely and budget for your purchases, your money will go a lot further.

Recognise how you shop effectively
We’re always being told that we shouldn’t shop for food on an empty stomach, and the same principle applies when you buy clothes. If you leave it to the last minute to look for an outfit for a big night out or an important interview, the chances are you will come away with something that’s not really right for you. Therefore, give yourself time to look, try the clothes on and if necessary, try them on again later.

Plan how you’ll pay
It doesn’t make financial sense to scour the high street for a bargain only to pay a lot in interest on your credit card. So try and save up, but use your credit card for budgeting. Canny shoppers use a credit card that gives them a reward every time they shop; paying the balance off in full every month.

Or, if you pick a credit card with an introductory offer of 0% interest on purchases, you can pay with the card and make the minimum payments during the 0% period. In addition, if you set aside enough money in a high interest savings account to pay the bill in full when the 0% offer runs out, you’ll pay no interest, but earn a little along the way.

Beware of peer pressure
If you prefer to shop for clothes with a friend or two, make sure you are prepared to be honest with each other. It can be all too easy for friends to encourage each other to buy something for the sake of it. In fact, according to experts, women who shop with their boyfriend or husband should also be aware that their partner may not always be truthful either.

Online shopping
Many high street retailers now offer their services online, so you can shop stress free on their websites, whenever and wherever you want. Furthermore, some websites also offer hints and tips, and the latest trends, which can help you to put the right clothes and accessories together. Also, if you prefer to feel the fabric before you buy then you can use websites to help with your initial research before you hit the High Street; or alternatively if you do buy online, it is possible to return unsuitable items (but make sure you check out the returns policy first).

Help yourself
We usually know our weak points when it comes to shopping, even if we don’t want to acknowledge them! Of course, many can’t resist a bargain. But many also find it difficult to experiment; having endless pairs of identical outfits, whilst still managing to complain that they have ‘nothing to wear’!

So take a long, hard look at what works for you, whilst at the same time considering what you don’t often wear, before you step into a shop. And if you know you have a few major purchases to make, either save up or spread the cost; a feasible option provided from using 0% credit cards. Therefore, this should help you to become a smarter shopper, whilst also ensuring that you get more for your money every time.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.