Habitude

By ricky

July 1, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Your roommate and I must be twins. I don’t believe in paying full price and have been known to spend many hours looking for that great deal. Of course there have been times when I thought if I don’t buy this now, it may be gone when I return. But you know what, that generally never happens, I usually come out better in the end with either a great price or better product. Retail patience is worth it.

By JENNIFER

July 1, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

My mother taught me well. She stated “It’s inventory, their job is to sell it and they can’t eat. They must make room for the new inventory, therefore they must mark it down.” I NEVER purchase anything at it’s original price. Retailers intentionally mark up their items because they know they will have to cut the prices eventually. There have been occasions where I was not able to find my size or the same item. But sometimes that is the price you have to pay when you are not diligently watching your item. I strongly suggest getting to know the salespersons at the shops you frequent. They normally tell you when items will go on sale and when new merchandise is being delivered.

By Frugal Shopper

July 1, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

As I tell my kids, gas prices are up, retail prices must come down. I never pay full price unless it is something is so unique, it won’t be there when it is marked down (very…rare). There are so many outlets to shop like Marshalls, Macys sale, outlet malls, etc., why should we pay retail? We live in a wholesale world these days. Everything is negotiable. Things are marked up high b/c retailers know they will mark them down. What is a sale price? At least 50% or more off, or I don’t buy it. We renovated our home over 3 years shopping Habitat for Humanity, Glenwood Castle, Home Depot clearance and antique shows. We came up with wonderful things, but had to be patient and things surprisingly became avail when we needed them. As for clothes, hit the sales that are at least 50% off. Take your stuff to a consignment shop or yard sale and see how much you get for them -zilch! The fun of bargain shopping is knowing you walked away with a good deal and it is something you will enjoy and did not break the bank.

By JJ

July 1, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Clearance is my best friend. My daughter and I shop the clearance racks constantly, no matter where we are. I haven’t paid full price for retail in years.

My 17 year old daughter, now goes shopping alone, and only shops clearance racks. She gets so tickled finding bargains and totalling up her savings.

I also have a system, when I buy stuff on sale, and see what I’ve “saved”, I transfer that amount from my checking account to my savings account. I do this at the grocery store too, and any other place I save by buying on sale or clearance.

I bought the largest box of Cascade dish detergent at Target. It was on clearance for $2.38, and has lasted a little over 3 months now……

By Melissa

July 1, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I don’t like to pay full price for anything!! If that makes me cheap, I’ll wear that moniker proudly. The mark-up on merchandise is astronomical to begin with and I’m sure that even at a sale price a profit is still being made. One thing I have found about myself is that I will buy stuff that I don’t necessarily want or need because it is such a good deal e.g. $3.00 pillow covers at West Elm that I bought 4 of and ended up donating to a charity auction. I still have a duvet cover with shams that I got at a great deal (also from West Elm) that is still in the package 2 years later! Fortunately, I am starting to grow out of that (Thank Goodness considering I just turned 40!). Now if I am waiting for an item to go on sale and it’s gone when I return, I decide that I didn’t really need it to begin with. I’ve really had a struggle with want vs. need but seem to have the delayed gratification concept down. I know that seems like a contradiction, but it isn’t - I wait for the sale, I just get things I don’t need! HAHA!

Katie, call Williams-Sonoma at Mall of Georgia. They may have the place mats you’re looking for! Let me know if you need me to pick them up for you!

By ron

July 1, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

There are a lot of things in this world I want and only a few things I really need.Once I learned to distinguish between the two I started saving lots of money.Now that doesn’t mean I pay full retail for the things I need.I needed new windows for the house and after procrastinating for about a year I found exactly what I needed.A set of windows ordered for a house that the buyer didn’t like after seeing them.He paid $600 each,I paid $60 each.I bought 6 and installed them myself for a big savings.

By Melissa

July 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Frugal Shopper can you tell me about the Glenwood Castle you referenced in your email. The Habitat Store is awesome, www.atlantarestore.org. I tried to google Glenwood Castle and got zilch! I appreciate any information you can provide.

By lovelyliz

July 1, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I don’t avoid paying retail, I just know what my budget is and I stick too it.

A deal is only a good deal if you spend less than you normally would on something you would normally buy. I can still remember when my sister-in-law showing off those knee high, black leather, chunky, boots that she had been so waiting for until the right deal came around. She found them E-bay for a steal she told me. Well, it’s been at least 4 years and I’ve never, ever seen her wearing those boots. Neither has anyine else in the family.

I don’t do too good with the clearance sales. Rack after rack of mostly damaged, outdated, used and return, out of date/style, used to be trendy is too frustrating. I might browse, but it takes me all of about 2 minutes tops to figure out how fruitless my search will be. So much for that great deal.

By lovelyliz

July 1, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t avoid paying retail, I just know what my budget is and I stick to it.

A deal is only a good deal if you spend less than you normally would on something you would normally buy. I can still remember when my sister-in-law showing off those knee high, black leather, chunky, boots that she had been so waiting for until the right deal came around. She found them E-bay for a steal she told me. Well, it’s been at least 4 years and I’ve never, ever seen her wearing those boots. Neither has anyine else in the family.

I don’t do too good with the clearance sales. Rack after rack of mostly damaged, outdated, used and return, out of date/style, used to be trendy is too frustrating. I might browse, but it takes me all of about 2 minutes tops to figure out how fruitless my search will be. So much for that great deal.

By Glenwood Castle

July 1, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Melissa, Glenwood Caste is off of Glenwood/I20. The street behind the BP will take you there. It appears to be a former mansion and is on the hill. It may go by another name, but we called it Glenwood Castle. It is/was run by the Atlanta Housing Authority and was a place where contractors, etc. donated extra doors, molding, windows, paint, furniture, etc. Every week was a different offering. We picked up some awesome custom molding and doors. Not all junk, but some good stuff. I hear they closed as we have not been in a while. Again, check with the Atlanta Housing Authority. Around the corner is Habitat for Humanity. Good deals there too. We bought 4 Toto toilets for a great deal. And on another note, the Saks and Neimans last call sales should be coming up soon. Yep yeh!!!

By bigboom from NY

July 1, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Iwas always taught to by everything on sale or cleareance. MY car, My wifes car, our house,clothes and everything I own was bought either at sale price or clearence price. IN all of my years as a consumer, I have never spent full price for anything.

By Katie Leslie

July 1, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I’m feeling ashamed and inspired. I, too, will beat the retail game! JJ - I am fascinated by this savings system of yours. Are you saying that if you buy, for example, a shirt for $30 that was originally $50, you transfer the difference of $20 into your savings account? That’s brilliant!

We’re doing a little series on money savings tips. Care to send me an e-mail so we can chat? kleslie@ajc.com

By Jessica

July 1, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Well, working 2 jobs, when it comes to buying groceries, I really don’t have time to search sales papers and wait until something goes on sale. If I happen to be at the store, and see something on sale, of course, I will jump on it. As for clothing, I tend to pay full price on a few items if I have money to splurge on it, if not, it stays and I’ll linger in the clearance racks.

By Jessica

July 1, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Well, working 2 jobs, when it comes to buying groceries, I really don’t have time to search sales papers and wait until something goes on sale. If I happen to be at the store, and see something on sale, of course, I will jump on it. As for clothing, I tend to pay full price on a few items if I have money to splurge on it, if not, it stays and I’ll linger in the clearance racks.

By Chrissy

July 1, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Speaking of saving $$, does anyone know where I can get used red bricks? I have an older house and am building a new wall on my house and would love to find some that match my 30 year old house. New ones cost too much money plus they don’t match the house. Thanks!

By Katie's Roomie

July 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

It’s rare that I will pay full price for anything. When so many goods are made for pennies, it seems silly to pay a 10,000 percent markup. So, I wait. Having patience allows me to think about whether I need something, or if I just want it. And if whatever I want isn’t there when I get back, it wasn’t meant to be.

By John

July 1, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I avoid stores that don’t care for my wanting to haggling on the price of something. I ususlly only buy something if it’s on sale.

By JJ

July 1, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Katie Yes, exactly. Anytime I “save” money, I transfer that amount to my savings. I will e-mail you.

By Stacey

July 1, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Unless it’s something that I have to have for a special occasion, everything I buy is either deeply discounted or on clearance. Yes, that does mean that 95% of what my family wears is “last year’s” but I honestly don’t care. I very rarely buy trendy things just because my taste tends to lean towards the classic.

Even when I buy things on sale, I take advantage of coupons, early bird specials, etc. I will also request a discount if an article of clothing is dirty or missing a button (they have extra buttons attached anyway). 15% can make a big difference, particularly when the discount is taken in conjuction with another markdown.

By With Putpose and Dignity

July 1, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

It is foolish to pay full price for something that one does not absolutely need. Case in point, I wanted a $1400 bed sometime back. The bed eventually dropped to $899 and that is when I got it. Guess what, the floor model sold for $750. Clothes are the same, i try to get my clothes while I am traveling to places like L.A. and New York (Garmet District), Phoenix (Outlet malls) and other places. I also love Ross and occasionally find something in TJ Maxx. Regarding food, I only buy what is on sale or I have a coupon for. I own a large freezer and have plenty of pantry space.

My friends laugh because they know I always have food and am a ready and willing cook.

By Nickie

July 1, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I have always been a sale shopper and at my age trendy is really not a consideration so sales and clearance racks are my friend. About 10 years ago I took my then teen aged son to the mall to a movie. On a whim I said, “Let’s check out the sale racks for some new school clothes.” It happened to be one of those days when all clearance was an additional hugh % off. In a couple of hours he had three hugh shopping bags of jeans and shirts with “must have labels for his age and I had spent less than $100.I still remember our best bargain that day - a great Hilfinger jacket with an original price of over $200 for which I paid a whopping $12. He was awed and that is hard to accomplish with a a teen aged boy. He is still a confirmed sale rack shopper to this day.

By Fru-gal

July 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I am frugal and I am not desperate for any material item and I do not enjoy shopping very much. I buy all cosmetics and toiletries at Bed Bath & Beyond with a 20% off coupon. I buy what’s on sale at the grocery. On the otheI am frugal and I am not desperate for any material item and I do not enjoy shopping very much. I buy all cosmetics and toiletries at Bed Bath & Beyond with a 20% off coupon. I buy what’s on sale at the grocery. On the other hand, I will sometimes pay full price for an item that is hard to find, like pants in the right size and fit. And I always return promptly if it doesn’t work out. In fact I find great joy by returning stuff to the store and getting money. r hand, I will sometimes pay full price for an item that is hard to find, like pants in the right size and fit. And I always return promptly if it doesn’t work out. In fact I find great joy by returning stuff to the store and getting money.

By Fru-gal

July 1, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Oooops, my comment above got messed up. Sorry.

By bronco

July 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Sale

By Love A Barista

July 2, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

I will Pay FULL PRICE FOR A STARBUCKS CARMEL MACCIATO anytime!!!!!!!!