In the Midwest, where I live, many stores started their summer sales early in June, which isn't really summer to me.
Additional sales are going on now and the newspaper is filled with ads.
Stores are also advertising on television and the Internet.
Stores may also have sidewalk sales and they are hard to resist.
Seeing a crowd of people milling around tables is almost irresistable.
And that's the problem.
If you slip into a "gotta have it" mentality you may buy more than you should and pay more than you should.
Before you go to a summer sale, determine how much your budget will allow you to spend.
Stick to your budget to avoid buyer's remorse.
These tips will help you to be a smart shopper and benefit from those enticing summer sales.
1.
Watch for coupons.
Many stores have coupons in the newspaper and coupons on their websites.
So it's wise to check websites before you go to a sale.
Don't forget to bring the coupon with you.
2.
Look for an expiration date.
I had a coupon for an office supply store and looked forward to getting a good deal.
But I was too late.
When I went to the store I discovered my coupon had expired the previous week.
I was so disappointed.
3.
Understand seasonal sales.
One reason stores have sales is to make room for incoming, seasonal stock.
Nikki Willhite has posted a list of monthly bargains on the All Things Frugal website.
July is a good time to buy home appliances and summer sports equipment, according to Willhite, and August is a good time to buy towels and sheets.
4.
Learn the lingo.
That advice comes from Cynthia Nellis author of the article, "8 Secrets of Highly Successful Sale Shoppers.
" She thinks experienced shoppers know the difference between a promotion and a sale, and "a two-for-one from a buy-one-get-one-half-off.
" 5.
Be a careful reader.
In fact, it's a good idea to read an ad several times.
Saving up to 70% on merchandise isn't the same as saving 70% on everything in the store.
So look for the words "up to" when you are reading.
6.
Check the position of the sign.
One day I saw a rack of clothes and a sign that said 40% off.
I selected a garment from the rack and proceeded to checkout.
Was I in for a surprise.
"The sign applies to one side of the rack only," the sales associate told me.
Since the garment I selected came from the other side, I put it back.
7.
Resist leftover, shop-worn stuff.
Just because something is 50% off doesn't mean you should buy it.
You may find some pale yellow slacks, for example, but don't have anything to go with them.
If you buy the slacks, you will also have to buy a top and coordinating items.
It may be wiser to leave the slacks on the rack and walk away.
8.
Ask if early discounts are available.
Where I live, many stores that advertise discounts will give you that discount a day ahead of time.
Don't be afraid to ask the question, "Can I get the discount today?" This has saved me money several times.
9.
Check the store's return policy.
You may be able to return merchandise or may not.
"All sales final" usually means you can't return an item.
Learning about the store's return policy saves you time and vexation, two things you don't need.
However, you do need to save your receipts.
10.
Watch catalogs for free shipping.
Tania Anderson has a "Shop to It" blog on the "Washington Post" website.
If you can't make it to the store, Anderson observes, low-cost shipping may be available.
This is the policy at Nordstrom's, for example, which ships orders for $5.
00.
Finally, ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" Smart shoppers know the difference between want and need.
Knowing this difference can save you big bucks today and in the future.
Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson