A savvy shopper takes the time to learn the market and understand how and why deals take place.  For example, grocery stores often post huge savings that they actually take a loss on, called “loss leaders”, to entice you into the store where you will hopefully buy the higher profit margin items strategically placed throughout the store.  A savvy shopper is wise to their ways and knows to avoid impulse buys to make the most of deals.

You can tell yourself that you are immune to their tricks, but the fact is, these big retail companies spend millions of dollars doing market research, testing layouts, price points and everything else, with the sole purpose of wringing the most money out of you, the consumer.  There is nothing wrong with this – they are in the business to make money, after all, but if you forget their real goal you may find yourself getting lost in fancy lighting, pretty displays and other selling tricks.

When you go to a store to take advantage of a specific deal, make sure you do not stray.  Write a list, stick to it, and don’t fall for tricks.  If you see another product that looks like a great deal, try researching it.  Smart phones equipped with Internet access are one of the best tools for shoppers, because you can instantly do price checks to see how that price really fares amongst the competition.

The most important thing is to stay aware of your goals and your budget, and not buy something else just because it seems like a good deal.  Chances are, it’s not.  Remember, those companies have figured out how to place items in a way that draws your attention.  Who’s to say that next “great deal” isn’t there on purpose to get you to fork over the savings you almost had on the deal you started with?