Penny Wise Pound Foolish – How to ensure that you are saving money!

The use of the word ‘sale’ by any business is the single most powerful word in the consumer vocabulary. Many businesses are taking advantage of the celebrations of Jamaica’s independence by encouraging shoppers to take advantage of reduced prices.

Are these sales a genuine bargain or just a cleverly designed marketing ploy to sell more goods to the unsuspecting consumer?

Well, based on the stock displayed in most stores, there does seem to be some reductions in price on selected items. These items usually include old stock or items designed to celebrate independence with the colours green, yellow and black prominently displayed. The choices suggest though, that consumers should be wary of purchasing items just because they are on sale.

Enterprising businesses sometimes use discounts to lure the consumer to enter the store so that if nothing on sale appeals to them they can still look at the other items being sold. The key to saving money, is to examine the quality of the product and assess if the price is really worth it by examining the regular price of the item.

If you are buying items sold informally, such as at a booth make sure you remember the magic word, ‘negotiate’. Although the price might be set, Jamaican consumers can bargain with the vendor so as to get a lower price.

So if you are shopping this season remember to budget wisely and spend wisely!
Let me hear how you recognize a bargain!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: consumer, Jamaica, prices