10 Ways to make Shopping Fun!

Shopping can be an enjoyable activity, but it can also be very frustrating and tedious.  The best part of shopping is when you find a bargain and go home knowing that your budget is intact.  Consumers who manage to do this are able to be a ‘a happy shopper’ however there is the other side of the activity.

Terrible shopping experiences

Shopping can be a disaster if you are not properly informed.  Those persons for example who do extensive shopping just before holidays usually end up in ridiculously long lines. These lines can even weave their way around corners and begin in some cases long before the store has opened.

The long lines at the cashier can also be very frustrating.  Even worse when the card machines stop working and you are not able to pay for your purchases. This happens regularly as the machines can develop problems due to a number of persons using the system.

If you drive, another issue with shopping is to find ample parking as a result you end up driving in circles or parking where ever you find space. Then of course when you are ready to leave you might be unable to because you are blocked in my another vehicle.

Beside the crowds in the stores at this time of the year, I really hate the thieves who are among them waiting to for an opportunity to steal your purchases.

So how can you shop and still have fun?

How to make shopping fun!

1. Make a List of items you need to buy (check to ensure the best places/prices before you leave home).

2. Start out early. (Avoid shopping from early to late afternoon)

3. Car Pool (Going shopping with friends help to cut down time spent trying to find a parking spot)

4.  Ask for additional discounts. (Even if not advertised their might be additional benefits to be received such as for students, so don’t be shy)

5. Don’t shop alone.

6. Don’t walk with a lot of cash.

7. Place shopping bags on the back seat floor in between shopping trips.

8. Don’t use your phone while shopping as you can easily become distracted but if you want to share the experience with your friends, take a few pictures of the items you really liked but was not too sure about.

9. Keep your bags near to you as if there is no bag check then the bags have to be taken through the aisles while you shop. I like to put mine in a trolley and pile things on top but if you don’t have a trolley just ensure that there is a friend to help you keep an eye on everything.

10. The only way shopping can really be fun is if you don’t overspend. This means making a budget and sticking to it. Ensure that the items are really on sale and not just a gimmick to trick shoppers.

So what do you do to make your shopping fun?

Let me hear from you.

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: budget, sale, shopping