How To Be a Proactive Shopper

Think like a Tight Wad without Being One

Have you ever bought the perfect shoes to soon discover 2 weeks later, it's on sale for 40% off?
Man, I hate that.

Or better, you bought an inexpensive white blouse for work to wash it twice and see wilt like cheap crap?- and even worse, your co-worker has the same style shirt but hers looks like new months later?

Proactive shoppers don't buy cheap junk - Think like a Tight Wad without Being One. They don't pay top dollar for quality, name brand items. Think of it this way, paying top price doesn't always mean you are getting the best. Nor does the "just buy it because we don't have the time to shop around" mentality pay off.  It can be be more costly than you think.

As you should, when you need new work clothes, or school uniforms, or whatever piece of apparel or clothing for an event - think ahead and don't leave it as a last minute task. Envision using the item over time, what can you mix and match with it, use to make other outfits or wear at other events or hand it down to other kids in your church or neighborhood. Frugal, thoughtful shopping can save tons of money - all by doing some simple planning.

For example, the white blouse mentioned earlier. That white blouse I bought in haste - thought I needed it badly, plus it looked good on the mannequin, well that hasty decision cost more in the long run. I didn't take into account the time I thought I was saving by purchasing on a whim vs. checking out what other stores, ads, and waiting for the right time to buy. AND - as Wal-Mart advertises, I didn't watch for the falling prices.

Saving Money, Especially During a Recession

It comes down to this - don't buy impulsively. Period. Advertisers have a deep and scientific understanding of the types and the segments of shoppers that frequent their stores and will focus attention on the easiest victims to pull in - they have revenue goals, you know...

Do you know which type of customer you are?

1. Loyal Customers - this type of shopper represents no more than 20% of the customer base but make up more than 50% of sales
2. Discount Customers - they shop more frequently, but make decisions based on the size of the markdowns
3. Impulse Customers - they do not come in with a specific item in mind and buy on a whim.
4. Need-Based Customers - they have a specific intention to buy a particular item and shop only when they need it. Typically these shoppers don't enjoy shopping and consider it a chore.
5. Wandering Customers - they have no specific need or desire in mind when they come into the store, they come for the experience.

Summary:
The Retailers understand and cater to the loyal customer however they recognize that the discount customer is their key contributor to cash flow. These customers also help turn inventory making room for the newest and trendiest style and products. Wandering customers make up the smallest percentage of sales. All the while, the impulse customer is the most exciting because they are an easy mark, take in suggestions and recommendations, and are responded to favorably, thus the displays are mainly targeted to this group of shoppers. Why do you think discounts are way back in the corners, behind all the artfully crafted displays?

Keep in mind that the discount customer is the key contributor to retailers cash flow. Save smart and do some homework by comparison shopping for items and understand the average price on an item - make sure that the sign that says "50% off" isn't 50% off of an over inflated base price making sure you are actually getting a real bargain.

Grocery Shopping Habits

As for grocery shopping, you might be amazed at the statistics. According to a study conducted by News America Marketing in 2006, they surveyed and reported that about 68% of the people simply don't like going to the grocery store. Grocery shopping either takes too much time, costs too much money or generally causes stress. Their study details out and describes 5 types of shoppers.

Approximately one-third of the customers surveyed are what they refer to as "super shoppers".
These individuals pride themselves as being pros; detailed shopping lists in hand, organized coupon system, shop the best deals, and go to more than 1 store each week. They save a lot of money and are a fickle crowd.

The next third of shoppers are considered "strivers" and "stressors".
Basically, they are disorganized, stressed and on limited time schedules. They frequent stores more often and take many unplanned trips picking up what was forgotten or missed from the last trip. They want to be organized but "just don't have the time".

The final third are referred to as "anti-shoppers" and "casual spenders".
These shoppers are often not interested in changing how they shop and don't care how much they spend. These shoppers are typically those who don't have a budget or not the main shopper of the household and really don't care. 

How to be a Proactive Super Shopper

To be a Super Shopper doesn't mean you have to be obsessive about how you shop. Simply put - you don't have to organize or create a complex shopping system. It's easy — all you have to do is make one good shopping list once a week. I do it when the flyers come in the mail - those local grocery ads on Wednesday, online ads at my favorite retailers, and the Sunday papers advertisements for manufacturer coupons. Yes, I actually read them. It may take a little more time but it definitely pays off.

Because I shop on the weekends I start off on Wednesday with polling the family for their menu ideas for the following week, inventory the house for items such as shampoo, TP, dish soap, etc. Think through every day of the week, and check the calendar for school events and activities that might require providing refreshments or attending events.

With the weekly grocery ads in hand, I then begin planning our week’s worth of meals from it, then throw in a few coupons I collected out of the Sunday paper or printed from the Internet, and on my way to the store I go on Saturday. Time spent is money saved. The more time I invest, the more I save.

Be organized. I save more time by avoiding unnecessary and unplanned trips. My time is valuable, too but to see "You Saved $75.47" at the bottom of my receipt is the reward and payment I receive. I even make a game of it - a personal contest to see if I can save more than I spent. It's do-able and easily achievable.

I read Stephanie Nelson's articles on ABC News' "Good Morning America." She posts her savings tips on her Web site at www.couponmom.com. I highly recommend reading her articles - lots of good advice and it's easy.

If you understand what type of shopper you are, you can then begin to recognize the areas you need to change so that you don't repeat offend - Saving Money is easy, it takes education and intervention to stop the bad habits and become a Super Shopper

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