Shopping - a joy or a pain?

Greetings ,

Love it or hate it, we all have to do it (yes, men, too!).

I like shopping. Not just spending money, but hunting for the right item at the right price. 

For me it starts with research. Even before the days of internet sites that compare options, I would read consumer (1) magazines to learn about the cost and quality of different brands of whatever I was going to buy. I believe in getting value for money!

Although cost is important, I don't always purchase (2) something because of a low price. I want what I buy to be good quality and to have a long lifetime of use. That can mean that I don't simply choose the cheapest thing. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!

When I needed luggage for travelling, I chose a backpack from an Australian brand that had really good quality, strong equipment. It wasn't cheap - but it lasted me many years, especially as I did several trips where I loaded it with heavy university books.

But a reduction in price is always good 😀. I'm definitely a bargain hunter (3). So, when there are sales, I go and see if there is anything I need. It feels so good to buy something that was on my list anyway when there is a big discount!

One of my best bargains here in Germany was my bed. I had signed the contract for my first flat and needed something to sleep on! And there, in the furniture store was a bed that was hugely discounted (less than half price!!).

So I should like shopping at factory outlet centres. But I have learned they are not as good as they sound (the ones in Australia, anyway). On my visits, I have found that many of the items are the same price as in regular stores. Even the 'sale' items are the same 😑.

However, sometimes there might be an area with items that are definitely cheaper. But you really have to know your prices!!

Do you like shopping? Do you do research before you buy, or do you simply go into a shop and see what's available? How about bargains - are you a bargain hunter? And please let me know if factory outlets here are better (more items at lower prices!) than in Australia 😉.

Wishing you shopping fun and some bargains, too!

Andrea

(1) consumer - someone who buys and 'uses' things

(2) purchase - buy

(3) bargain hunter - someone who searches for (and finds!) things that are on sale