How Much Time Do You Spend Shopping Every Week?

An hour? Two? More? According to a study done by the Consumerist, the average American woman spends about $100-$400 per week on shopping. And that’s just the average – many people spend way more.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about how much time you spend shopping. It’s just something you do, like eating or sleeping. But what if I told you that you could save a significant amount of time – and money – by shopping smarter?

Here are some tips to help you shop smarter and save time:

1. Compare prices

Before you buy anything, take a few minutes to compare prices. There are a number of websites and apps that make it easy to do this, like Meganeerabi and PriceGrabber.

2. Make a list before you go

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many people go to the store without a list. Not only does this mean you’re more likely to forget something, it also means you’re more likely to impulse buy.

3. Shop online

If you can, do your shopping online. This is especially helpful for items like groceries, which can be delivered right to your door. Not only is it convenient, it can also help you save money by avoiding temptation.

Haggling may seem old-fashioned, but it can still save you a lot of money. If you’re buying big-ticket items, like furniture or electronics, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the salesperson.

5. Join a loyalty program

If you shop at a particular store frequently, it pays to join their loyalty program. This way, you can get rewards like discounts and free shipping.

6. Use coupons

Coupons can be a great way to save money, but only if you use them wisely. Don’t be tempted to buy things you wouldn’t normally buy just because you have a coupon.

7. Know when to shop

Timing is everything when it comes to shopping. For example, you can get great deals on clothing if you shop at the end of the season.

8. Shop in bulk

If you have the storage space, it can pay to buy in bulk. This is especially true for items like toilet paper and paper towels, which you’re going to need to replenish eventually anyway.

9. Avoid sales

It may sound counterintuitive, but sales are often a waste of time. This is because most items are marked up significantly before they’re put on sale.

10. Don’t be afraid to walk away

If you’re not sure about a purchase, don’t be afraid to walk away and think about it. You can always come back later if you decide you want it.

By following these tips, you can save a lot of time and money when you go shopping.