The Biggest Mistakes Shoppers Make During Sales

As festive sales ramp up, people are eagerly searching for the best deals, but shoppers should be cautious of common mistakes that can turn potential savings into unnecessary spending.

Coupon experts at Voucherbox shed light on the biggest errors made by bargain hunters during the sale season and offer advice to help shoppers maximise their discounts.

Impulse purchases

Sales create a sense of urgency, often prompting people to buy items that they may not need. To avoid overspending, shoppers should set a budget and make a list of essential items before they start making purchases. This way, they can focus on priorities and make more informed shopping decisions.

Not comparing prices

An item labelled as a ‘deal’ isn’t necessarily the lowest available price, which can lead to unnecessary spending.

Before purchasing, shoppers should search for the item online and use the shopping tab to compare prices across multiple retailers to ensure they are getting the best deal.

Falling for buy more save more deals

Multi-item discounts often prompt shoppers to buy extra items they otherwise would not have purchased to qualify for the discount.

If the additional purchases are genuinely needed items that would have been bought anyway, it can be a good deal; otherwise, more money is being spent unnecessarily.

Ignoring return policies

Sale items can sometimes have different return policies; therefore, shoppers should check and read the fine print to avoid ending up with unwanted purchases that they cannot return.

Hidden fees and extra costs

It is important to factor in hidden costs like shipping fees, taxes, and service charges, as these can add up and reduce the overall savings of a deal. Shoppers should consider and calculate these additional costs before making a purchase.

Charlotte Lumbroso-Baumgartner, CEO of Voucherbox added:
"It is essential for shoppers to approach sales with a clear plan and a critical eye. Planning ahead, staying informed, and prioritising genuinely needed items can help shoppers make the most of a sale event.

"While sales are designed to encourage spending, setting a budget, comparing prices, and understanding the fine print can help avoid common traps that lead to overspending.

"A deal is only valuable if it aligns with your needs and budget, so focusing on what truly brings you value is crucial. The key to maximising savings is to be intentional, not impulsive."