When I shop online, I always sort the items based on prices, low to high, and just choose the clothes that fit my budget. If there’s a free shipping option, I check the box too so the results will display the low-priced items first that can be shipped free of charge anywhere in the world. #shoppinghack
According to Pete Dunn, a multi-awarded financial planner, we should only be spending 5% of the take-home pay on clothing. That means, the more you earn, the higher the amount you can allot for shopping for your kids’ clothes.
How much have you spent the last time you shop? If you are spending more than that percentage, then these practical dress-for-less tips are for you, moms.
1) Shop with cash.
Avoid using your credit cards in buying clothes and shoes for your kids. If you really want that cute-looking boots for your tot then, you have to save money for it. Better yet, don’t bring your cards with you when shopping.
Don’t get me wrong. Credit cards are good only when you know how to use them. For instance, some credit cards offer specialist rewards (cashback cards) if you pay for certain brands of goods and services. Be careful though because the interest rates applied to reward cards are higher than the average.
2) Buy from discount stores.
Thrift stores often have their lines of stylish bargains. While these stores offer deep discounts, be careful not to load up your shopping cart though because this will only defeat the purpose.
Go to your friendly ukay-ukays that sell kids’ apparel and shoes. Facebook also hosts a lot of pages that sell mall pull-outs and branded overruns where you can buy from at marked down prices.
3) Find great deals online.
Fashion e-stores are aplenty. Sign up for newsletters to receive coupons and avail discounts. Signing up also keeps shoppers like you abreast of the latest deals including inventory and clearance sales.
Some baby clothes shopping websites you can check are Kids Company, Shopaholic for Kids and Honeycomb Children’s Clothing. If you have a brand in mind, google first to know if it has an online store and do your shopping there.
4) Shop out of season.
Don’t look for new arrivals. Instead, find inventory sales. It is like buying in advance and maximizing every peso in the process.
If possible, buy swimwear from September to December instead of February to May when the prices skyrocket. This is one shopping hack that saves me lots of money. Just make sure that the clothes will still fit after three or so months.
5) Avoid fashion trends.
Budget-conscious moms should stay away from trends. Instead, buy quality pieces that help build your kid’s wardrobe.
Choices are important and so is comfort.
6) Buy the basics first.
When purchasing the basics, go for generic brands. [Divisoria, anyone?] Buy their tees and bottoms at the cheapest store but, of course, without sacrificing the quality of the clothes.
For girls, the essentials are dresses, collared tops, knitted cardigans, mary janes and hair bows. For boys, these include knitted sweaters, shorts, collared tops and buckled shoes.
7) Make a baby clothes shopping list.
List all the items that you need to buy. Try to look for the best rates before buying an item.
If possible, bring your kids when shopping clothes for them unless you are 100% confident of your sizing skills.
8) Think in palettes.
As you build the tot’s wardrobe, you should only be buying a clothing item that matches at least four items they already own. I do this all the time so I can have more options for mixing and matching. 😉
Infuse color trends like socks and hankies as well as accessories particularly for the girls.
9) Check the labels.
New clothes often include care instructions. If it says dry clean only, you will keep paying for it every time your kids use it. Not worth it, so stick to items that are machine-washable.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Don’t skip this step so you can prolong the life of the clothes. Yup, even clothes have a life expectancy. That’s between two and three years with normal wear and tear.
10) Avoid sales.
If it is an inventory or clearance sale then, you may consider it provided that you buy only the kids clothing you need and the kids will actually use. A 40% off is not necessarily a good deal if your daughter can only use it once or twice a year.
Borrow instead if your daughter will only use the clothes just once.
BONUS: Sell clothes.
That your kids no longer wear, that is. Go over their closet at least once a year. If your son hasn’t worn the shirt for more than a year, it is good for selling.
Use the profits in buying wardrobe-worthy clothes and shoes and other everyday wear.
Saving money even when buying clothes is possible. You just have to start somewhere. The tips above are so practical you need not sacrifice looking comfortably fabulous for less.
[The post includes a sponsored link wherein I will be compensated if you signup or buy through that link.]
Jenv T Corre's Wall 