I came up with these 10 Guerilla Shopping techniques over several years… fine tuning them as I went. All can be used with any type of shopping experience whether it’s shopping at the local mall or some out of the way factory warehouse. Remember  bargains are everywhere. It just takes a smart, hip shopper to recognize a good deal and grab it.

Rule #1

Know the marketplace products and retail prices. The fastest way is to subscribe to a daily paper. Scanning thru it takes no more than 10 minutes a day and will cover most categories. Pick up fashion magazines and home decorating magazines 3-4 times a year.

Subscribe to consumer reports and any other consumer oriented magazine or newspaper.

Understand my buzz words and how they may apply to what you are shopping for.

Visit a major mall once every 3 months for seasonal changes.  Check out upscale boutiques and home décor stores when you pass one. Know labels and manufacturers, quality of construction, price and fashion details. Learn about fabric and basic construction of quality garments and furnishings. This applies to home furnishings, outdoor gear and equipment, accessories, lighting, linens, shoes, jewelry etc.  Keep your visits short. No more than 10-15 minutes.

Cruise the internet for information. Manufacturers, distributors, sample sales, liquidations and regional events tend to show up on the internet. Bookmark the sites that have the best leads, info and scoop. Sign up on email lists for invite only sales. The more information you have the better choices and deals you can uncover.

Rule # 2

Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must. Wear comfortable shoes, no… I mean really comfortable shoes…sneakers, walking shoes. Something you can stand in for long periods of time. Shoes that fit well and are able to stay on without any fuss. Keep socks or stocking with you to try on shoes. Plus some discounters have untidy stores and good footing is essential. Leave your “bling bling”… ie family jewels at home.

Rule # 3

Ladies….Do not carry a handbag or coin purse you have to hold with your hands. Carry a backpack, fannie pack or handbag with a long strap to carry across your chest. I like longer strapped bags, cause I can hang lots of stuff on them as I waltz around the store. You want hands free shopping.
Men…. Take a thinner wallet you can tuck way down in your pants or jacket pocket

Rule # 4

Eat something before you shop. Carrying a small snack, (crackers/nutrition bar) in your bag or car also works. Tired, hungry shoppers don’t make good choices and usually flee before they snag a deal. Most stores have a drinking fountain for their employee, but don’t count on it. Carry a water bottle with you or in your car.

Rule # 5

Take a tape measure with you where ever you go. Know your family’s measurements. Sizes run differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. Returns are often not available at discount sources. If you’re buying any home furnishings or décor items, have the measurements of your room and doorway into that room. I also recommend carrying color swatches if you have them.

Rule # 6

If you see something that is a great deal, grab it and put it in your cart or carry it with you. If it’s a larger item ask for it to be held for you while you shop. You have no claims to anything that is not in your hand or basket. Thinking about it first has caused many a bargain finds to disappear under my nose. You can always change your mind and put it back properly… later. Never, ever fight over an item unless it was grabbed out of your hand.

Rule # 7

Take extra cash along with checks and credit cards. I always have cash available. Checks and credit card are not always accepted. You may also have more negotiating room with cash.

Rule # 8

Be ready to buy before the need arises. That rule was very hard for me. It took me 4 months to save up a cash reserve just for a decent shopping adventure. Doing that has saved me more than any other guerilla shopping tactic. I can now pounce on a deal out of season and ahead of need without re-budgeting. When you need to make a purchase, you tend to buy cheaper quality product just to get you through. That’s a waste of money. Cheap is rarely a bargain. 

Rule # 9

When you have favorite shopping haunt, get to know the sales clerk or retailer by name. Be friendly and nice. Sign up for a mailing list. Stop in often. You’ll get better service and get the scoop on upcoming deals before they are generally known. This is true from boutiques down to thrift stores.

Rule # 10

Serious bargain shoppers, shop alone. Recreational shoppers shop with others. However, occasional, even when you’re seriously shopping, you may have to take a parent, child or spouse with you.

Tell 'em BargainsLA.com sent you!
Suzanne O'Connor