3 Ways to Save Money by Shopping Smart
(MS) -- When buying anything from furniture to electronics, consumers are often inclined to turn to their nearby big box store as a first stop in comparison shopping. Although these retailers do offer competitive prices, they may not be the best options for consumers trying to get the best price and service. Boutique shops, local merchants and independent online retailers, such as StudentMarket.com, an established retailer of budget-approved furniture and home goods, often offer competitive prices and better overall service than bigger chains.
1: Shop Price, Not Location
Price is a major factor in where people shop. Millions of people turn to retail giants thinking they will get the best prices, but a little research can yield other findings. While some bigger chains may offer doorbuster sales luring customers, in general, prices on most everyday items are the same or higher than other retailers. All it takes is an online comparison of a certain product to show the similarity in pricing.
According to University of Utah assistant marketing professors Arul and Himanshu Mishra, it’s common to find similar pricing on most items in many big box stores. Therefore, these retailers use big-ticket items to attract customers, who then just stay in the store to get the remaining higher-margin items and accessories on their lists.
Shopping in smaller stores or independent online retailers may be preferable to many consumers. The trend is to revitalize “Main Street America” by shopping smaller retailers and Mom & Pop establishments. Some companies actually offer incentives to do so.
2: Aim for Better Service
Big name stores may be popular, but shopping there may come with a few sacrifices. Poor customer service and limited understanding of how items work are often the case. Many independent retailers, including StudentMarket.com, offer price matching to remain competitive with the larger merchants in the area, and it’s hard to beat independent retailers on customer service or the availability of a wide selection of distinct items.
For example, StudentMarket.com offers many of the features and online influences shoppers desire when looking for furniture to outfit dorms, apartments and homes. The company understands that younger shoppers have different needs from older consumers, therefore pricing and selection remains competitive with many other retailers. What’s more, the company caters to shoppers at all stages in their lives. It offers everything from a college student’s first desk to a homeowner’s formal dining room set. To save consumers time and money, the company scours several competing retailers to make sure their prices offer extra value above and beyond low prices. If a shopper sees an item for less, StudentMarket.com can get them a better deal almost every time.
“Consumers are extremely focused on getting the best value, as well as having access to informative product reviews,” said Oren Milgram, President of StudentMarket.com. “Multiple online images, the ability to zoom in to see detail, a variety of flexible payment options, and a consumer-friendly return policy are just a few of the many other benefits of shopping this site.”
3: Reduce Stress With Smaller Crowds
It’s hard to comparison shop or even get essentials when the shopping experience is stressful. Another advantage to shopping smaller retailers or even online is that shoppers don’t have to drive long distances, fight crowds, endure long lines, or hunt for parking spots, making for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Customers who normally lean toward bigger retailers may want to experience the benefits of shopping outside the box. To learn more about finding furniture that offers comfort and style, visit www.StudentMarket.com. TF115865
Click here to visit www.studentmarket.com