Savvy Strategies for Some Shopping Problems

Problem: You hate fighting crowds and sorting through messy merchandise

Solutions: Shop during the middle of the week. Not only are stores less crowded on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but you'll also get first dibs on new merchandise, according to many salespeople. "Retailers prefer to get their merchandise on the floor before the weekend, when it gets crowded,".

Wake up early. "The best time to shop is in the morning," The employees have yet to tire from irritable shoppers, the merchandise hasn't been picked over and displaced, and there's also comfort in the fact that you have time to come back for a purchase that needs to be mulled over."

Problem: You want to save time

Solutions: Make a shopping list. You write down fruit, cereal, and for the grocery store and even clothing store. Why hit a retail store, where you're likely to spend a lot more money, empty-handed? Write down what you want and where you plan to buy it.

Avoid the mall. If you're looking for just one or two things, you may want to stop at a boutique or a freestanding department store. "It's in the mall's best interest to place the best stores far inside, at the heart, away from the entrance, which is why stopping into one store at the mall ends up taking you a solid two hours,".

Shop alone. Women spend the most time in a store when they're shopping with a friend or a child, If you want to get in and out, go solo.

Problem: You're shy about asking for a discount

Solutions: Don't be shy. "Ask for a discount on anything you buy - but not for a specific amount off," Instead, leave things open-ended by asking, "Can you give me a better deal?" "If your salesperson isn't authorized, you may have to ask the manager," If you find a slight flaw or damage - or even if the product's packaging is mangled – you may be entitled to a discount.

Wait until the store has a major sale, when most items are already discounted 20 to 30 percent. After convincing the clerk or manager that you're serious about a larger-than-normal purchase, request an additional 10 to 20 percent discount to close the deal. "If she won't discount the items further, ask her to throw in shirts, shoes, ties, or socks at no additional cost," says Wayne Tate, who, after 25 years of practicing law, has mastered the art of negotiation in and out of the courtroom.