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| Bargain Hunting |
| When you're building, renovating or decorating, it is very easy to lose track of your budget. Here are some ideas to help you save money. |
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When you're building, renovating or decorating, it is very easy to lose track of your budget. As we all know the dollars add up quickly but if you take Pamm Durkin's advice you'll save more than you ever thought you could.
Pamm, author of Pamms Guide to Discount Melbourne has been researching discounts for 15 years. In that time one of the many things she has discovered is that Melbourne is the furniture capital of Australia — most leading brands are made there, and so too are the discounts.
Pamms Tips to Bargain Hunting
Factory second shops. Don't overlook seconds outlets. Every capital city has such shops offering good quality towels, bed sheets, table coverings and other linen at substantially reduced prices. Some stock will be discontinued lines while others may have slight imperfections.
Electrical goods. Many consumers are not aware of electrical goods clearance centres. These typically have arrangements with name brand manufacturers to buy their factory returns and seconds. Factory returns refers to products in perfect working order but with damaged packaging. Factory seconds refer to goods with minor cosmetic flaws. Generally these goods come with a full manufacturer's warranty.
Carpet clearance stores. You can save as much as 50% by buying carpet through clearance stores. Prices are reduced because they are remnants, ends of rolls or seconds.
Bedding. Many mattress manufacturers sell direct to the public. You can usually order off the floor or request a custom size, degree of firmness, spinal support etc. The savings compared to retail often amount to hundreds of dollars.
Sofas. When you buy from sofa manufacturers direct, you pay middle-market prices for high-end goods.
Clearance centres. Many large department stores like Myers, Grace Bros, and David Jones have clearance centres. You are guaranteed to save a minimum of 30% (but could be as much as 60%) off the normal retail cost. The stock is reduced usually because it has been discontinued or it may have been a demonstration model.
Seasonal clearance sales. Many retail stores and manufacturers/wholesalers run regularly scheduled clearance sales once or twice annually. May/June and November/December are peak times for these sales.
Mailing list. Many stores keep mailing lists to alert customers to upcoming specials, including "By invitation Only" sales. If you hate getting junk mail you can normally ask to have these emailed to you.
You can also save by ordering through the mail. Pharmacy direct is a great way to save up to 50% off prescriptions and over the counter medicines, vitamins, toiletries, fragrances and more, via mail order. You simply ring for a catalogue, post your prescription with your payment, and your order arrives in the mail within days.
Customer loyalty cards. Many retail stores such as Spotlight offer customers an extra discount every time they shop at their store, simply by showing their customer card. Discounts usually range from 5% off sale items to 10% off non-sale items.
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More Info
Pamm Durkin's discount guides are available from most book stores and large newsagents.
Following are her current Year 2000 editions:
"Pamms Guide to Discount Melbourne" Rrp is $19.95.
"Pamms Guide to Discount Sydney" Rrp is $16.95.
"Pamms Guide to Discount Brisbane, The Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast" Rrp is $14.95.
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Disclaimer
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