Expert Guide To Getting What You Want Out Of The January Sales

For those venturing into high streets or shopping centres, January sales can be intense. Early birds often queue for hours before stores open, hoping to grab the best deals, while online shoppers can enjoy discounts from midnight onwards – avoiding the in-store shopping frenzy. 

With that in mind, money-saving experts at Vouchers4real.co.uk have shared seven tips for getting the most out of the January sales. 

Know what you want 

Sales can be chaotic, with large crowds in stores and high demand for online deals. If you know what you’re looking for, you can head straight to the relevant sections, whether in-store or online, rather than browsing aimlessly.  

When you purchase items you’ve planned for, you’re more likely to feel satisfied with your choices. Random purchases often lead to clutter or dissatisfaction if the items don’t meet your needs or preferences. 

Research before you buy 

Researching what you want to buy in the sales beforehand is essential for making smart, confident purchasing decisions. 

Not all items on sale are of the same quality. Researching product reviews, ratings, and specifications helps you avoid purchasing subpar items that may be discounted due to low demand or poor performance. 

As well as this, popular items like electronics, fashion pieces, or limited-edition products can sell out quickly during sales. By researching what you want, you can prioritize those items and be ready to act as soon as the sales start. 

Set a budget 

Sales are designed to tempt shoppers with discounts, leading to potential overspending on items that might not be necessary. A budget acts as a financial safeguard, ensuring you don’t spend more than you can afford.  

A good way to do this is by setting a maximum amount you’re willing to spend and breaking it down by category (e.g., clothes, electronics). 

Keep an eye on social media 

By keeping up with your favourite shops on social media, you may see them post deals or special promotional codes exclusively to their social media followers. 

Refurbished items 

To keep your spending in check, see if any of your electronic must-haves could be refurbished. 

Refurbished items are often sold at a fraction of the cost of brand-new products, even during sales. This can provide even greater value for your money, allowing you to afford high-quality items at reduced prices. 

Loyalty cards 

Loyalty programs often provide points, cashback, or member-only discounts. During the January sales, these rewards can stack on top of existing sales, further reducing your overall spend. 

Purchases made during the sales can earn you loyalty points or rewards that you can redeem later. This is particularly useful for large or high-value purchases, as the points earned could translate into significant savings on future purchases. 

Additionally, students could save money by taking advantage of their student discount during the January sales. 

Clearance sections 

Retailers typically use January sales to clear out excess stock, including discontinued models or last season’s items. Buying these items can still offer significant value, especially if the product quality is still high. This is a great time to grab winter clothes, holiday decorations, or other seasonal goods at a fraction of the cost. 

Price match 

Price matching enables you to compare prices across different retailers. Some stores may offer better deals or additional perks, like free delivery or extended warranties, allowing you to maximize your savings. 

Sometimes, prices can fluctuate between different locations or online stores. By checking multiple sources, you may find additional discounts, loyalty rewards, or free shipping offers that make the overall cost even lower.