The age of the discount store

Over the last few years I've seen a massive increase in what I would call 'discount stores' - shops that offer damaged, plain-brand or over-their-used-by-date stock at very low prices. I personally love these shops - and I think a great number of other Australians do too. These are the shops that are always full - and their patrons commonly emerge carrying boxes full of cheap goods, at least believing they've saved 'a packet'.


Can you really make any decent saving by shopping at these places? I reckon you can - but there's a few things to be aware of.


1 - How far do you travel to get to the store? A 15min extra drive just to save 20c on a carton of milk is clearly not worth it! Your saving here depends on how much cheaper your grocery bill is, compared to the cost of your transport.


2 - Beware of ripoffs in 'bargain' costumes. Take note of what you pay at each store. Not everything is a real saving. I think some of these places make money by having slightly overpriced items hidden amongst the real savings, which easily fool unsuspecting customers.


3 - Would you buy it if it wasn't on special? This is the thing that almost gets me every time. I see something at an incredibly low price, and buy it simply because of its great price, not necessarily because I need it. My tip is to make a list, and stick to that list. Only deviate on items you know for sure you will use (before they go out of date). Too many times I've walked out of a store having spent way more than I intended, on things I don't really need, which is not really a saving at all.