EOFY sales 2021: How to get the best deal – ‘keep an eye out’

Around 50 per cent of Aussies are set to hit the shops when the mid-year sales kick off. Which means you have to be on your game if you want to grab the best deals before everyone else does.

There’s a bargain out there waiting for you.

Australians love the theatre of a good sale; the planning, the bookmarking, the lines round the block and the bragging rights after the fact.

But in 2020 the pandemic saw many of us back away from our national pastime of a good bargain hunt. A recent survey by finder.com.au revealed a mere 27 per cent of us bought a mid-year discount treat back then.

This year, however, close to half of us are expected to hit the shops and bag a bargain when the mid-year sales kick off. Which means you have to be on your game if you want to grab the best deals before everyone else does.

“The best way to navigate a sale is to keep an eye on a brand you love and what you want to buy,” says Paula Cincotta, director and head of marketing at Oz Design Furniture.

Signing up to your preferred brands’ email databases will give you a heads-up about what’s in stock and also what’s likely to go on sale. It pays to be aware that in some stores the bargain items may be grouped together, but in others they may be scattered throughout the store, so it’s worth doing a thorough search to find the discount items others may have missed.

Or even pop in a day or two early so you know what part of the store to make a beeline for when the sales kick off.

“Often the products are set up in advance of the sale day,” says Paula.

Keep a close eye on the brands you love.

HOW TO ATTACK THE SALES

Paula suggests getting to your favourite store as early as possible to beat the rush.

“The best value bargains always go quickly,” she warns.

Jason Granziera, owner and principal stylist at Sage Styling agrees that research is key, as sometimes a bargain is not what it seems.

“I always jump online first and do a keyword or comparative name search on Google for whatever I’m looking for,” he says and he recommends we do the same.

“This will give you a great snapshot of what’s available in the market and the overall price range.

“Often a retailer can still be overpriced even when on sale.”

For example, a search for a similar style chair will often show stock at multiple retailers with minor differences in detail or finish and major differences in price. It’s worth checking to make sure the one you are planning to buy on sale is still the best value when you consider everything else that’s available across the market.

And remember that sometimes even the most impressive-looking bargains can come with a little sting in the tail in the form of a delivery fee.

“They can add significant costs to the purchase, especially for larger items,” says Paula. “Look out for – or ask – about free delivery. Or try to arrange to pick the piece up yourself.”

Style and substance from Oz Design Furniture.

BUY WHAT YOU NEED, NOT FOR THE PRICE

We’ve all been sucked into buying something we didn’t really need because it seemed like a steal.

The secret to shopping smarter when it comes to big-ticket sale items such as sofas and dining furniture, is to buy quality, the best you can afford within your price bracket.

First of all, says Jason, be sure that the item you are eyeing off meets your basic needs.

“Furniture that gets a lot of wear and tear needs to be comfortable and durable,” he says.

He also recommends you check what the warranty terms are and whether the construction of the piece is solid.

Oz Design’s Paula agrees. “With a sofa, look at what frame is used, what is supporting the seat comfort, whether it has webbing or a spring system, the construction of the seat cushions, the type of fabric, and whether it’s been tested to meet quality standards. Also look at the stitch details, zippers and arm detailing,” she says.

Similar rules apply to dining furniture.

“Look on the inside of drawer runners and how the pieces are finished inside and out,” she suggests. Other details to look out for include solid timbers versus veneer, paint finishes and the quality of mechanisms on things such as extension tables.

You can allow yourself to throw a bit more caution to the wind when buying smaller room styling pieces. With cushions, for example, “generally what you see is what you get,” says Paula.

But, warns Jason, it pays to remember that just because you fall in love with something and it’s a bargain, it doesn’t mean it’s something you really need.

You can take a chance when buying smaller pieces.

“Everyone gravitates to products they love; I have a weakness for armchairs and throws,” he says.

“Making a list of exactly what you need though will stop you impulse buying and keep you on track and, more importantly, on budget.”

You’ve likely heard of the concept of ‘cost per wear’ when it comes to fashion. The same theory applies to furniture and yes, homewares, too. For example, a leather couch may be expensive but if it lasts for 20 years or more (and it should), then it’s actually something of a bargain. Think of it as cost per sit — or even cost per use. The same goes for other big-ticket items such as dining tables, armchairs and even floor lamps.

These should be seen as investment pieces.

HOW TO SWEET-TALK A SALESPERSON

Sale time is a good time to see what offers or extras you might be able to score on top of the advertised price, but there are ways to go about it that will give you the best shot at success. Try these tips from psychologist Nancy Sokarno, of Australian online mental health and wellbeing counselling site Lysn.

Consider the salesperson

“Sounds counterintuitive but people who are most effective at influencing others are those who have mastered the art of creating win-win situations. For example, buying a slightly faulty item at a discount may mean the salesperson doesn’t have to go through the hassle of sending the item back or having it replaced. If you explain this, they might agree with you – and the price you suggest.”

Look out for what other offers or specials you might be able to score at the sales.

Start a dialogue

“Don’t jump in and ask for a best price right away. Ask about their day and open up a line of conversation. That will help them like and trust you (and hopefully give you a discount).”

Flattery gets you everywhere

“Making someone feel good about themselves may be all you need to get a bargain. You might be the first person who has bothered to be kind to that person all day.”