Shops are no strangers to using clever sales tactics to make you part ways with your cash.
From fake price reductions to the order items are placed on shelves, there are a whole host of marketing tactics shoppers need to be aware of.
Being price conscious is especially important with both Black Friday and Christmas just around the corner.
New research suggests Brits could use their £200billion saved up during lockdown to splash out on the sales and festive season this year.
To help you avoid a dud deal, here are five clever sales tactics shops use.
Nicolas Finet, chief marketing officer of Sortlist, said: “Trust is everything when it comes to the relationship between consumers and marketers, and even business owners.
“If your marketing strategy or ‘ploy’ is lighthearted, fun and tasteful, often people will respond well.
“Manipulative or sneaky marketing can not only damage your businesses reputation but will damage the trust between you and your customers and in turn, damage sales.”
Creating a sense of urgency
You've most likely been in a store or shopped online and seen signs that say “hurry up while stock last” or that a deal is for a super limited time.
But most of the time, this is merely to create a buzz and a feeling of urgency - and to make you feel like you might miss out.
You should still take the time to ask yourself if you really need that product, and check prices to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Supermarket comparison websites like Trolley can help you compare prices - but it's also smart to shop around yourself.
What are you favourite ways to save in the shops? Let us know in the comments below.
Cunning layout of products
Ever wondered why products are arranged that way on the selves of stores?
Shops will generally put the items they want you to buy in the middle shelves - in eye level - so you're more likely to see them.
The top shelves are generally designated for less well-known names and low shelves are for the almost unknown.
Toys for youngsters are often found on the lowest shelves too, so kids can see them.
False price reductions
Prices of goods will naturally rise and fall over time, but some shops have been known to put up prices just before a sale to make an impending reduction look even better than it actually is.
Of course, that's not to say all sale items aren't actually a genuine offer.
The only way to be sure is to use a price tracker website like PriceSpy to see historical price changes.
We've also got a guide on how to avoid fake price reductions here.
Pricing items 1p less on purpose
It isn't uncommon to see items that cost £9.99 instead of £10, or £29.99 instead of £30.
By reducing the price of an item by just 1p, it generally looks cheaper than if the shop had rounded it up to the next pound equivalent.
But the reality is, 1p isn't going to make much difference to their sales - but it'll most likely attract more people into thinking they're getting a cheaper price than they really are.
Shopping cart size
When you shop using a trolley rather than a basket, you are likely to spend more money - in fact, on average 40% more than anticipated.
This is because you've got room to carry more items and are less likely to think about what you're placing in a trolley, compared to a basket.
To save cash, always stick to a basket where you can.
