With the cost of living steadily increasing, shoppers across the country will be looking for ways to not go over budget when they are at their favourite store or supermarket.
Despite being cautious on spending, it can sometimes feel a little to easy to part with your cash when you are on the high-street or out getting your weekly grocery shop.
That's why a consumer expert has shared a number of clever tips for shoppers to keep in mind to make sure they are not falling into any retail traps.
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, described his top ten tips that will have you shopping a bit smarter and keeping the pennies in your pocket.
He said: "It’s easy to end up spending money you didn’t intend on parting with when you’re visiting the supermarket or looking around in high street stores, and often these purchases are due to the tactics implemented by these big brands.
Here are some of the biggest tricks these shops don’t want you to know about, and how to avoid falling prey to them."
Take a look at the consumer expert's top ten tips below;
Check for coupons
The consumer expert said it is best to check for any coupons at the start and end of each month, as the extra effort can sometimes result in the best savings.
It's also worth checking a store's supermarket policy, as Tesco's coupon policy currently states that, not only are they happy to accept branded product coupons, they will also accept internet coupons as long as the terms and conditions have been met and it has a barcode.
Tom also says that it is worth checking any newspapers, magazines and junk emails for any potential coupons that you can use on your next shopping trip.
Most shoppers tend to find coupons and vouchers uploaded at either the beginning or end of each month.
Haggle for lower prices
Cashiers often have the power to give a 10 per cent discount at check-outs, which is why the consumer expert advises it's worth negotiating the prices.
To make it easier, check any potential items for marks or defects that you can raise with cashiers to end up with a lower price than originally marked at.
Also, if an item you paid full price for ends up on sale soon after, you can ask for the difference in price by keeping the receipt confirming your full price purchase.
Crack codes on labels for sales
This is a trick that quite a few shoppers are becoming clever with and it's something the consumer expert has said is worth keeping an eye out for when you're next in-store.
If you've ever seen a hand scribbled code on an item in places such as Next, Dorothy Perkins and River Island, chances are that it is about to go on sale.
Tom comments: "For example, if you see a top on sale for £30 and its label has a 17 scribbled on it, chances are it will be on sale for £17 very soon.
"I recommend taking a photo of the item so you don’t forget what it looks like, then going back in a few days or weeks. You may be able to bag a huge discount just by playing the waiting game."
Another tip is to check for Winter clothes when the Summer sales are beginning - and vice versa - as quite a few stores pop on red stickers for stock that needs to be cleared.
Use comparison apps
If you've got shopping apps, then remember to enable the push notifications as you will be made aware of any upcoming deals.
For example, the Amazon and B&M app allows shoppers to scan the barcodes on items to see if prices are cheaper than what they are currently marked as on shelves.
The expert advises shoppers to check out more than one shopping app, especially if you're looking for something in particular, as it will stop the temptation to buy it for the first price you see.
To save time, Tom recommends the Supermarket Comparison Tool.
Shop around for longer guarantees on electrical items
TVs and laptops are quite pricey investments, which is why it is worth shopping around for longer guarantees so they are protected in the long-run.
Tom says: "For example, the standard electrical item guarantee is one year, but if you shop at John Lewis you will get a two year guarantee.
"What’s more, if you find a cheaper item elsewhere, you can get not only a price match but the guarantee of that product applied."
The expert says shoppers can look up the ‘John Lewis Never Knowingly Undersold policy’ and click on the ‘Claim a price match’ button, where they can upload photo proof before waiting for the price to be verified.
Check high and low for cheaper products
Now, we know it can be tempting to just grab items from the shelf closest to you whenever you are in a supermarket or store, but chances are you're missing out on some bargains.
The consumer expert highlights that supermarkets will place more expensive products at eye-level, while the cheaper options tend to be a bit more out of reach.
Tom comments: "Just by taking a few moments to stretch, bend or ask someone for help, you could gain access to some major savings.
"Plus, beware of your kids putting items they’ve taken a shine to in your trolley - stores have most likely placed these products at their eye level, banking on them pestering their parents into buying them!"
Don’t Fall Prey To Decision Fatigue Purchases
Have you ever felt like you've just been on a mission when you are at the checkout and you feel like going into auto pilot? That's when you're more likely to make impulsive choices at the till, according to the consumer expert.
Tom advises shoppers to try and stay away from the little shelves at the checkout as they are designed to make you part with your cash.
Also, keep an eye on the literal spotlighted items, as he warns shoppers that supermarkets will increase artificial lighting on these items to make you feel more awake and engaged into a purchase.
Stick to your shopping list
It's the simplest and oldest trick in the book of money-saving, but it's one of the best ways to avoid any of the clever tips and tricks from supermarkets.
Tom warns shoppers that store layouts are not random and are in fact designed so that shoppers will have shop around for the essentials, meaning they are more likely to pick up purchases from other aisles.
Avoid these extra costs by just heading to the aisles that you need for you list.
He also advises shoppers to avoid any special deals in stand-alone sections which are brighter than the rest of the store.
Time your shopping online and in-store
When it comes to in-store shopping, the consumer expert says that shopping early is the best time to get the best deals in certain supermarkets.
Both Aldi and Argos are known for early morning deals with their shoppers - so, set your alarm for these ones.
Alternatively, with online shopping it can be better to wait, as abandoning your shopping can lead to a retailer enticing you with a discount or incentive to complete your purchase.
Tom says these little incentives from online retailers tend to come about after two days of abandoning your online basket.
Follow social media and sign up for newsletters
In this modern digital society, one of the best places to check for any upcoming sales or discounts is either Facebook or Instagram feeds.
Tom says that shoppers can keep an eye on these channels as they are the first place that retailers update with any new information that may be useful.
He also says that shoppers should be signing up for newsletters from favourite stores, as then you'll be able to get insider information and bigger discounts.
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