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The 9 Types of Bargain Shoppers (Which Are You? We're Totally #5)

There is an art to bargain shopping — and art is subjective.

woman displaying sale paper bag
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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There are plenty of ways to be a bargain shopper and get ahead financially.

But some types of bargain shopping might work better for you than others.

Find out if one of these types of bargain shopping fits you best. Knowing your style can help you figure out new ways to maximize savings.

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The Researcher

Jadon B/peopleimages.com/Adobe Reading on a laptop

Sometimes, the best deals come to those with the patience to wait and find the biggest bargains.

Researching allows you to figure out exactly what type of features you want on a television or the best options for a car. Understanding these “wants” can help you narrow your search and find the best options for the least amount of money.

Compare stores to find the best deal on your specific item. It’s an easy way to boost your bank account.

The Negotiator

dikushin/Adobe Two people negotiating

Negotiating can be a good tactic when you suspect the number on the price tag isn’t set in stone.

In some cases, you might find extra savings by asking for a lower price. Or you might negotiate extras that can be added at no cost, such as a free warranty.

Just remember that when negotiating, you have to be willing to compromise or walk away if you don’t get the deal you want.

The Window Shopper

LStockStudio/Adobe Young woman in shopping

You might keep a running list of the items you want, such as a shirt you like or a computer you need. It’s good to have a list of things you want to buy at some point down the road.

A window shopper has to pack some patience and wait for the item they want to go on sale so they can lock in the best deals. If you do this well, you can save plenty of cash.

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The Coupon Clipper

Scott Griessel/Adobe beautiful latina woman with coupons

Coupon clippers have been around for a long time. Today, there are plenty of couponing options that can help you save cash.

It’s important to remember that stores may have different policies when it comes to couponing. For example, some allow stacking of coupons, while others do not.

The App User

flowertiare/Adobe woman cashier scanning qr code

Some stores have pushed coupons to the wayside in exchange for loyalty programs that you can access when you download their phone app.

Remember to check your app for special sales, freebies, or birthday treats for additional savings that can add up.

The Clearance Shopper

Dan Dalton/KOTO/Adobe sale tag in clothing store

Clearance racks can be great options for finding those perfect pieces at the ideal price.

A clearance shopper isn’t afraid of finding clothing that may be out of season or food that will expire next week.

You can get great deals on fashion, food, and more when you check out the clearance rack instead of defaulting to looking for full-priced items.

The BOGO Shopper

terovesalainen/Adobe Customer holding price tag

Why settle for one item when you can get two?

BOGO shoppers love to find those “buy one, get one free” deals on everything from food to school items for the kids, home essentials, and more.

Don’t be afraid to really stock up on those deals when they come along. It could double your excitement.

The Bulk Buyer

Liubomir/Adobe Woman shopping in supermarket

Stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club can help you stock up on staples for your home.

Buying in bulk can be more expensive initially. After all, you might end up buying 12 cans of soup at once instead of just one or two. But you could save some extra cash when you break down the per-unit cost.

One thing to consider with bulk buying is whether you have the ability to store bulk items once you get them home. A small fridge or non-existent cabinet space may not be ideal for bulk buying.

The Store-Brand Loyalist

Kawee/Adobe Man and woman grocery shopping

Store brands cost less than name-brand items, but in many cases, they are just as good or better than their costlier rivals.

Being loyal to store brands can help you save plenty of cash on everyday items at places such as Target, Walmart, Costco, and other retailers.

In fact, a great Costco hack is to buy items from its Kirkland Signature store brand line that can help you save extra cash.

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Bottom line

Krakenimages.com/Adobe Man talking on smartphone

You can choose to be whatever kind of bargain shopper you want to be. Just remember to find the right shopping style for you to maximize your odds of success.

Using these bargain-hunting techniques can improve your financial fitness by helping you to save money nearly every time you shop.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.