Sale shopping made easy

2. Decode hidden discount codes

We know from previous experience that the majority of stores will have some sales event on after Christmas. However, we never know how much discount will be applied until we reach the shops, meaning more often than not our size is all sold out. Some high street stores such as NEXT and River Island code items before the sales have started. The Money Saving Expert suggests codes are written onto clothing tags before markdowns and can reveal secret sale prices. For instance, an item priced at £26 with a code S13 written alongside it means this will be £13 in the sale, while an £8 item marked G4, will become £4 in the transaction. Other codes to look out for include 015 meaning sale price £15 or 40E for £40.50 compared to 40A for £40 exactly. While these codes do not guarantee a specific sale price, they are useful to look out for, so you don’t buy something which will be in the sale at a later date.

3. Haggle your way into a more significant saving

While Lord Sugar may drive a hard bargain, it can be somewhat daunting to ask for a better deal in real life. The helpful online live chats that usually pop up in the corner of our computer screens can actually save us a few pounds. The best way of getting a further discount is to spark up a conversation asking for more details on the product, then ask the helper for additional coupons.

Experts have trialled this tip with several retailers such as Apple, Mac Cosmetics and Nike and while some didn’t budge, others like Nike took a further 10% off the price. This tip may require being a bit brave and won’t always end with any better offers, but we believe it’s better to try for that new deal than miss out on it.