Returns...can save you money

I am cheap, I am sure you have realized this by now!  Last week I went to the city an hour away from my house for a morning of shopping.  I wanted to hit up Value Village and Costco with a little visit to Walmart thrown in.

Have you seen the prices at Value Village lately? Holy Hannah they are high!  I was shocked at the prices of items now.  I was very selective there, and only spent $10 in items. I cashed in some of my loyalty points for 30% off. A trick that I do when shopping there with friends is taking turns redeeming the points discount. I rang my friend's items through first, then got a subtotal and added mine to the bill.

I don't know about you, but no matter how budget savvy I am, Costco breaks me down. I always walk through and think "if i don't buy it now, it won't be here" and pick up things that aren't on my list. My last visit was no exception. So, last Saturday I returned those impulse buys and got a refund of $103. I didn't need any of it.
Yet, I still bought things again I didn't need. For example, I picked up a lego friends set for my daughter. This will be returned on my next trip to Costco, she certainly doesn't need it. I came home and walked in the playroom and was reminded that enough lego is enough. It will be returned and $21 will be back in my pocket.

I then went to Marshalls to look at shoes. I found 2 lamps for my night side table that suit my decor perfectly. I bought them. When I got to the check out I was asked if I had a Marshalls or Winners loyalty card.  I asked if it was possible to purchase them on that day, and then return in my town at Winners and repurchase with my Winner's gift card that was home. The cashier said absolutely.  The following day I ran to Sobeys quickly, purchased a $50 gift card and added that to the balance I already had. Being that I run on gift cards, the money was already spent. I went to Winners and got a return of $68 and paid with my Winners Gift Card. Did I mention I love my lamps and had been looking for a pair?

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, or worth the effort to return items. But to us, it is worth $192 to make some returns. 

Join Guess Who's Cheap on Facebook and on Amazon A Guide to Collecting to Air Miles in Canada