• Discount shopping doesn't have to be tedious.veggie stand image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Shopping fills various needs, from providing entertainment and relaxation to necessity. However, too much retail fun can lead to budgetary overspending if you are not careful. An effective way to still be able to shop and not break the bank is discount shopping. Discount or bargain shopping zeros in on the sales, discounts and markdowns at stores. In addition to saving money, it helps you get the best deal for your money.
  
  

Do Your Research

• Before setting out on your shopping journey, it's best to research which stores have the best deals. Researching may sound tedious but it doesn't take very long. One of the most effective ways to find sales is by word of mouth. Simply asking family and friends can lead to many shopping finds. Taking a look at store ads can also tell you which store has the best prices that week. Many stores have their ads on their website. The Federal Trade Commission suggests checking to see if the store matches prices with other retailers. That will save you time and multiple trips.
  
  

Shop Early

• Discount shopping is an example of the early bird getting the worm adage. During the mornings, bargains and discounts are put on store shelves to make room for new items. As the day goes on, most of the best clearance items are bought up. Additionally, since there are less people in the store in the morning, you will have to walk around and really search out discounts in the store. This is also an opportunity to ask sales associates, produce managers, or butchers when the store will put items you want on sale. Store traffic is usually slower early in the day, giving staff time to answer your questions and give you tips.
  
  

Use Patience

• You may need to have a little patience when you are discount shopping. Occasionally, stores will run out of an item or not stock enough of an item that is on sale. Don't feel dismayed. Ask for a rain check every time this happens. Rain checks can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month. Rebecca Barnes of Good Housekeeping also suggests verifying that the rain check states how many items you are allowed to purchase at this price. Patience is also needed when the items you want aren't on sale. Learning a store's sales cycles and waiting for the price drop will allow you to get the best deal. Stores may mark down items after they have been on the floor for a couple of weeks or a month.