Never Pay Full Price

Lifestyle + Spending
Written By SOTM Team

It’s Time to Shop Around, Why pay full price when you really, truly, absolutely don’t have to?

Brands want you to think those cute sneakers or that dreamy Dyson are worth every cent of the price tag. But in reality? There’s almost always a cheeky way to get it cheaper.

From cashback hacks to discount codes and even good old-fashioned haggling, here’s how to shop smarter, not harder.

🛒 1. Shop Second-Hand and Save Big

If you’re not already deep in the world of Depop, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, let this be your sign. You’ll find everything from designer handbags to barely-worn activewear, often for a fraction of the retail price.

  • Depop & Poshmark: Best for clothes, shoes, and accessories.

  • eBay: Great for tech, luxury items, and collectibles.

  • Marketplace: The wild west of bargains. Perfect for furniture, gym gear, or anything bulky.

And don’t sleep on local op shops or vintage markets. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re sustainable too.


💸 2. Cashback is Your New Bestie

Imagine getting paid to shop. That’s what cashback sites like ShopBack and Cashrewards do.

Here’s how it works:

  • Sign up (it’s free).

  • Click through the cashback site before you shop.

  • Earn a percentage of your purchase back as actual money.

Some stores offer up to 20% cashback. That’s literal money back in your pocket for buying what you were already going to buy.


✨ 3. Find a Discount Code (They’re Everywhere)

Never, ever check out without searching for a discount code first. Ever.

  • Use browser extensions like Honey that automatically search for and apply the best codes.

  • Search “[store name] + discount code” before you check out.

  • Sign up for newsletters. Brands often give 10-20% off for first-time customers.

Bonus tip: Abandon your cart and wait. Some stores will panic and send you a discount to tempt you back.


💬 4. Just Ask for a Better Deal

This one’s criminally underrated. You can ask for a discount, and a lot of the time, you’ll get one.

  • Shopping in-store? Ask if there’s a sale coming up, or see if they price match.

  • Booking accommodation? Call the hotel directly. They often offer a lower rate than third-party booking sites.

  • Buying tech or appliances? Haggle. Many retailers expect it and have a little wiggle room on pricing.

Worst-case scenario? They say no. Best case? You save $$$.


👯 5. Split the Cost With a Friend

Need something for a one-time event? Think formal dresses, camping gear, or even a fancy kitchen appliance you’ll use once a year.

  • Share the purchase with a mate or family member.

  • Rotate your wardrobes. If your friends wear the same size, set up a clothing swap instead of buying new.

📧 6. Email for a Discount (Yes, Really)

If you’re planning a big purchase, don’t be afraid to shoot your shot.

  • Be polite.

  • Tell them why you love their product.

  • Ask if they have any current promotions or if they can offer a first-time buyer discount.

It sounds bold, but brands are often more generous than you’d think — especially small businesses who appreciate the support.


💡 The Bottom Line?

Paying full price is cute, but paying less is cuter. With a little effort, you can save hundreds without cutting back on the things you love.

Shop around. Hunt for codes. Ask for deals. And when that smug “I got it on sale” moment hits? Trust us it’s gonna feel so good.

SOTM Team
Next

We Rebranded (And We’re So Excited To Share It With You)