The Philippine Online Chronicles

Payday weekends and three-day holidays always ensure one Filipino shopping experience that is as indelible as bargain shopping is to most Pinoys: SM three-day sales. To the less fashion savvy, SM sales are to be avoided like plagues, but cunning bargain hunters know better. Not only do you get unbelievable shopping deals at SM sales, these three-day events are also a mecca for items that you couldn’t afford on regular days. However, the hoards of people, the traffic jams, and the less than comfortable shopping episodes are enough to turn anyone off from stepping near any SM branch during their mall-wide sales. No Filipino should miss out on this great shopping event, and to make sure of that, here are some tips that are surefire ways to help you to survive SM three-day sales.

Plan for anything. A huge part of making your bargain hunting less stressful is planning.  Have a game plan. Make a list of the stores you want to hit first and take note of what you plan to buy. Remember that a lot of people will be going to these sales so having a shopping plan will make it easier for you to make a beeline for what you want to buy.

Timing is of the essence. SM mall-wide sales usually run from Friday to Sunday, during payday weekends or long holidays. If you can, be at the mall on Friday instead of Saturday or Sunday. Saturdays attract the most crowds as most people are off from work on this day, while on Sundays, the majority of the good stuff may be sold out by the time you get there. Morever, the later you wait, the less likely you are to find clothes in your size.

Always have cash on hand. An influx of people may cause mechanical problems to credit card machines, cashiers, and ATMs. You wouldn’t want to spend more time lining up at an ATM than shopping, would you?

Wear comfortable clothing. A sensible SM sale outfit is made up of a comfortable t-shirt that is easy to take off and put on, a strapless bra for trying on sleeveless clothes, jeans or shorts that are comfortable to walk in, and flip-flops that do not require you to lace on and off when fitting shoes.

Also keep in mind that most stores do not allow you to fit their wares during sales. The best you can do is put clothes on over your t-shirt. For that, wear a t-shirt or a sleeveless top that is thin enough to go under any clothing. If you’re going to buy jeans, wear flip-flops or slip-ons with a little bit of heel to see how you look in it.

Know your size. A lot of people will be looking for the same things as you do, so be one up by knowing your size and avoiding the long queue to the fitting room.

Keep an eye on credit card deals. SM malls usually have tie-ins with credit card companies and offer great deals such as rebates and freebies. It is okay to take advantage of these promos, but remember that these are no reasons to overspend.

Be smart with discount rates. Do not be deceived by signs and posters offering big discounts. Always compute the final price after the discount. If you still can’t afford the item’s discounted price, reconsider.

Compromise and be creative. One of the reasons why establishments hold sales is to sell overruns and unsellable items. Although most things on sale are out of season and/or slightly damaged, some of these may still be worth a second look. Keep an eye for scratches, dents, loose stitching, and missing accessories and see if it will change the overall quality of the item. If you can get the item refurbished at lower price then go for it! But forget about it if patching up a hole will cost you more than the discounted price.

Also be mindful of "As Is" or "No Return" policies when it comes to sale items, as a good number of these are nonrefundable.

Focusing on sizing instead of colors, styles, and cuts will make it easier for you to sort through the discount pile. If you can’t find anything in your size, then focus on styles. You can alter the material to make it fit you.

Stay on budget! Sales can be overwhelming and irresistible, but can also be deceptive. It’s easy to lose yourself in racks and racks of discounted clothes, thinking that you’re saving a lot. Think again. At the end of the day, these discount prices can add up, making you spend more than you intend to.

Buy in moderation and don’t just buy items because they are on sale; buy them because you need them and they are valuable investments in your wardrobe.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to dig in! Sift through racks, piles, baskets, and even boxes for clothes, shoes, accessories, and what-have-yous. You’ll never know what you’re going to find.

Americans get Boxing Day and Black Friday once every year; We Filipinos, however, get SM sales all year round AND in different malls! So take advantage of this great opportunity and shop, shop, shop!

Huge and Minute @ SM Mall of Asia, Philippines by donblimey and SM Megamall Activity Center by dodongflores, c/o Flickr. Some rights reserved.