Budget shopping Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

How Do Dollar Stores Make Money?

From ValuDollar to Daiso, how do these budget stores make profits from their extremely low prices? Is it by selling volumes over pricing? Or is it because they offer knockoffs?

Here are several reasons why budget stores can still survive!

#1: NEARING ITS END

The shockingly low prices offered by the budget store might be due to the expiration dates of its products. While S$1 for a liter of soda sounds too good to be true, you must be vigilant when it comes to its lifespan.

You get to purchase a product for an insanely low price and the budget store gets rid of a stock that they would otherwise throw away. It is a win-win situation. This strategy is not limited to budget stores alone. Many supermarkets and bakeries slash their prices as they close for the day.

Minor defects in the packaging may also contribute to the low prices. A small dent on a soap bar or a small tear on a box can contribute to its lower cost. Do not judge the item by its cover! Sometimes, the savings outweigh the appearance.

#2: REDUCING ITS SIZE

There is truth to the saying that size matters. Interestingly, retailers can mask the true cost of their products by changing its sizes. Some dollar store items are small samples sold for a dollar or less. This way, the retailer makes more money with each dollar you spend.

#3: SELLING THE OFF-BRANDS

Have you ever tried the Tim Tam chocolates biscuits from ValuDollar and noticed the significant difference in taste and packaging? I have! Well, this occurs because it is not from the original company itself! You see, dollar stores typically import items from other countries to get cheaper alternatives.

For instance, they may import Tim Tam biscuits made from Indonesia instead of importing it from the root source – Arnott’s Australia. This does not mean that the alternative is fake or inedible. It could just mean that the ingredients used for the off-brand biscuit varies and are typically of lower quality. Do a taste test and compare it to the supermarket’s Tim Tam to see for yourself!

#4: WINNING THE GREY MARKET

What are Grey Market products? For starters, Grey Market products are sold outside the authorized distribution channels by retailers which may have no relationship with the manufacturer of the products. Let us simplify things with an illustration!

Say that a laundry detergent distributor in Singapore sold its stocks to supermarkets such as FairPrice and Cold Storage. However, this distributor has extra stocks. How can it maximize its profits? It reached out to Grey Market dealers to offer its goods at heavily discounted prices. This is why dollar stores can get a hold of the same products and sell it cheaper than the rest!

Image Credits: Flickr Creative Commons via Random Retail

Be a smart shopper! Just because a store has the word “budget” or “dollar” in its name does not mean that you are getting a good deal. In fact, it is likely that you are paying more at a dollar store for certain products that you can find at supermarkets. On the other hand, you must discern whether a product (such as a toothbrush) can be better acquired in a budget store. Keep these in mind the next time you shop!

Sources: 1 & 2

Awesome MUJI Hacks You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

For the past few decades, Japanese brands had been circulating the worldwide market. Valuing their historical significance, contemporary influence, and innovative style, Japan never seize to amaze its consumers. Myself included. Personally, there is one Japanese brand close to my heart and it is called MUJI.

MUJI’s products are not only simple but also efficient. Most of their products are practical such as the “CT LINEN POLY SOFT BOX OBLONG“, a foldable fabric storage box for only S$13.

Curated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., MUJI upholds the philosophy of bringing quality products at lower prices. This is because of their intensive selection for raw materials. A testament of that are their stationery items including office supplies, packaging items, acrylic storage, desktop items, and handphone accessories with prices ranging from S$0.90-S$49.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Given that their prices are reasonable, you can still save further by using these tips:

1. SHOP ONLINE WITH CUPONATION

CupoNation has a huge database of the coupon codes and deals across Singapore. If you browsed through their coupon codes and discounted deals for MUJI this September 2015, you would see that you might avail the following offers in MUJI’s online store:

a. 10% on Women’s Linen products

b. 10% OFF + Free Delivery on Selected Travel Items

c. 10% OFF on Spring Accessories

d. 10% OFF on Kids Linen products

e. 10% OFF on Men’s Linen items

2. GO DIRECTLY TO THE SALE ITEMS PAGE

If you are shopping in a rush, you may skip CupoNation but go directly to the “SALE ITEMS” page. In this page, you would see that there are two types of special offers namely: sale items and limited offers. As the name suggests, limited offers are available for a shorter period of time compared to the sale items.

Let me be the good messenger as I tell you that the sale items boast in an array of clothing articles such as French Linen Boat Neck Dress for S$48.30 (U.P. S$69) and Linen Cropped Easypants for S$34.30 (U.P. S$49.00). While, the limited offers include the Gel Ink Pens for S$1.44 (U.P. S$1.60) and the Ochiwata Duster Set for S$7.47 (U.P. S$8.30).

3. SPEND AN AFFORDABLE AMOUNT ON UNIQUE, QUIRKY, AND COOL ITEMS

Feeling adventurous does not have to be expensive! You can save money on unique, quirky, and cool authentic Japanese items by shopping at MUJI. For instance, you may try their selection of special and tasty snacks and desserts such as white chocolate strawberry, scallop rice kit, and pretzel mustard.

Also, dig into the cool and innovative items such as the “HANDY SHREDDER” which is a stand-alone portable shredder for your everyday use. It is available for S$11.

Image Credits: www.muji.com.sg

4. FOLLOW THE DEALS

It can be overwhelming when you go inside the store. So, come prepared by stalking them on social media. Get the inside scoop of their store activities, product launches, and latest deals by following facebook.com/muji.sg.

Currently, the revamped Paragon outlet include the first Café&Meal MUJI as well as the following in-store deals:

Image Credits: facebook.com/muji.sg

Perfect Places To Buy The Cheapest Perfume And Other Fragrances In Singapore

Singapore is a haven not only for food or gadget lovers but also for the fashionistas! It seems that the country offers some of the cheapest branded goods in Asia. That being said, most of the tourists that come to the Lion City are in search of the best fragrances available. Ease your search by checking out this list:

1. CHANGI AIRPORT

Fragrances in Changi Airport are cheaper that the rest because they are free of tax. They have a wide range of designer brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Bvlgari, Burberry, Elizabeth Arden, Karl Lagerfeld, and Calvin Klein. Furthermore, there are ongoing specials that you cannot resist such as the S$25.50 ACCA KAPPA fragrance!

You can save more than S$19 by buying the Calvin Klein’s CK Free that is priced at S$45.85 (U.P. S$65.50). Also, one of the best-selling brands out there – Davidoff Cool Water is now priced at S$45.57 (U.P. S$65.10).

2. MUSTAFA CENTRE

This list would not be complete without the only 24-hour shopping center in Singapore called Mustafa Centre. Famed for its bargain prices, shops at Mustafa Centre offer an array of product selections. If you are buying fragrances in bulk, go to Level 1. There, you will find different fragrances, household items, books, cosmetics, electronics, shoes, watches, and so much more.

Image Credits: Fabio Achilli via Flickr

Because of the competitive prices in Mustafa, most would go there to buy in extremely large quantities in order to increase their savings.

3. LUCKY PLAZA

Nestled in the bustling Orchard Road, is a hub for affordable products called Lucky Plaza. While most of the shops along the road are catering to high-end customers, Lucky Plaza is unique as it speaks to the hearts of the budget shoppers. Mostly on the ground floor, you will find varieties of perfumes that are available at the lowest prices. The branded fragrances are cheaper than most because you can purchase them in sample sizes. If you are undecided or are adventurous in your selection then, it is the ideal place for you!

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/Dollars-Scent-Singapore/215765261882750?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

Friendly reminders, get the best deal by politely asking if you can bargain for the price. Then, always ask the total price of the purchase including the GST.

4 Most Fashionable Shopping Places Fit For The Student’s Budget

Polytechnic and University students are generally not required to wear uniforms. Although, that does not mean that you come to school with slippers, singlets, and miniskirts. You still have to look fashionable, poised, and appropriate at all times. Looking for shops that are friendly to a student’s budget may be tough but not if you know where to shop. Start with this list…

1. FAR EAST PLAZA

Any student with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! From shoes, to tops, and even manipedis – Far East Plaza has it all for you.

My favorite shop for clothes is the BlogShopping at level 1 because it combines various famed online shops in one (physical) store. SetApart, WonderStellar, VogueAvenue, and Love x Theory are just some of the brands they carry. The prices for their clothes range from S$19-30.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/BlogShopping/214479001950446?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

While for shoes, I recommend Covet and Plain Jane shoes at level 1. They offer stylish shoes for as low as S$10.

2. *SCAPE

This list will not be complete without mentioning *Scape Underground. *Scape Underground is filled with online or blogshops that sell their items at the cheapest prices. Unique accessories for as low as S$5 – can be found here. If you are lucky, you can chance upon ELF or NYX cosmetics that retails for as low as S$3. Nonetheless, inexpensive yet cool phone cases will always be available there.

3. ZALORA

Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women. If you are a student who loves to be decked out in flashy bling then, you are in lock. ZALORA is currently having up to 50% off on their items so; their rings and ear studs can be purchased for as low as S$2-3!

4. THE EDITOR’S MARKET

Probably one of the most fashion forward shops with prices ranging from S$20-50, The Editor’s Market is minimalist, hip, and chic. Certainly, it perfectly exudes the youthful vibe! Whenever I am here, it is impossible to not find something I like.

The catch is: if you purchase two or more items, you get to save even higher! So, if you are planning to purchase here, it is best to grab a trusted friend along to guide you and lower down your total receipt. Their stores are located at Cathay Cineleisure and Orchard Central.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theeditorsmarket

Chinese New Year is around the corner, here are 3 places you can shop for cheap clothing

As Chinese New Year approaches, there is an increasing traffic in malls and online stores where the latest designs of outfits get snapped up in a jiffy. Many are having a headache on where to get trendy outfits without burning a hole in their pockets. In addition, many prefer to wear red, the auspicious colour, during their visits, which adds on to the difficulty to land your hands on suitable clothing for the festival. The trend of traditional costumes has returned and cheongsams have made their comeback. Many stores have brought in beautiful designs and colours and displayed their cheongsams proudly. However, most of them come with exorbitant prices due to the demand and supply during this period of time.

As the belief goes, one should wear brand new clothes, shoes and accessories when celebrating the first day of the lunar new year as it represents a prosperous new beginning. As much as we wish to have a brand new start to the new year, finding suitable new clothes could be a real pain in the neck, especially clothes that are budget-friendly and deemed auspicious. This is especially when you are someone who has to visit traditional seniors who would be particular about the colours of the outfit as well as how conservative you should look. Since different people have different demands for different kinds of outfits, here are 3 places you can shop for a wide variety of cheap clothing!

Bugis Village

(Image credit: missterfaith.blogspot.com)

Bugis Village is a very popular place for young people to shop at. That is because they sell many imported products from Thailand and Taiwan where they are cheap and trendy. The clothing are up-to-date and they have a wide variety for you to choose from. Although the area could be cramp and extremely crowded, jostling through the crowd would be completely worth it when you scavenge for the best deals in town. Many of the stalls sell almost the same thing, which means that the sales competition would be steep. Prices could go as low as $8 per clothing where they can get cheaper if you bought more and you can even bargain in some of the shops. It is a 3-storey building so if you are unable to find what you want in the first floor, you can always go upstairs where it is usually less crowded and you can comb the area at your own time. In addition, between the shops are food and beverage stalls where you can take a break and munch on your favourite street snack from all around the world. My personal favourite would be the ‘I Love Taimei’ stall (located at the first floor at the back facing Waterloo Street, they have several other branches as well) where I can sip on flavourful milk tea and munch on crispy aromatic fried chicken as I browse the items.

City Plaza

(Image credit: jpaem.blogspot.com)

Many people know City Plaza to be a rundown building located somewhat opposite Payar Lebar and it functions as a wholesale centre, but not many people know that there are actually many hidden gems inside. Although the building consists mainly of suppliers, they are actually boutiques and if you were to enter any of the shops, most of them would give you reasonable prices should you ask them. They do not just do wholesale but they also sell clothing piece by piece for walk-in customers. Many online stores attain their stocks from here and don’t be surprised that the products sold there are very up-to-date and of pretty good quality! If you are looking for better bargains, it would be best to go with a big group of friends or family so that you can buy in bulk and buy everything at a way better deal.

Fleas & Blog shops

(Image credit: sg.asia-city.com/)

The last option would be to go to any flea organised by blogshops. Many would think that fleas are where people sell their used items at a cheaper price. However, many online stores have taken this path of selling their items in fleas so that their customers can not just come down to collect their ordered items, but also to gain recognition and trust in their buyers. Due to the low rental costs, products can be sold at a more affordable price. In addition, they also sell a wide variety of products so not only do you buy clothes, you can also buy watches, shoes and even hats from there. There has been many fleas organised around Singapore, and more have appeared since it is the Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year period. One of the prominent ones would be the Scape flea where every weekend there would be many venders who set up booths right outside Scape at Orchard Road. Other up and coming fleas include those organised by Three Blind Mice, where they pool famous bloggers and popular online stores to sell their merchandise. The latest flea was held at Triple One Somerset and even City Plaza itself. More details can be found in their website: http://threeblindmice.com.sg/

If you have a busy schedule and don’t want to escape the crowd, why not shop online? There are many blog shops in Singapore and as they operate online without the brick and mortar store, they can pass on the cost-savings to the customers. Popular one includes brands like Love Bonito, MDS Collections, Mich Sara and Love & Bravery.

Blog shops also update their inventory regularly to bring in the latest trendy fashion often curated by tastemakers. For example, for the month of Chinese New Year, Mich Sara carries a range of Chinese New Year’s collection that is not only fashionable but also of high quality.

We hope we have given you sufficient tips to prepare for the Chinese New year! Non-Chinese friends should also come along to experience the hustle of the festival. All the best in attaining your last minute loots!

Bugis Village

City Plaza

Fleas & Blog shops

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