When my husband and I got married, we packed up most of my stuff from my parent's home and drove down to Kisumu, where he lived and worked at the time. That is when it really sunk in that we were married. After the luxurious wedding and the honeymoon abroad, it was time to build our home together. Starting with turning what used to be my husband's bachelor pad into a family home. This took time, patience and shopping. Lots and lots of shopping, because we wanted to replace everything and start afresh.
This post is meant to give you a head start. If you are shopping for your home, here are some tips to give you guidance so you get the best bargain. Plus, the best advice I got from my mother.
Decide together how much you are prepared to spend, before you go out shopping. And stick to the budget.
Always have a shopping list of things you need and things you want for planning purposes. When ready to shop, go to the mall armed with the list and stick to it.
Compare, compare, compare. Go to three of four shops before you purchase something to compare prices, quality and other benefits life free shopping. When my husband and I were shopping for our couch, fridge and carpet among other stuff, we browsed through different malls for weeks before we were ready to make the purchase. This gave us the confidence that we bought the best at the best prices.
Ask for add-ons. What sort of extras would be relatively painless for the seller to offer instead of a discount? They might not be willing to budge on price, but might be willing to throw in free installation, delivery, carry cases or optional upgrades.
Consider the venue. In most cases, the prices in large stores are fixed, whereas smaller stores and family-owned shops are more conducive to bargaining.
Point out defects. This is one of the few negotiation tactics that can also work in large department stores where bargaining usually isn’t on the table. If a piece of clothing has a tear and you know you could mend it on your own, bring it to the cashier and ask if they are willing to give you the clearance price (since that’s likely where the item will end up otherwise anyway). This can also work if you are willing to accept a store model item instead of a sealed product. If the store is nearing the end of its run on a product, they may be willing to sell the store model at a lower price since it will have some wear and tear from being on display.
Try to buy undamaged pieces and avoid anything that has been poorly repaired to avoid extra costs. This applies when buying a home, a car or any other second-hand or used item. You risk incurring repair cost going upwards of the price of a brand new item.
Buy something you really like, not just things you think are bargains. You will have to see it in your home everyday for years possibly.
If you buy electrical equipment, including lights, iron boxes e.t.c. make sure it is tested at the shop to ensure it works. Some shops or supermarkets do not have a good return policies.
Follow your favorite stores on social media for easy access to special offers, hot sale alerts and contests that aren't advertised anywhere else! Shops like odds & ends, tiles and carpets, advertise their sales on social media.
And most importantly, make all the choices together. My mother told me this as I was parking up to leave my childhood home. She said a home’s character isn’t limited to unique furniture pieces, charming accessories, or original hardwood flooring. It is the culmination of the homeowners expression within its walls. It’s the way we add life to an otherwise empty shell. It’s what makes our homes personal. Making these choices together is what will make you feel great when you come home.
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