Six ways I save money by shopping in person

A brief stint in e-commerce customer service convinced Gemma, 33, that shopping on the high street was cheaper and more convenient than going online. Here’s how she saves money by shopping in person.

In my customer service days, I routinely saw parcels signed for by entities such as 'left plant' and 'outside', or simply 'left in secure location: bin'. Shopping in person can help your purchases avoid those fates – and might even save you some cash.

Trying things on

Awake at three in the morning with a sudden determination to compare and price up new jeans, I'll admit that online shopping, in this instance, is my only option.

Yet, I know I will ultimately have to see them in person and try them on for size to help make my final decision.

I could do this at home – if I were willing to pay for every pair I’m considering, plus delivery from several different retailers.

But while shopping in person may require time, transportation costs and occasionally stamina, it also allows you to try as many items in as many sizes as you’d like – totally free of charge.

Making returns

One of the queries I fielded most often in my customer service days was: 'Why is my refund missing £3?'

The return shipping label included with their packing slip hadn’t been for a free return – using it would incur a £3 deduction for postage from their total refund.

Understandably, customers were never happy about this. Retailers are increasingly moving away from free returns; the median cost to return an online order in the UK is £6.

After just three orders, you could end up spending nearly £20 on shipping alone – far more than a free in-store return (excluding travel costs).

Exercising restraint

I can’t pretend that bricks-and-mortar stores stop me from impulse purchasing, but they do give me a chance to look at everything really carefully – then walk away and think.

If I’m still thinking about something I saw a day or two later, and can imagine a number of ways I’d actually use or wear it, I’ll go back and take another look.

If it’s still as great as it seemed, I’ll go ahead and buy it. Ideally, it would also now be at a discount.

If it’s no longer in stock or not what I thought, then it wasn’t meant to be – and I’ll put the money towards my next find.

Waiting for deliveries

The one secret tip I can offer from my customer service days is that if you place your order early enough with standard shipping, it'll sometimes arrive on the next business day. That can save you the difference between standard and one-day shipping – from £1 to £12 or more.

However, if you really want your item as soon as possible and can easily get to a shop, purchasing in-store may often be quicker than waiting for a delivery, if the item's in stock.

Building relationships

A website isn’t concerned with building rapport and is unlikely to engage you in conversations about favourite fragrances or French New Wave films as you make your purchase.

It also can't necessarily host you at in-store events, hand you complimentary sparkling water or throw in complimentary gift wrapping of your purchase.

I know it’s all ultimately in aid of making more sales, but it’s nice to get little rewards when I qualify as a loyal customer at my favourite shops.

Wrapping it all up

Buying a bag at the shop will cost at least 10p – a small price to pay to feel fancy when carrying your purchase around, but more than the box included for free with most online orders.

Perhaps this gives online shopping a distinct money-saving edge – if you agree that there's no better cat toy than a new box.

Whatever you decide to do, look after your money. Chase's easy-access saver account lets you start saving with as little as you like.

18+, UK residents. A Chase current account is required to open a saver account.

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