A NEXT shopper has bagged a stunning garden set worth £1,420 for just £355 thanks to a secret trick.
The high street retailer is known for selling clothing, homeware, gardenware and accessories.
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One shopper managed to blag a garden corner sofa set for £1,065 less than what it was originally going for.
Posting in Facebook’s Extreme Couponing & Bargains group, she said: “Next have great sale on ex-display garden furniture.
“I got the Dorset garden furniture. £1,420 [was the] original price, £925 now online.
“It was £355 for the ex-display one and it’s immaculate. Worth a look if your local next has an outdoor part.”
Ex-display items are often sold at a discounted price but they should still be in excellent condition.
It might be that they were on display in the store window or used at showrooms.
They also may be cheaper because there may be no seller guarantee – so it’s always worth checking this before you buy.
Lysa Campbell, shopping expert and chief operating officer of Sook.com which offers pop-up spaces for retailers, said it’s up to the consumer to find end of line or ex-display pieces.
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She said an ex-display model won’t be available to purchase until the very last of the warehouse stock has been sold – therefore it’s often a matter of luck and timing.
She encouraged shoppers to ask store employees for help: “Staff in store should be on hand to point consumers in the right direction if there is any ex-display items available.
“But they tend to get snapped up fairly quickly. It’s best to ask for ex-demo or ex-display items that may now be reduced.”
Lisa added that while it depends on the store, these items aren’t necessarily hidden.
“Sofology for example, often has an area of the store (maybe upstairs), and all of their end of line /ex demo models are there.
“At Sook we believe that consumers, who despite purchasing a reduced price item are still investing a significant proportion of income in an item that will last for years, such as furniture or consumer electronics should have the same IRL ‘in real life’ opportunity to try/see/feel these products.”
Meanwhile, shopping expert Leione Lent said that people should also look online for ex-display products.
She said: “Many stores also offer ex-display items on their websites.
“A simple Google search for “ex-display products” will yield numerous options for you to explore.”
But she did warn shoppers to ensure wherever you’re buying from accepts no transactions for items and products sold on their website.
“Their focus is only to connect you with the sellers who sell ex-display and clearance goods.”
How else can I cut costs?
While sometimes high costs are unavoidable, there are ways shoppers can reduce spending.
For example, buying out of season is a great way to get discounts.
So buying summer clothes in winter and vice versa can get you some great deals.
Try planning what you’re after around big sales such as Cyber Monday or Black Friday can also cut costs.
If you plan ahead and know exactly what you want then it’ll make things easier.
Setting yourself a budget can also help.
Instead of splurging in something, be strict with what you can realistically spend and make sure you don’t go over that.
Always shop around for the best deal as you might be able to find it cheaper elsewhere.
Sign up to retailer’s newsletters as they’ll often offer discounts for subscribers.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
