personal care items before frugality
I just wanted to share a suggestion of a victory that I experienced today. On
my way out to have breakfast with my girlfriends two things happened.
One, I was looking in my medicine cabinet and saw two facial cleansers which I
bought before I became frugal six months ago. I was disgusted with the fact
that I spent so much money and the cleansers irritated my skin. Instead of
throwing them away, I took them with me and decided to explain the disgust to
the manager of the store. To my surprise, even though the products were half
used, over six months old and I didn't have the original packaging or receipts,
the manager provided me a store credit. I was able to purchase $96.00 worth of
personal products. Armed with coupons and a sales flyer, I shopped for $96.00
of merchandise. I have enough shampoo, soap, makeup, etc. etc. to last me at
least 6 months. Additionally, I was able to purchase three birthday gifts.
The store manager couldn't believe how many purchases I was able to make for
the return! I wouldn't mind paying money for a "out-of-this-world" facial
product if it actually worked, but I haven't found one that does anything
that's "out-of-this-world".
Second, I called my girlfriends and explained that I had a coupon at a
particular bagel restaurant. They accommodated my request, and I ended up
getting enough bagels for a week of breakfast and enjoyed the time with my
friends all for under $4.00. It didn't inconvenience them and we had a great
time.
Don't believe for a minute that the good use of commonsense and coupons don't
add up after awhile.
I never knew you could return cosmetics. Now that I know, you better
believe I'll do it if I have a problem in the future.
A little off the topic but in the years before I became more frugal I
used to order things from infomercials that would promise you the
world. Thing is, they gave you that 30 day, no questions asked
guarantee. I'm sure they figured few people would return the diet
product or skin care line or ab machine if it failed to work. Well...I
did. Many, many times. I wouldn't recommend it now, of course, because
I got stuck for the cost of shipping back to the company and they didn't
refund the shipping costs to me. Still, like cosmetics companies, I bet
the infomercial companies didn't think anyone would take them up on
their offer