Dear Reader,
Here in the Philippines, we also have a membership club store (like Walmart and Costco in the United States) called S&R (I don't know what S and R means, maybe Save and Run? or Save and Replenish? lol) (Another note: the store is previously known as "Pricesmart") which sells mostly "imported" goods (I don't know if it's tax free like Duty Free).
Last 2 weeks ago, me and my mom decided to get a membership from S&R so we could avail of their "famous" bi-annual members treat sale (from March 28 - April 1 2012 and the other one will be sometime in September). I've read from several blogs and heard from the members that prices of some products (and people, LOL) go crazy low during these times.
Let me share to you my tips on how to survive this sale:
1. Go as early as 4:30am to get a sweet spot in front of the line.
(This includes: sleeping early the night before the sale, eating breakfast, voiding every fluid you have in your body before going to S&R and wearing comfortable shoes/clothing)
Option: If you're so lazy to get up early, have someone cover for you, like a "trusted and equally- crazy-about-the-sale-as-you-are" friend/relative or maybe your household help (like most of the "richy-rich" people did this morning)
Ayun oh, may dalawang household help na nakapila! :D (photo taken at 5ish am)
2. Be prepared to do a lot of cursing, shouting and more tongue-lashing action. Or.. expect hearing a lot of bad-mouthing and/or physical contact from the "crowd")
As the time passes by, you'll notice that a lot of people will start piling IN FRONT OF YOU. In short, there will be a lot of people cutting line or "SISINGIT." Now it's up to you if you'll allow them or shout at the top of your voice and call the attention of the manager or whoever's in charge:
"EXCUSE ME PO, PERO MAY PILA!"
"SIR, YES, MR. MANAGER!! CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN TO THESE PEOPLE THAT WE'VE BEEN IN THIS LINE FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS NOW?"
"HELLO MISS PLS. BE CONSIDERATE NAMAN SANA! PWEDE WAG SUMINGIT!"
Actually this is the first time that I've seen this kind of behavior from people during a sale. I've been to dozens of stores on sale (Landmark, SM, F21 and yes even.. Divisoria) and wow, I just said to myself: "Sulit siguro 'tong sale, Imagine, they need a mobile patrol car to subdue people!"
3. It's best if you surveyed the store before the sale to know where to find the "good stuff"
(It will also help to list down the things you will buy beforehand. Research or ask the staff to give you a list of the products that will be on sale)
Got this tip from another shopper. There are a lot of people wandering aimlessly inside searching for various items such as soap, plates, food, etc etc...don't be like these people. Know what you want and know where to get it. This will save you time and enable you to buy what is most important to you. When you’ve purchased the most important things on your list, take all the time you need to roam around and check for more great deals.
Some of the things we bought.
4. Lastly, to reiterate, buy things that you NEED.
Avoid overspending your hard-earned moolah and buy only the things you need. Don't go buying things just because you saw the price went down. Think twice before buying an item!
Haha, so that's about it. I'm no sale guru, but I hope I could help! Have fun and enjoy shopping!
