Today, 20 April 2008
Yesterday, 19 April 2008
SAVINGS
Saving Money with Factory Shops
Posted Tue, 19 Dec 2000
With ever increasing prices, one of the best ways to shop is to find out where all the cheap goodies are. If you have not already heard about factory stores then it’s time you did. There are many organisations that set up factory shops for less than perfect items or end of ranges.
Pam Black of Pam Black Publications publishes a book called the, A to Z of factory shops. This little gem gives you the location of most of the factory outlets in the Western Cape and Durban. For the Gauteng crowd some of these outlets have satellite stores in the major centres.
You can buy anything from soap to washing machines at a much better price than a retail store. You may have to do some homework to find out where they are but it is worth the effort. Manufacturers of electrical appliances often sell perfectly good merchandise at good discounts if the casings are scratched. They still come with their guarantees and work as new.
Here are some tips from Pam’s book to make your shopping
easier.
Always check for flaws before purchasing, as very few factory shops will exchange garments. The ones that do will insist on a till slip. If the garment is unlined, inspect for holes by holding it up to the light. Holes are commonly found where the label has been removed or slashed through. A coloured sticker may indicate a hole or conceal it.
If you have to travel a long distance to a particular shop, its is always advisable to telephone first to ensure that it will be open when you plan to visit. Also check on the availability of stock (they might be putting in their new range the day after your intended visit, in which case you may wish to postpone your journey).
As a general rule, the latest merchandise is sold in the factory shops about six to eight weeks after it appears in the retail store.
The majority of manufacturers go to great lengths to protect the identity of the retailers they supply and this is why you will often find
that labels have been removed from the clothing. It’s great fun trying to identify the labels, especially when you recognise an upmarket brand leader! There is nothing wrong with buying a garment without a label. In fact, as most are found on the inside of the garment, your friends won’t be able to tell where you bought it anyway. So, let them guess where you bought your designer blouse or pants.
In some shops during the winter months, the combination of concrete floors and lack of heating can cause your teeth to chatter – so remember to dress warmly.
Changing room facilities are often very modest, sometimes communal and occasionally non-existent. It is therefore a good idea to wear a bodysuit when doing the rounds if you are a female.
Many genuine factory shops in the industrial areas have irregular hours. Most close early on a Friday and those run by members of the Muslim community close during the lunch hour on a Friday.
Not all factory shops
will accept credit cards and cheques. When paying by cheque, ID is often required.
Make a note of your family’s measurements and colour preferences and keep these with you. If you have sons don’t forget to note their collar sizes. This will eliminate guesswork and as previously mentioned you cannot always exchange garments, so it is important to buy the correct size. There is nothing worse than finding a marvellous bargain on one of your trips and being unable to buy it in fear it would not fit.
It is more fun to shop with a friend, who will give you a second opinion and keep you company, especially in isolated areas – but preferably not someone who will be looking for the same size as you are. Factory shops often have samples (only one item in a particular size) and the argument over who gets the garment could ruin the friendship!
Always take along a cooler bag when you go on a factory expedition. Many manufacturers selling frozen vegetables, cheese,
meat, chicken, etc have opened up shops and if you have to travel a long distance, it is best to keep these products cold.
Factory shopping is very different to normal retail shopping. You are not likely to find triple mirrors, fancy changing rooms or plush surroundings. Never lose sight of the fact that you are there to find a bargain – not to buy the fittings!
Happy shopping!
