Sales Pitch: Be Prepared to Battle for Bargains

Yorkshire Post - 26th December 2007 - Life & Style Section: Homes

Interiors

Jamie Hempsall offers his expert advice on beating the crowds to the best bargains for your home as the sale season gets underway.


With Christmas all but over, what are you going to do with your free time?

One pleasure is sitting inside a warm house, surrounded by magazines, enjoying quality time to yourself whilst the rest of the family do the washing up…you hope! If you have this opportunity, keep a pair of scissors to hand and when you see something that appeals as an idea for an interior (light fitting, piece of furniture or even just a colour), then cut it out: ensuring you have the permission of a responsible adult before hand in true “Blue Peter” style! Keep these treasures in a box file and you will have excellent reference points if you decide to give part of your home a makeover.

The Christmas brochures that come flooding through your door are an excellent source of pictures and information. So put them to good user, rather than binning them.

Having painted a picture of tranquil calm inside, it is with trepidation that I also suggest right now is the time to have a good look around the High St, if you are planning to spruce up in the Spring. The crowds may currently be horrendous, but only in certain departments and you will probably find areas such as furniture and bedding to be less hectic. Take your time to peruse, thinking about what you need and referring to your cuttings.

Research and planning is the key. Use your cuttings and ideas to identify what you want and hit the High St armed with notebook and pen (camera phone is also ideal). Take pictures and make notes of where you have seen something you like (the odd stock number might not hurt). Also, check with helpful assistants as to when the sales will actually commence (including timings for extra mark down days). Some of them may even be able to give you an idea on lines that are likely to be reduced.

With all of this information to hand, you will be well prepared to maximise your time at the sales and minimise the hassle factor. Knowing where you need to go and when to get your bargains. Remember the beginning and end dates are important as these are when the biggest bargains can be had (early offers and final mark downs).

A final word of advice though – stick to your plans! Do NOT be tempted to compromise on something because of price. If it was not what you wanted in the first place (or is not an excellent substitute), then it is unlikely to fit in with your final scheme. Also, be wary of discontinued items, they can be great if you only need a “one off” (a sofa, table, etc), but if you are likely to need replacements or additions (a spare glass shade for a lamp fitting or wine glass) then beware as these are unlikely to be available in the long term.

That said, have fun and enjoy the holiday!

Jamie Hempsall is one of the regions leading Interior Designers and an Associate of BIDA. For more information on the companies services see the website at www.jamiehempsall.com or contact them by telephone on 01777 248463