Saving money when you’re out spending it may seem like an impossible feat, but that is exactly what happens if you’re a pro at bargain shopping. Smart shoppers know how to make that dollar go the extra mile, allowing them to get the items they want at prices that can’t be beat. It’s easy to save money on some of your favorite things as long if you know what to look for. Here are 11 helpful tips that will make bargain shopping a cinch.

Make a List

If you buy things just because they’re on sale and not because you really want them, your purchases don’t really count as bargains. Before you go shopping, make a list of the things you want or need so that you’re able to remember just what it was you went out to buy in the first place. Look for bargains that are on your list and stay focused. If you get too distracted by the myriads of other seemingly great bargains, you’ll just end up spending money on things you don’t need and your plan to bargain shop will have gone out the window. Make a shopping plan before you even go out the door and even more importantly, stick to it.

Use Coupons

Coupons Help Save Money

You can find coupons for just about anything from groceries to electronics, and using them when you shop will definitely save you some money. A great place to find lots of money-saving coupons is the Sunday newspaper. If you don’t get the Sunday paper, ask family and friends who do to save the coupon inserts for you if they aren’t using them. You can also find an endless number of coupon databases online–simply search for coupons that you want to use, select, and print.

Buy Off-Season Merchandise

One of the best times to find some real bargains is during the off-season. Off-season merchandise is typically discounted as much as 50 to 90%–and as long as the items you buy are ones you plan on using at some point, why not stock up for next year? You can save big on clothing, outdoor tools and equipment, holiday merchandise, and more, simply by waiting until the season is over to buy it.

Watch Sales Ads and Fliers

Keep a close eye on sales ads and fliers that you find in the newspaper, in stores, and on TV. Big sales are likely to be advertised, and they usually indicate feature sale items along with their prices. Knowing when the sales are and what you will be able to find at them are bargain shopping musts.

Compare Prices

Comparing prices is one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re getting a bargain–especially when it comes to buying pricier items such as electronics and appliances. You don’t have to travel from store to store to compare–you can usually find out everything you need to know online, saving you both time and gas money. If you really want to pinch pennies, compare the small stuff, too. You can stand to save a significant amount of money by looking at all of your options first.

Check out the Clearance Section

Most stores have designated sales or clearance sections, and those areas are usually where you can find the biggest discounts. Clearance sections aren’t usually featured front and center in a store–you can typically find them way in the back, off to the side, or inconspicuously displayed on end caps. Stores want you to spend more money by shopping regularly priced merchandise, so the bargain bins aren’t going to be the first thing you come across when you’re out shopping.

Buy Used

If you’re looking for items for your own personal use, there’s no shame in buying them used if you can. Thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets are some of the best places to find quality secondhand items–and don’t forget to look online as well. Some of the best bargains are often found on used or recycled items–and both your bank account and the planet will benefit.

Stick with Store-Brands

Brand names typically come with higher price-tags, and although they’ve earned their right to be on top through hard-earned customer loyalty, many of them aren’t much different than their generic counterparts. In fact, if you compare the labels between well-known brands and store brands, you may find that you’re paying more mostly for the name and not a whole lot else. If you can, give up some of your favorite brand name items and try the store brands–the amount you can save will really add up.

Shop at Discount and Dollar Stores

Shopping at discount and dollar stores may seem like a no-brainer, but many of us by-pass them if we’re rushed or if they’re not located just around the corner. Discount stores sell most of their merchandise at already low prices, and when you use coupons or shop special sales on top of that, you’ll experience bargain shopping at its best.

Negotiate the Price

Sharpening up your negotiating skills is another way to get what you want for much less. Don’t be afraid to make an offer on something if negotiating is an option–you have nothing to lose and only a lower price to gain.

Join Frequent Shopper Programs

Many stores offer frequent shopper or buyer rewards programs not only to show their customers that they’re appreciated, but also to keep them coming back for more. Many frequent shopper programs are free to sign up for, and in most cases you’ll receive either a punch card or a card that can be scanned so that the store can keep track of your purchases and reward you with special coupons, discounts, and other benefits in the future.

Anyone can learn how to spot a true bargain. By incorporating some of these tips into your regular buying excursions, you, too, can become a master of the art of bargain shopping.

Guest post from Adam. Adam shares a Macys promo code through FrugalDad.com.