Ten things you should never pay full price for

If you hate paying full price for these items, here's how to avoid it...

If you’re a regular lovemoney.com reader, you’re bound to be financially savvy enough to know that you can save money on pretty much anything!

Of course, in certain circumstances, we will have to cough up the full price, but if there’s a penny or two to be saved, it’s well worth saving.

So what exactly do we most hate paying full price for? Well, according to research from MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, number one on the list is eating out – in fact, a massive 76% of people gave this as their answer.

Hoildays came second with 69% and clothing came third with 64%. So let’s take a closer look at these and the remaining seven of the top ten, as well as ways you can avoid paying full price.

1. Eating out (76%)

More than three-quarters of us might hate paying full price for eating out, but these days it’s pretty easy not to. After all, there are numerous websites out there that highlight the best money-saving vouchers for a range of restaurants. And your number one call should be our Frugal Food blog which rounds up the best vouchers each week. These might be 2 for 1 deals, kids eat free, or buy two mains for £12.

What’s more, if you’ve got a smart phone, you can avoid printing out these vouchers and instead, download the voucher on your phone and show it to your waiter. It’s far easier than carrying around reams of paper in your handbag/pocket!

2. Holidays (69%)

Everyone loves a holiday. However, holidays can be expensive – and often, unnecessarily so. But if you’re prepared to do a bit of research, you don’t have to pay through the nose.

Shop around online to compare deals and if you’re flying, use websites such as Skyscanner and kayak.co.uk that search the best fares for you. That way you’ll know you’re not getting ripped off.

If you can be fairly flexible about when you go and can avoid school holidays, you’ll save even more money. Early morning flights will cost less than flights in the middle of the day.

And when it comes to accommodation, cut the expense by opting to go camping, stay at a youth hostel or go self-catering. You could even house swap! For more tips, read Five ways to save on your summer holiday.

3. Clothing (64%)

If you always feel like you’re paying too much for your clothes, a great way to save money is to shop online. That’s because you can often use voucher codes (check out websites such as vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk) to get money off, plus you can regularly earn cash back through a cashback website.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for store sales – you can easily do this by reading our Frugal Friday blog which highlights the best sales each week.

Alternatively, why not host a clothes swapping party and get all of your friends to bring over any unwanted clothes and then swap them? Alternatively, use a swapping website such as Swap Style or Big Wardrobe.

4. Perfume (58%)

When buying perfume, again, it’s sensible to do so online. Check out comparison websites such as Cheap Perfume Expert and Fragrances Compared to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Half Price Perfumes is also worth a look for some top low price deals.

5. Home furniture (54%)

Having just moved home, I’m far too aware of how expensive furniture can be. But if you don’t want to pay over the odds, it’s well worth checking out community freebie sites such as Freegle and SnaffleUp which offer items people no longer want for free!

You can pick up all sorts of fabulous furniture items and even post your own ‘wanted’ notice asking for specific things. So it’s well worth investigating.

6. Electrical goods (51%)

There’s absolutely no need to pay full price for electrical items when you can buy so many second hand at lower prices. Several well-known high street retailers sell their reconditioned electrical goods online, complete with limited warranties. For example:

• the Comet Clearance auction website specialises in refurbished kitchen appliances
• the Tesco Outlet on eBay sells everything from refurbished digital cameras to televisions
• Argos Clearance Bargains sells a wide range of refurbished electrical goods including laptops and DIY tools

Of course, it’s always wise to ‘Google’ such websites first to ensure there are no bad reviews.

7. Toiletries (47%)

With so many pound shops around these days, you can easily pick up bargain toiletries. Alternatively, you could simply opt for the own brand stuff in your local Boots or Superdrug or supermarket – don’t buy into the branded stuff (unless it’s at the pound shop!). It’s the same stuff – just cheaper.

8. Cinema tickets (44%)

Before heading off to the cinema, have a browse online to see whether you can use a voucher to save yourself a few pennies. Don’t forget that if you’re an Orange mobile customer, you can make use of the Orange Wednesdays deal and get 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Wednesday. All you need to do is text 'FILM' to 241 on your mobile, or simply call 241.

You can also save money by applying for an unlimited access pass if you regularly use Cineworld cinemas. Read Nine ways to enjoy movies for less for more information.

And if you fancy viewing something for free, websites such as See Film First and Momentum Pictures offer regular preview screenings without charge.

9. Flowers (39%)

If you want to buy your loved one some flowers but don’t want to pay over the odds, a good option is your local supermarket. Instead of paying anywhere between £30-£350 (as you would do on websites such as Interflora), plus delivery, you’ll be looking at a far more reasonable £5-£10.

However, if you’d prefer to have them delivered, I’m a big fan of Bunches where flowers start from £10. You also get free delivery (Royal Mail) and more often than not, you can find a voucher code for 10% off. What’s more, you’ll collect ‘posy points’ each time you spend which you can then redeem on your next purchase – saving you even more money.

And as an extra sweetener, you’ll often get some chocolates thrown in too!

10. Computer games (36%)

Shopping online for computer games is the best way to save money. Check out find-game.co.uk to search for your required game and find out which retailer is selling it for less. As with clothing, check to see whether there is voucher code on offer and use a cashback website to earn money back when you make your purchase.

Don’t forget, our Frugal Friday blog also highlights the best gaming deals each week.

So now you know how to save money on these items, you’ll never need to pay full price again!

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