Whether you like to ski or play tennis or any kind of sports, you’ll be well aware of the fact that sports ‘gadgets and gizmos’ can cost a fortune. Buying things only for yourself wouldn’t be much of a problem, but imagine having a large family when you’re all supposed to go on a holiday where you’ll submerge into extreme sports. Are you brave enough to calculate how much you would need to spend on equipment only? In such cases, you better make these vacations a tradition, because buying it for one-time only would be a waste of money.
On the bright side, to avoid mini heart attacks and to prevent you from sweating already before you even started searching, today we’ll discuss how you can save your coins but still get a good deal when it comes to the gear.
First and foremost, make a list of things you need and think about the occasion. For example, you’re going into the mountains, and you need something warm, and skiing is included. In order to embark on such an adventure, you’ll need numerous things, including skis, boots, poles, a warm jacket, pants, or a suit, mittens, goggles, helmet, neckwarmer…. well, the list goes on and on. You have to make a plan – a very good one! – and start steadily.
Let’s get to the ways of finding your equipage:
1. Thrifting/Trading
It’s completely understandable if you’d like to start with pricey things and clothing, but the suggestion here is to go thrift shopping: it’s a great way to find what you need for less money, and there can be some hidden treasure you didn’t see coming out there.
Another way of doing things is by trading – maybe you won’t find used equipment, but for example, if an athlete wore something for a season and then outgrew it, your kid, niece, or nephew will be quite a lucky cookie by getting it for themselves.
2. Make some gear on your own
This is a quest for experienced people, but hey, maybe you’re a good tailor and you don’t even know it! Making or sewing mittens, socks, or pants for this occasion could do the job quite well – and even better than you might expect. Also, sewing uniforms for the soccer team by the standards of the club could save you tons of money – therefore, if you have that type of skill, you should consider that as well, given that you calculated the costs of the materials needed.
3. Borrow some things
Here is a way of surviving the holidays: don’t be ashamed to borrow the equipment from your close friends or family. If you’re about to go on an unplanned trip and you don’t have a lot of cash on you, why wouldn’t you try this? All you have to do is ask. The only problem here would have to be if they would fit you perfectly, and when it comes to the gear, you’d have to be very careful, as it needs to glide as a glove. Also, be ready to care as much as possible, as these things aren’t yours and you have to return them in the same condition as when you borrowed them.
4. End-of-season deals
There are two times a year where you can profit from sales: winter and summer. When there are some deals for sweatshirts and knitwear during summertime, prices are often a steal, and it could be rather beneficial for you to shop ahead.
April and May are good months to catch some seasonal offers, as new collections launch in late August, beginning of September. With that being said, make a plan and browse the stores and online as well – diebestengutscheine.de is pretty cool, as they offer some affordable equipment and gear so that everyone can find something for their pocket.
5. Bulk buying
Now, not every store will allow this type of shopping, but some allow it and are easily accessible for these types of deals. Ideally, you could team up with other people who require a renewal, as perhaps if you buy bigger quantities, you become eligible for a discount code – and well, that never hurt anybody.
6. Renting
If you aren’t in a situation where you can afford to purchase clothes or gear and make them your personal belongings, you’ll be very lucky that there’s another possibility: renting. You’ll be more stable when it comes to your finances – as this is a cheaper option – rather than having to purchase everything from scratch, and as mentioned, not every situation allows proper planning of the shopping.
Considering you’re perhaps not buying this for you, but for the child or children, especially if they’re growing pretty fast, there’s a high chance they will outgrow the attire in the matter of a season. Getting a new set each year can be quite costly, even for those who can easily afford it. On the other hand, rentals are easy – you get what you need, and return it once the season or vacation is done, and get a bigger size.
7. Loyalty/Reward programs
Nowadays, almost every single retail store has some sort of loyalty programs: whether it’s cosmetics, simple clothing, or even food, you can get a loyalty card if you ask for it. You simply need to go to the store manager or the staff and ask about all the benefits their program offers, and don’t be shy to see if they can break it down for you. Early access to sales, coupons, vouchers… whatever that might help you save some bucks. And if you’re getting your garments frequently, see if there’s a way of accumulating points and if the total at the checkout could be deducted.
8. Search for the right place
This has been purposely put at the bottom of the list, as we truly hope you’ll read the previous paragraphs, and won’t go shopping or hunting your gear completely unprepared!
The thing is, when you are packing for a trip, try as hard as possible to shop for everything. What we meant by right place is – you have to consider that ski equipment, for example, is super expensive at the vacation place itself if you have opted for a mountain. Small shops that offer quick buy are also overpriced. Shopping online can be amazing if you know what you’re looking for, and you shouldn’t be afraid of it. Just look for the sites that offer some good prices, and don’t purchase things from the first one you come across. Browse a bit, and play smart – in the end, you’ll eventually find what you are looking for.
So, to summarize – strategy and thoughtfulness are the keys to successful shopping. We hope this guide will help you in leaving your wallet moderately full while you prosper from all our tips and get some dope garments and pieces for the next season!
