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Four tricks that pound shops use to make you spend more revealed

SHOPPING in low budget stores like Poundland and Poundworld should be super cheap - but you could be overspending each time you visit without even realising.

Using a range of tricks these shops are just as cunning as their full priced competitors when it comes to using psychology to influence shoppers.

 Here are the ways they lure customers into overspending including using ''phantom brands''
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Here are the ways they lure customers into overspending including using ''phantom brands''Credit: Reuters

Despite Poundworld's desperate search for a buyer, after falling into administration last week, these shops have millions of customers through the doors each year.

So how can you stay savvy to their tricks and make sure you're getting the best deal - even if you're spending just a quid.

Personal finance expert and blogger Kara Gammell has shared four tricks that pound shops use in her blog - "Your Best Friend's Guide To Cash".

They use phantom brands

Pound shops often have loads of items that are from brands you've never heard of.

In most cases the ranges are actually own-brand lines, but they are disguised using random names.

The products appear to be separate brands, which increases the value of the product in the shopper's mind. Sometimes they think that they are even getting a discount and don't worry about whether its low-quality.

 Using a range of tricks pound shops are just as cunning as their full priced competitors
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Using a range of tricks pound shops are just as cunning as their full priced competitorsCredit: Rex Features
Poundland vlogger Emily Norris is 'obsessed' with getting bargain buys from the discount shop and she's not the only YouTube star posting about it

Be aware of impulse buying

Another way to fool customers into thinking they have bagged a bargain is encouraging impulse buying.

In fact, a third of all purchases made in pound stores come from this trick, Kara claims.

Customers assume a fixed price means everything appears to be affordable but because of this they are inclined to spend more - and the bill quickly adds up at the till.

They put ''sales'' on all year around

Practically every pound store has deals, discounts and sales on all year around.

While this isn't a bad thing as such, again, it's a way to trick shoppers into buying more than they need and creates and "illusion of saving".

Big brands sell smaller products in pound stores

Many pound shops convince companies to sell products in smaller sizes to keep costs under a quid.

Shoppers might not realise they are buying something that is smaller than other shops.

For example, bigger supermarkets will sell a six pack of crisps in a multipack but at Poundland they are packs of five.

She warns shoppers to be careful when hunting out a bargain to make sure they get the best value.

Want better deals? Crouching down in the supermarket could help you unlock hidden bargains.

Here's a guide to some of the clever tricks stores use to part you from all your money.

Other ways used by supermarkets to get their customers to spend more money include putting snacks near the checkouts to encourage tired, hungry and irritable shoppers to pick up an unhealthy treat, and putting more expensive items at the front of the store, like flowers and baked goods.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY AT POUND SHOPS

MONEY expert Kara from Your Best Friend's Guide To Cash also shared her top tips on how to save cash in poundshops...

1 Compare prices on the shop floor 

A good way to ensure you are getting the best value for money is to compare prices on the shop floor.

Download the “My Supermarket” app on your phone so that you can quickly access the prices of products across major retailers.

Consider pound store brands 

Don’t be quick to dismiss the retailer’s own brands – you might be surprised what you find in terms of quality.

3 Time it right 

Stock is replenished throughout the day, so don’t wait until a specific part of the week to search for good deals. Ensure you get first dibs on products and visit the shop in the morning as popular items go quickly.

4 Be careful with expiry dates 

Most products sold in pound stores have the same typical Use By/best before dates than those found in any other retailer, but this is not always the case.

Many retailers bulk-buy ranges from manufacturers keen to clear through their excess stock and, as a result, will have a shorter-shelf life.

5 Look to the experts 

If you want to get the most for your money at your local Poundland, check out fellow blogger, Emma Drew.

A self-confessed Poundland addict, Emma heads to a store each month to show you the bargains that are to be had. She also posts a video “What’s awesome in Poundland” which highlights the best deals and latest products so you keep an eye on stock without even leaving the comfort of your own home.



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