Vegas Trips on a Budget - Part 7 of 9: Shopping

For my seventh installment of Vegas Trips on a Budget, I'm looking at shopping in Vegas. You generally can't go into any of the high-end stores in the huge malls or shopping promenades to find really good deals, but rather find the bargains and opportunities elsewhere. Read on.

Shop Til You Drop But Don't Spend A Lot

Avoid the high-end stores - Unless you hit a jackpot, you probably wouldn't be able to afford much more than a tiny trinket, anyway. Why torture yourself by trying on clothes or shoes that you can only dream about taking home? Skip the high-end stuff and look for a more affordable way to spend money on shoes and clothing.

Look for the sales - Yes, they are there, even in Vegas, but they might not be exactly where you want them to be. Many of the stores in the Fashion Show Mall have regular sales because they are chains that you'll find in most malls across the country, and the Ross store just off of the Strip is certainly an affordable option if you need to pick up something you just forgot to pack. If you're heading to one of the bigger shopping centers like the Forum Shops or Miracle Mile Shops, ask for sales information at the customer service desk before you begin your shopping expedition.

Get the mall coupon book before you start shopping - While you're at the customer service desk, ask if they have a coupon book with the latest steals and deals. The Miracle Mile Shops has a regular coupon book that has lots of great little freebies like coffee mugs or key chains at certain retailers, and also contains 10-25% off coupons for select stores.

Senior discounts DO apply - If you're over the age of 55, ask about a discount at any shop when you check out. Stores - especially chain stores like Ross - offer discounts for senior citizens on specific days of the week, and you never know unless you ask.

Think about want vs. need before you buy that souvenir - Do you really need a souvenir for a co-worker? Instead of buying a trinket, consider placing a bet for them, instead (with their money, of course). Win or lose, reporting back to them on how you did is sometimes more entertaining and valuable than a souvenir could be. I've placed bets for friends and family on numerous occasions, and I've found than one friend in particular is very successful with his extremely specific roulette bet. The fact that I've brought him double his money from almost every trip I've taken in the past few years probably helps him feel better about his long-distance gambling abilities, and it's fun to gamble with someone else's money for awhile.

Use sign up freebies and gift freebies as your souvenirs - Signing up for new slot clubs often gets you free key chains, coffee mugs, hats, or t-shirts in lots of instances. Also, slot club gifts are often given out for X points on your slot club card, or for hitting a winning combination on various games. Instead of spending your money on a souvenir for someone back at the office who might not really appreciate the thought, bring them back one of your freebies, instead. It won't cost you a dime, either.

For me personally, I consider shopping as a sort of hunting expedition. I always try to find the best deals possible, no matter who I'm shopping for. Shopping is also a form of entertainment to me, and I love to take the time to look for things I like and wouldn't mind receiving myself.

Tomorrow's entry: Coupons