Shopping - First Color of Life

A lot of people really like to shop. Others find it tedious and sometimes really irritating. But regardless of how you feel about shopping, it's sometimes a necessity. Here are 10 things you can do - or not do - to make

 the experience at least easier and possibly more fun as well.

1. Realize that most stores have so many items in stock, and so many on sale at any given time, that it's impossible for the sales staff to keep track of all the prices. If there isn't a sign or shelf label with the item, you can ask the cashier to check the price, or there may be staff-operated "scan guns" available to do that. Also, some stores have customer-friendly scan devices located at key points around the store.

2. When you're checking sale fliers and signage, pay attention to the sale date(s) and item descriptions - especially brand names - as well as the prices. That way you can avoid a lot of confusion and price checking when you're ready to pay for your purchases.

3. If you're buying an item that you think might have to be returned later, check the store's return policy before paying for it. Some stores have limited return periods, and some items may not be returnable at all.

4. If you do have to return an item, and there's no obvious place (like a "Customer Service" desk) to do that, check with the cashier. If you'd like to exchange an item or do other shopping it may be more efficient to process the return and your purchases in the same transaction. If you know that up front, it can save a lot of time; you won't have to wait in line twice.

5. If you're bringing something into the store that you need in order to do your shopping - for example, an item you need to match - check in with the Customer Service staff or a cashier. They'll appreciate the courtesy, and it may save problems later on when you try to leave the store without paying for the item.

6. When you have a limited amount of time - for example, if you're shopping on your lunch hour - plan your trips and be realistic about what you can accomplish. Remember that others have the same idea as you do - and are probably taking their lunches at exactly the same time.