8 Shopping Traps That Make You Spend More

Have you ever experienced going into a shopping mall or an online shop with a list in mind, and ended up buying more? Whether you shopped with an empty stomach or got entangled with several marketing strategies, stores can employ tricks to make you spend more. It is best to increase your awareness on the subtle, psychological, and clever marketing traps to help you save more money on your next bill.

On that note, here are 8 Shopping Traps That Make You Spend More:

#1: CHILDREN’S OPINION

As the Yuletide season approaches, many stores offered colorful options for children. Children have a strong influence on what goes inside the carts. Supermarkets purposely place cereals, toys, and sugary treats at a kid-friendly level. Avoid giving in to your child’s desires by leaving him or her at home when you are grocery shopping.

#2: VICTIMS OF FREE SHIPPING

The truth is, free shipping is not “free”. Retailers have already factored in the shipping costs before they release their prices. It is easy to be lured with “free shipping”, especially when you are purchasing several items online. You just have to pay an extra S$5 to S$10 on an item just to get the free shipping option. This ensures that you end up buying more than what you expect.

#3: HIDDEN NECESSITIES

Daily necessities such as dairy, bread, eggs, etc. are placed at the back of the store and far away from each other so you will be encouraged to travel the whole store to get it. Once you have travelled, you probably got more that what you initially needed. Consider going straight to the back of the store and keep your shopping list on hand.

#4: LURED BY THE NUMBERS GAME

Retailers are smart! Instead of putting a price of S$5 on a product, they will put an irregular price of S$4.99 or S$4.96 to make you think that you have scored a better deal. What’s more? They will also add the illusion of saving more money by buying more of their products. These seemingly small details actually work.

#5: ATTRACTIVE SALES

When you see the word “sale” advertised in a physical or an online store, you automatically think that you are getting a better deal. This may not always be the case. Just because something is on sale, does not mean that you have to buy it. Purchasing sale items overtime can get you on a trail of consistent overspending.

Sale traps include: “receive a free give when you spend…” and “buy 1, get 1 free”. The former may be giving away free items that the store could not sell. While, the latter is only useful for essential items such as food and toiletries.

#6: ENTICED BY THE AROMA

Imagine the smell of baked breads mixed with the fresh smell of flowers. Very attractive, right? This is why newly baked goods and fresh flowers are placed near the front door. The goodness of smell will surely make you feel hungry and keep your mood up!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#7: RIGHT DAY TO SHOP

Interestingly, there is a “right” day to shop. Prices seem lower than usual during Tuesday and Wednesday. Moreover, you can get better discounts in the month of November. This month is so close to the Yuletide and year-end sales. You can also score good deals on January as retailers are trying to clear their stocks.

#8: RIGHT SIDE TO SHOP

Many grocery stores place popular items on the right side of the shelves to move shoppers from the left to the right. This is because all items throughout the store are strategically placed to follow the right path. Are you really saving more money by moving from left to right? Keep that in mind!

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

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You are eligible for a S$3,000 cash grant if you have a baby born between 1 Oct 20 – 30 Sep 22

More support for Singaporeans to start and raise families

The government has announced a one-off S$3,000 grant for parents of Singaporean children born from 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2022.

The Baby Support Grant is introduced to lend additional support for families amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This will supplement the existing Baby Bonus Cash Gift which can goes up to $10,000 for each child. The cash will be deposited into the nominated bank account from 1 April 2021 or within 1 month of enrolment in the scheme.

For more information of the scheme, visit www.madeforfamilies.gov.sg

Baby Bonus Cash Gift

The Baby Bonus Scheme, which was introduced on 1 April 2001, supports parents’ decision to have more children by helping to lighten the financial costs of raising children.

via msf.gov.sg

Parents will receive the enhanced Cash Gift in 5 instalments, over 18 months.

via msf.gov.sg

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Singapore residents may look forward to ‘air travel bubbles’ for general travel soon

Singapore Changi Airport departure times

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced on Tuesday (Oct 6) that ‘air travel bubbles’ with countries with low COVID-19 infection rates may soon be possible. Negotiations are on the way though he advised the public to manage their expectations.

“I need to manage expectations here. For members who are hoping that I’m about to announce some air travel resumption and even possible December holiday destinations, I am sorry I will disappoint you,” he said.

No requirements for a strict itinerary

‘Air travel bubbles’ differ from reciprocal green lane arrangements because there are no requirements for a controlled itinerary. Also, reciprocal green lanes are used mainly for official and business travel.

What to expect?
changi-airport-passengers-check-in

Image Credits: AFP/Roslan Rahman

Singapore will only establish ‘air travel bubbles’ with safe countries and regions. Other than abiding by the COVID-19 test protocols, authorities might look into setting a quota on the number of travellers per day.

“We also require travellers to apply for an air travel pass before their journeys, to allow us to plan for their arrivals, and throttle down the numbers, reduce the quota, if the epidemic situation changes,” Mr Ong added.

Which country is top on the list?

Hong Kong has revealed its intention to establish such ‘air travel bubbles’ with Singapore alongside other countries. As such, Singapore will most likely begin discussions with Hong Kong and other partners soon.

COVID-19 testing capacity no longer a major constraint
travellers entering Singapore amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Mr Ong shares that about 27,000 people in Singapore are tested daily and the numbers are set to rise. By November, Singapore may be able to increase testing capacity to 40,000 tests a day.

There are also plans to set up a dedicated COVID-19 testing laboratory at Changi Airport. This is so as to support aviation recovery in the coming months. Currently, Changi Airport has an existing facility to swab up to 10,000 passengers a day.

Travellers must get used to being tested before departing. This additional step is very much similar to us going through security and having our bags checked before we board a plane. Most importantly, it’s crucial to kickstart general travel.

Other plans in place to safely reopen borders
travellers checking-in at a hotel amid COVID-19

Image Credits: The Straits Times

Countries which are economically important to Singapore but with higher infection rates will be considered with “practical schemes”.

“For example, we can replace the 14-day (stay-home notice) in a hotel with new requirements, such as a more stringent and repeated test protocol… we can segregate them from the rest of the community… we can closely track their movements while they are here,” said the minister.

Apart from ‘air travel bubbles’, Singapore will continue to pursue reciprocal green lane arrangements with other countries or regions. At the moment, Singapore has such arrangements with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.

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Want to win 2D1N Staycation at Shangri-La & Fullerton? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to ShopBack’s Perfect 10.10!

The only App that pays you to shop

We all deserve to splurge on ourselves from time to time, and what better way to do it than with ShopBack’s perfect 10.10 Sale! In alliance with their #BetterTogether theme, they will be partnering up with multiple merchants to give you the best shopping experience! From Bubble teas at only $1 to 5-Star Hotel Staycation giveaways, here is our guide to the best 10.10 deals.

10.10 Facebook Perfect Livestream (9 Oct, 9pm)

Tune in to ShopBack SG Facebook on October 9th at 9PM and find out more on how to maximise your savings and earn more during 10.10. Stand a chance to win up to $4K worth of prizes!

Here’s a sneak peek of all giveaways and deals coming your way:

  • LIVE Staycation giveaway: 2D1N at Shangrila for 3 lucky winners (worth $1000++)
  • 50% Cashback on Vouchers: GrabFood, GrabCar, foodpanda, Shopee, Qoo10, Golden Village, Cathay Cineplexes Vouchers (best price online!)
  • Lenovo Tab M10 worth $309
  • Lookfantastic Christmas Advent Calendar worth $149
  • MyProtein package worth $180
  • Pedro leather bag worth $79.90
  • Kinohimitsu 30-day package worth $69.90
  • Braunn TexStyle 7 Pro Steam Iron SI7042 worth $159
  • Braunn Multi Quick 9 Hand Blender worth $189

(RSVP HERE)

10.10 Flash Hour

This 10.10, we are giving you epic giveaways and special deals during specific timings throughout the day! Keep your fingers crossed and #keepshopping!

Here are some deals you can look forward to:

  • Bubble Tea @ only $1 (Limited Quantity)
  • Flash Giveaways
  • Epic Hourly Sales
  • Shopback’s Perfect 10 Challenge
  • Shopback’s Better Together Challenge

Click here for more information

10.10 Flash Giveaway

Make any purchase with ShopBack from 12mn – 1am / 12mn – 2pm / 10pm – 12mn to stand a chance to win many great prizes!

Take a look at all the prizes that you can win:

  • 2D1N Staycation at Fullerton (X3)
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (X2)
  • Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 (X1)
  • Microsoft Surface Buds (X1)
  • Prism+ X290 (X2)

How to participate:

  1. Shop during the specific timings on 10.10
  2. *Screenshot and upload your purchases on your IG or FB, tag ShopBack on Instagram or Facebook for a higher chance to win!

Winners will be announced on 13 Oct. Keep an eye on FB and IG!

Save big with 10.10 Challenges

You’re on your way to great savings when you open your Shopback app and participate in our exclusive 10.10 Challenges!

How to participate:

  1. Open your ShopBack app
  2. Click on the Earn More tab
  3. Select the challenge
  4. Opt in for the challenge

ShopBack 10.10 Truth & Dare

We dare you… to tell the truth! Stand a chance to win a grand prize of $1,010 Cashback by participating in #ShopBack1010TruthDare mission.

Click here for more


How to participate:

  1. Must have a ShopBack account
  2. Upload a screenshot of your total Cashback amount from the ShopBack App on your Instagram/ Facebook with the hashtag #ShopBack1010TruthDare
  3. Caption it in 25 words or less: I love using ShopBack because “_______”
  4. Tag 2 friends & ShopBack on Instagram or Facebook
  5. Submit your social sharing screenshot: http://bit.ly/1010truthdare

10.10 Epic Hourly Cashback: Deals and Vouchers

Fulfill all your shopping needs and save at the same time when you shop with our Epic Hourly upsizes! For more savings, download the Shopback Chrome extension if you’re shopping on desktop/ Web and find out exclusive Shopback promo codes that you can apply at checkout.

10.10 Highlights

All day upsizes and deals for all your shopping needs!

10.10 DBS Partnership

Receive an additional 5% Cashback when you shop using a DBS card!

Click here to find out more!

10.10 Citibank Partnership

Receive an additional 3% Cashback for purchase of vouchers & store credits on ShopBack when you pay with your Citi Credit Card!

Click here to view more!

10.10 Standard Chartered Partnership

Get additional 5% cashback when you shop with your Standard Chartered Credit Cards!

Click here to find out more!

Refer A Friend (5-11 Oct)

Do you have any friends or loved ones to refer? Get $5 Bonus Cashback + extra $2 Lazada Coupon on your next Lazada order.

How it Works:

  1. Share your referral link to your friends
  2. Your friend signs up using your referral link and makes a purchase from 5-11 October
  3. You both receive $5 in your ShopBack account instantly
  4. You both qualify for the bonus reward and receive an App push by 15 Oct to collect the $2 Lazada Coupon

Start planning your wishlist ahead before October 10th and get ready for the frenzy of deals to come! Get all these awesome deals all at 9.9 ShopBack ShopFest now.

10.10 is part of ShopBack ShopFest ‘20 – A year-end festival of 5 sale events from 1 Sep – 12 Dec. They include 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, BFCM and 12.12.

How ShopBack Works

ShopBack is a platform that allows users to earn up to 30% cashback every time they make an online purchase from 500+ stores like Lazada, Shopee, Amazon, Foodpanda, Grab & more. ShopBack is free to join  and is available on desktop, app store, play store and on browser extension. Learn more here.

 

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Here are the two types of hair loss COVID-19 seems to be causing

Do you know that emotional stress from job loss and financial strain as a result of the pandemic contributes to hair loss? According to experts, there are exactly two types of hair loss COVID-19 seems to be causing. The names to note are telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

Telogen effluvium

Image Credits: Freepik

The first type is termed as telogen effluvium. It is a condition where people lose more than the average amount of 50 to 100 hairs per day. Telogen effluvium usually begins several months after an individual goes through a stressful event.

Dr Shilpi Khetarpal, an associate professor of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic, shares that with telogen effluvium, people are shedding more and growing less.

Alopecia areata

Image Credits: Health Digest

The other type of hair loss as a result of the pandemic is alopecia areata. Dr Mohammad Jafferany, a psychiatrist and dermatologist at Central Michigan University, notes that it’s a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It typically starts with a patch of hair on the scalp or beard.

“It is known to be associated with or exacerbated by psychological stress,” Jafferany said. Serious cases may see hair loss all over the body including eyebrows and eyelashes.

While good nutrition, stress-reduction exercises like yoga and meditation might work, it is also important to pay extra attention to the scalp.

SUBLIMIC Adenovital Scalp Treatment

In partnership with Shiseido Professional, Shinka at NEX is offering an advanced scalp care treatment you might be interested in. By revitalising your hair from the roots, SUBLIMIC Adenovital will boost the strength of each strand from the core to give you voluminous and resilient locks.

Bid goodbye to thinning hair or hair loss!

1-for-1 promotion on the SUBLIMIC Adenovital Scalp Treatment

Image credits: Shinka

What’s more, you get to treat yourself and a friend to some tender loving care with a special 1-for-1 promotion exclusively at Shinka NEX from now till 30 Nov 2020! The treatment usually priced at $536 for 2 pax is now only $268 for all hair lengths. Applicable to new customers only.

In addition to that, you and your buddy can also stand a chance to win 1x SUBLIMIC Adenovital Scalp Power-Shot each (worth $100 each) after your treatment when you follow Shinka on Instagram (@shinkahairsalon) and like their promotion post.

To qualify, simply show your stylist proof of the follow and like on Instagram after completing your SUBLIMIC Adenovital Scalp Treatment. One winning pair will be selected at the end of October and November respectively.

Book an appointment today at Shinka NEX

Image credits: Shinka

What are you waiting for? Book an appointment today by dialling 6481 2744.

Shinka Hair Salon at NEX
Address: 23 Serangoon Central, #04-26, Singapore 556083
Operating Hours: 11am – 8.30pm daily

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