Recommendations for newcomers to buy
from Canadian stores:
Shopping in Canadian stores may seem a little different at
first, but by familiarizing yourself with some basics, you can have a more
comfortable and economical experience. The following tips can help:
1. Carrying a shopping bag:
- In
most Canadian stores, the use of plastic bags is restricted, and
customers must pay between 10 and
25 cents per bag.
Suggestion: Always carry one or two cloth or reusable bags
so you don't have to pay extra.
II.
Smart Shopping:
- Special
Sales and Discounts:
- Department
stores like Walmart, Costco, Canadian Tire, and IKEA
regularly hold special
sales and seasonal discounts. For discounts, visit our weekly catalogs or
websites.
- Competitive
Pricing (Price Match):
- Some
stores, such as Walmart, will equalize the price if you find the price of
an item lower in another store. It is best to compare prices in different
stores before making a purchase.
III. Taxes:
- In
Canada, prices posted on goods are tax-free,
and taxes are added to the price when you pay. The tax rate ranges
from 5% to 15%, depending on the province.
Suggestion: Consider this cost when budgeting for purchases.
IV. Loyalty Programs and Membership Card:
- Many
stores have loyalty programs that allow you to collect points with every purchase
and get discounts on subsequent
purchases. For example:
- PC Optimum Card: For Loblaw, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart stores.
- Canadian
Tire Money: برای خرید از Canadian Tire.
- Costco
Membership: To access the Costco Store, you need a membership card.
V. Paying attention to the size and packaging
of the goods:
- Many
goods in Canadian stores come in large packages (such as Costco). If you live alone or
are just starting out, these packages may be too much for you.
Suggestion: Buy essential items from regular stores first and go to
department stores for bulk purchases.
VI. Using Dollar Stores:
- Stores
like Dollarama or Dollar Tree are affordable options for
everyday items like cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, and school
supplies.
VII. Quiet hours for shopping:
- Stores
are very busy on weekends and evenings. For more relaxed shopping:
- Early
morning or weekdays is the best time.
- For
stores like Costco, check in early, as some items may run out early.
VIII. Shipping and Costs:
- Transportation
Cost: If you don't have your own vehicle, many stores (such as IKEA
and Canadian Tire) offer transportation services, but the cost is usually
high.
Suggestion: If your purchase volume is small, use services like
Uber or taxis for transportation.
- Cart: In some stores, you have to pay
a fee (usually $1 or $2) to use the cart, which will be returned when you
return the cart.
IX. Seasonal Products:
- In
Canada, many goods are offered seasonally.
For example, there are discounts on warm clothing during the fall and
winter seasons.
Offer: Buy non-essential items like clothing or camping gear at the
end of the season to get big discounts.
10. Returns :
- Most
stores have return policies. Usually, if the item is not used and you have
a receipt for the purchase, it can be returned within 30 days.
Suggestion: Keep the purchase receipt and read the store's return
policy before making an online purchase.
11. Useful Apps to Buy:
- Flipp:
To compare prices and view the catalog of stores.
- Rakuten:
To receive cashback from online purchases.
- PC
Optimum: To manage the points of Loblaw-affiliated stores.
- Costco
App: To find out about discounts at this store.
12. Be mindful of your budget:
- Department
stores can tempt you to buy more than you need.
Suggestion: Make a shopping list and buy only essential items.
13. Gift Cards:
- Many
stores offer gift cards. If you're a newcomer, these cards can be a good
gift from friends or family members.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can save money and improve your
shopping experience. Shopping in Canada can be simple and enjoyable with a
little planning.
