Good and cheap shopping in the Netherlands

Dutch people do not feel bad about themselves when they buy something cheap. It is part of Dutch culture to be smart with money. People find it normal to pay less if they can. That is why people wait for offers or actively search for the best price. If you compliment Dutch people on a coat or furniture, they often immediately tell you how cheap it was because of a discount.

But beware: in the Netherlands, there is usually no culture of negotiating the price. The price you see is often the price you pay.

Stores in the Netherlands often give discounts. It is a way to attract customers. Mostly supermarkets and stores selling audio and video devices try to win customers with low prices.

Buying groceries at a discount

• Offer leaflets: Many people wait for leaflets with the new offers from supermarkets every week. You can find them in your postbox, in apps or online. Please note that you only get leaflets in your postbox if you do not have a NEE-NEE or JA-NEE sticker.

• 'Bonus', offers and '1+1 gratis': Supermarkets have discount offers every week. Some promotions require a loyalty card from the supermarket. Note: Supermarkets often give discounts on A-brand items, which are often more expensive than private label items. So it is often still cheaper to buy private label items.

• 'Too Good To Go': This app allows you to buy food left over at the end of the day, for example at restaurants. It is inexpensive and prevents food waste.

• Shopping together:This can be cheaper. You can share bulk packs or promotions such as 3+1 free. You then also share the cost of transportation.

• Shopping in Germany: Sometimes it is cheaper to do major shopping just across the border in Germany. You can check through this website to see if this is advantageous for you.

Clothes and everyday items

• Thrift stores: You can find used clothing, furniture, books and dishes. Often the items are still in good condition.

• aVinted: A popular app to buy or sell used clothing. You then receive second-hand clothes by post.strong>Vinted: Een populaire app om tweedehands kleding te kopen of verkopen. Per post ontvang je dan tweedehands kleding.

• Seasonal sales: Twice a year, many stores have big discounts, such as during the winter or summer sales.

Furniture and electronics.

• Marktplaats: On this website you can buy used furniture, bikes, clothes, electronics and almost anything else you need.

• Refurbished products: These are products that have been previously used but refurbished. They work well and are cheaper than new. Online you can find many refurbished mobile phones.

• Price match: With some stores, you can ask them to match the price of another store. That way you get the lowest price.

• Repair Cafés: Are in almost every city or larger village, will be happy to help you fix your broken things.

Not every discount is a good buy. These tips will help you avoid overpaying:

• Compare prices: Check multiple websites or apps to see if the product is cheaper somewhere else. Sometimes 20% off may seem like a lot, but the regular price is lower somewhere else.

• Please pay attention to the standard price: Some stores first raise the standard price and then offer 'korting' (discounts). See if the discount seems logical.

• Read reviews: Customer reviews show you whether a product is of good quality. This is especially useful with electronics, toys and furniture.

• Please read the fine print: 'Op = op' (when it's gone, it's gone) means the product may sell out quickly. 'Kassakorting' (checkout discount) means you will not see the discount until you are at the checkout. On the shelf or in the web shop, sometimes the regular price is still shown, but at checkout you pay less.

Economical shopping is nice, but pay attention to these points to avoid problems:

• Marktplaats and second-hand platforms: Always be careful. For example, meet in a public place if you do not know someone or are unsure about the seller. When picking up at home, do not just go in with the seller. Check that the product works before you pay, and do not pay in advance if you do not trust the seller.

• Too good to be true: Sometimes a price seems too low to be true. Then be extra vigilant: it may be fake or unreliable.

• Only buy via trustworthy websites: Check unknown web shops via thuiswinkel.org

  or other inspection websites.

• High interest rates on instalments: Prefer not to buy in instalments or through services such as Klarna. The interest rate can be high and many people get into debt as a result.

• Keep an eye on shipping costs: Always be aware of shipping costs and additional import fees with foreign webshops. Returns or customer service can also be trickier.

Being smart and safe with discounts can save you a lot of money in the Netherlands. This way, shopping not only becomes cheaper, but also a lot more fun.

Do you want to learn more about Dutch culture and integration? Then read on at RefugeeHelp.