Think about what it takes to update your home or even just a room in your home. You make a trip to the paint store to choose the color you want to use as an upgrade. Instead of being set on a single color or shade of color, ask the retailer if there is any mis-colored paint you could purchase. These are the gallons of paint that did not meet the expectations of previous customers and therefore remain unsold. If you are willing to wok with colors you may not have originally chosen for yourself, you may be surprised at how little cost you can repaint a room.

The same can be true of other customized jobs. A carpet store that cuts custom pieces for customers may have some left over carpet for sale that can be used as throw rugs. There may also be larger sized pieces that have been cut incorrectly that the store may be willing to part with for considerably less in the event the measurements match what you need. Home improvement stores that cut wood to customer specification may also have some mis-cut wood for sale that can be purchased cheaply or even for free.

For special celebrations, be sure to check out the grocery store for cakes with mistakes. Sometimes you can pick up a cheap cake when a customer failed to pick it up for themselves. You may also find cakes with spelling errors that have been reduced in price. For a quick fix, shave off any decorative writing and add your own sentiments for your family with a cheap tube of decorative icing.

 When it comes to clothing, you can often find outlet stores that have drastically reduced prices on items that are considered “irregular”. Often, these irregularities are minor and unnoticeable unless you are looking for the mistake. Many times the stitching is crooked or a hem is uneven. There are some cases where one pant leg may be longer than the other, so it pays to look over irregular items carefully and try the clothes on before making a purchase. 

There are many other ways you can benefit and save money from other people’s mistakes. Do not expect such items to be prominently displayed in any store. After all, no one wants to admit their errors but it may be worth your while to inquire about them anyway.

Rely on Other People’s Mistakes to Find a Bargain was created by and is property of American Consumer News.