More Bang for Your Buck: Outlet Ace

50 and 75 percent off! 2 for $29!

They're signs of savings, but throughout the maze of stores in this outlet center and others across the country they’re hidden discounts that you wont find in the front windows.

"There's always that addition savings that you can come by," Eric Proulx of Tanger Outlets in Tilton, NH said.

Proulx says you need to think ahead before you can see the savings.

"Always plot your plan," Proulx said.

To do that he suggests printing out a map of the outlet center. That way you know where the stores are that you'll want to hit.

When you first get to an outlet, make your first stop the manager’s office. There you'll find coupons and get any inside tips on what stores are having big sales.

"We'll give you coupon books in 23 states," Proulx said.

Some outlets have even more special offers to give out if you’re a member of AAA.

"This coupon book has approximately 12-13 coupons in it for this center," Proulx said.

Over 50 years old? Many centers offer deals just for you, but it often depends on the day of week, so check before you shop.

Summer is in full swing, which means you can make a splash at the outlets! Just like other retail stores, they need to make room for next seasons merchandise so they're slashing prices.

"Same thing in February, you want winter goods, go in February at the end of the season," Edgar Dworsky of Consumerworld.com said.

Summer may be on your mind, but back to school shopping time is right around the corner and many outlets are already rolling out the savings. At the Wrentham Outlets, for instance, back to school sales start next week!

But before you hand over your credit card you need to pay close attention to the tags, that’s where you'll find the true tale of what your looking at.

Clothing marked first quality is the best bet because it’s identical to what’s sold in regular retail stores.

While if the tag reads "compare at", chances are these items were made specifically for the outlet.

And if something is marked irregular or 'second', stores may give you addition savings, but you have to ask

"If it really crosses into being a second, like there's a hole, see if they will give you a discount off the price," Proulx said.

And remember to always check outlet center web sites. Many of them offer coupons you can print at home and list all the special sales each season.

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