How to Shop Smart in 2025

Shopping during Black Friday, 11.11 or 12.12 can feel like a rollercoaster with flash deals popping up and countdown timers screaming at us.

And suddenly… our cart is full of things we swear we didn’t plan to buy.

Here’s the truth:
We don’t just shop.
We strategise.
That’s how we save more while still getting the things we actually want.

If we’ve ever wondered:
• “Should we wait for the Mega Sale?”
• “Is pre-order really cheaper?”
• “How do we avoid overspending?”
Then we’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’re sharing simple, real and money-saving tips that work for Black Friday, 11.11, 12.12 and even pre-order deals.

And honestly…
Tip number 7 is the one we wish someone told us earlier.
So don’t tap away too fast.
Stay till the end to maximise your savings.

Let’s dive in.

11.11 / 12.12 Mega Sale

Big sales like 11.11 and 12.12 are famous for their lightning deals, vouchers, and stackable discounts. The trick is not to join the chaos blindly, but to go in with a plan.

Brands usually start teasing offers a week earlier, so keep an eye on previews and warm-up deals.

The smartest way to play these mega sales is to compare price history. Many platforms let us check if the price was raised before being “discounted”.

If the price stays consistent, that’s a green flag. If it jumps before the sale, it’s probably not a real deal.

During 11.11 and 12.12, popular sizes sell out fast. So if we’re eyeing shoes, especially basics like black, nude or work-friendly colours, it’s best to add them to the wishlist early. Core work pairs like the Sofia Pointed Kitten Heel and Evelyn Horsebit Flats are usually the first to go. This makes checkout quicker and avoids missing out.

Join Brand VIP ROOM for Early Drops

Brands reward their inner circle. When we join a brand’s WhatsApp or Telegram, we usually get early access, exclusive codes, or limited-time deals before they go public. This means we get better prices and better size availability.

Most early-bird announcements happen quietly - no big banners, no loud ads. It’s the brand’s way of rewarding loyal customers who stay connected.

So being inside the list can save more money than waiting for the official sale day.

On top of that, early drops reduce stress. No fighting with everyone during peak hours, no sold-out sizes, no buggy checkout. We get the offer first, peacefully, with the best options still available.

Pre-order (Usually Cheaper)

Pre-orders are one of the most underrated ways to save money. Brands often give special pricing during pre-order because production hasn’t started yet, so early support helps them plan stock better.

The benefit for us: lower price compared to launch week.

Another advantage is getting new releases before they get hyped. If the design becomes a bestseller later, the price may go up or the colours we love may sell out. Pre-order locks in the best deal and guarantees our pair.

We just need to check the delivery timeline. If we’re not in a rush, pre-order is a smart move. And for comfortable shoes, especially signature pieces, paying less upfront for the same quality is a win. The latest Madre arrivals are the ones most often offered this way.

Look Out for Bundle Deals During Low Seasons

Brands quietly drop their biggest bundle deals during slow months usually February, March or August. These bundles often give more value than 11.11 or 12.12 because brands are boosting off-season sales.

Bundles also help us save on shipping, packing, and add-on costs. Instead of buying items separately across multiple orders, we save more when everything is grouped into one deal. This works especially well for basics or everyday shoes.

If we’re planning ahead for work, Raya or weddings, buying during bundle promos gives the best return. We spend once, save more, and get everything we need without waiting for major sales.

Timing Your Purchase Based on Product Lifecycle

Every product has a cycle. When a new design launches, it stays at full price for the first few weeks. After 30–45 days, some colours or less popular sizes may get a light markdown. If we’re not rushing, this is the sweet spot.

For shoes, core colours like black, nude and beige rarely get discounted early. But seasonal colours (sage green, dusty blush, lilac) almost always go on promo faster. Knowing this helps us plan our purchase strategically.

So if we love a core colour: buy early. If we just want a fun colour: wait a bit. Understanding this cycle makes us smarter shoppers who buy at the right time, not the expensive time.

Shop Based on Your Foot Type (to Avoid Wrong Purchases)

Believe it or not, shopping based on our foot type saves money. When we buy the wrong fit (too narrow, too flat, too stiff) we end up returning, exchanging or buying again. That’s wasted time, wasted shipping, and wasted energy.

Flat feet, bunions, wide feet, or high arches need different structures. If your feet run wide or you have a bunion, a wide toe box matters more than the discount: the Karla Pump Block Heel and Naily Platform Sandal are both cut for that. Choosing the right shoe from the start reduces mistakes and keeps our purchases intentional. This is the real definition of “shopping smart”.

Plus, when the shoe fits well, we wear it more often. That means better cost per wear which is the ultimate way to stretch every ringgit spent.

Black Friday

Black Friday is famous for extreme markdowns, but not everything is a real bargain. Some deals are hype-driven, so the key is to check whether the discount is genuinely lower than normal sale periods. If yes, grab it fast.

The biggest advantage of Black Friday is that it usually includes sitewide deals, not just selected items. This means even bestselling basics, work shoes and everyday styles can be cheaper than usual.

If we’re targeting comfort shoes, heels or staples we use often, Black Friday is one of the best times to buy. Start with the Madre best sellers, since those are the pairs that restock slowest. The only rule: shop early. Once sizes run out, they don’t restock until the next cycle and sometimes the price goes back up.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, shopping smart isn’t about chasing every sale.

It’s about knowing when to buy, what to buy, and which deals are actually worth it. Big events like Black Friday, 11.11, 12.12, pre-order promos and bundle drops all have their own advantages and when we understand the timing, we save more without sacrificing the things we love.

And if we’re shopping for shoes, comfort and fit matter just as much as price. That’s why at Madre, we design every pair with Asian feet in mind. So whatever deal we choose, we’re still getting comfort, quality and value that lasts.

So here’s to smarter shopping, better savings, and making every ringgit count.
May our carts be intentional… and our feet always happy.