In today’s digital age, the art of bargain hunting has moved from physical stores to the virtual world of online shopping. Savvy shoppers can find incredible deals with a few clicks, provided they know where and how to look. This guide will walk you through strategies to help you get the best deals when you’re shopping online.
Compare Prices Across Websites
The first step to getting the best deals is to compare prices across different e-commerce platforms. Use price-comparison tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and ShopSavvy to quickly see where the item you’re interested in is being sold for the lowest amount of money. Sometimes, smaller, lesser-known sites may offer lower prices than the e-commerce giants.
Utilize Coupons and Promo Codes
Before finalizing any purchase, always check for available coupon codes. Websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Honey offer extensive lists of promo codes for a wide range of retailers. Additionally, installing browser extensions can automate this process by applying the best coupon code for you at checkout.
Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs
Many online stores offer discounts on your first purchases when you sign up for their newsletters. Additionally, being part of a store’s newsletter or loyalty program can give you access to exclusive deals, early sale alerts, and private offers. While the influx of emails might be overwhelming, the savings can be substantial. Consider setting up a separate email account you reserve solely for online shopping.
Wait for the Right Time to Buy
Timing can be everything in the world of online shopping. Prices for products can fluctuate based on many factors, including seasonality, demand, and stock levels. Tools like CamelCamelCamel, which tracks price histories on Amazon, can help you identify patterns and the best times to buy. Generally, large sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school seasons are excellent times to snag deals.
Use Cashback Services
Cashback websites and apps offer another way to save money. By making purchases through platforms like Rakuten (formerly Ebates), TopCashback, or Swagbucks, you can earn back a percentage of your total spend. Over time, this can add up to a significant amount of money.
Follow Social Media and Influencers
Retailers often partner with influencers to offer exclusive discount codes or alert followers to upcoming sales. Following your favorite brands and influencers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can keep you in the loop for any potential deals.
Check for Price Match Policies
Some online retailers have price matching policies and will match a lower price if you find one on a competitor’s site. Before you buy, check the price match policy of the retailer, and present them with proof of the lower price to get the item for less. This can be particularly useful for big-ticket items like electronics and appliances.
Consider Pre-Owned or Refurbished Items
For even bigger savings, consider buying pre-owned or refurbished items. Websites’ certified refurbished sections of electronics offer items that are often just as good as new for a fraction of the cost. These items usually come with warranties, giving you peace of mind alongside their lower prices.
Leave Items in Your Cart
Leaving items in your cart can sometimes trigger promotional emails from the retailer urging you to complete the purchase, often with a discount code or offer. This doesn’t work with all online stores but can be an effective strategy to snag a last-minute deal.
Be Wary of Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing is a strategy online retailers use to offer different prices to different customers based on demand, market factors, and each shopper’s browsing and spending patterns. To outsmart this system, clear your browsing history and cookies, log out of your account, and switch to incognito mode to possibly receive a lower price.
Smart online shopping involves more than just finding the lowest price; it’s about making sure that you’re maximizing all potential savings through coupons, cash back, and strategic timing. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can get a better deal when you shop online.