In an age where time is gold, online shopping has become the go-to option for most people.
Not only does this habit offer a variety of money-saving strategies and the safest payment method when buying online, but it also saves time and allows you to shop at any place you like.
With the right tips, money can remain in your pocket while online shopping, and there is a limitless supply of products you can choose from.
Is online shopping a consistent money-saving option? The fact is, yes, if you know how to play the game. With these proven online shopping methods, you will get the significant savings you want.
1. Compare Prices Across Multiple Websites
Thanks to the internet, you can now check prices with a few mouse clicks before finally making your purchasing decision.
Through your online shopping efforts, you can find the price of a product you are interested in without having to physically visit the store.
Price comparison websites and browser extensions like PriceGrabber, Google Shopping, and CamelCamelCamel are great platforms for buyers to find the best deal while shopping at Amazon.
Also, remember to look at leading competitor websites. Sometimes, one vendor will match or beat a competitor in price.
Pick some of your favorite comparison sites and add them to your bookmarks or use extensions to make price-checking extremely easy and to feel confident that you are getting the best deal.
2. Look Out for Seasonal Sales and Events
One of the best ways to shop cost-effectively online is to use the sales of seasons and special events.
Major online retailers tend to give notable discounts during the critical shopping periods:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Usually held in November, these periods offer exceptional bargains on electronics and home appliances.
- End-of-Season Sales: Clothing shops run through these kinds of sales at the end of each season, when you can get up to 70% off.
- Holiday Sales: Before the holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, many shops offer discounts.
Mark the dates on your schedule and build a wish list so that when the prices plunge, you buy.
3. Use Coupon Codes and Discount Apps
Not using any coupon codes means missing out on some very easy savings.
Promo codes for discounts of 10% to 50% of your total purchase can be entered at the checkout page by many retailers.
Honey and RetailMeNot are apps that automatically detect and implement coupon codes at the checkout, saving you time and effort.
Additionally, subscribing to a store’s newsletter usually offers a discount code. You might also receive promos exclusively in your inbox.
Try searching for “store name + coupon code” before buying to check whether there are coupons that can save you money.
4. Abandon Your Cart (Yes, Really!)
This tip may seem unconventional, but online money-saving could be as simple as walking away.
Various retailers offer great deals if they find out you have abandoned your cart and decided not to proceed with the payment.
Here’s how it works: when you add items to your cart and then leave the website, some merchants will notify you via email and send you a discount code, which might encourage you to return your purchase.
Depending on the retailer’s system, this strategy will only be effective within hours or days.
If you are not in a rush, you can just add items to your cart and leave them there until a discount comes through your email. Patience is a virtue!
- Take Advantage of Cashback Programs
Cashback programs are an excellent way to earn a percentage of your spending back in cash by visiting a particular website, app, or credit card company.
Cashback websites like Rakuten and Swagbucks have joined hands with leading retailers; hence, you get a percentage back for every shopping trip.
They have made it simple to save on everything you need for life, from electronics to clothes, by just shopping through the links they provide.
Moreover, credit card rewards programs give cashback in the specified categories, including groceries, dining, and online shopping.
The best part? You have the opportunity to use cashback deals and coupons simultaneously and combine these savings strategies to decrease your expenses.
5. Buy in Bulk When Possible
Bulk purchasing is a good idea for budget-conscious individuals who regularly use particular products, such as detergents, canned goods, and toiletries.
When you buy in greater quantities, you can discover items online at a lower price. Services such as Amazon Prime, Costco, and Sam’s Club can also be suitable for bulk buying because they typically offer VIP deals and discounts on bulk items, making it easier to save money on basic needs.
Buying in bulk can also qualify you for free shipping, saving you from delivery charges.
Doing so lets you stock up on regularly used items and get a discount on essential goods.
6. Take Advantage of Student, Military, and Other Discounts
Many online stores provide discounts for select demographics, mainly students, military personnel, healthcare workers, etc.
If you belong to an eligible group, these discounts could save you a lot of money. Checking whether you’re eligible is always a good idea.
Platforms such as UNiDAYS and ID.me assist in confirming your status and link you to merchants who provide discounts only for these groups.
Students and military staff are given discounts, and many stores offer them to teachers, seniors, and first responders.
Ask friends or relatives who might be eligible for a particular discount if you are not. Even if you don’t immediately meet the requirements, they might be able to assist you in obtaining a discount code so you can take advantage of the savings.
7. Avoid Impulse Buys
Impulse buying is one of the quickest ways to pay more than you planned, above all online, where you can buy anything with a single click.
To avoid this, make a list and stick to it. Going shopping with a list can be really helpful for customers to avoid buying uninspiring or unnecessary items.
It’s also useful to use a waiting period. An alternative way to break the habit of impulse buying is to put non-essential items in your cart and wait for 24 hours before making a purchase. Quite often, you discover that they aren’t necessary after all.
Don’t browse sales sections just for the sake of it. You should only look if you are actively searching for something specific to your needs.
8. Don’t Forget Free Shipping
Shipping costs are a significant contributor to final expenses, and if you are so lucky as to have discounted products, you can be proven to have additional savings. Still, you may overpay in the shipping area.
When it comes to shopping, it is better to spend a little extra cash on the right store if it means you will save on shipping costs.
Some stores offer free shipping on orders over a certain minimum amount, and some others might have campaigns that make shipping free to all site users.
If you are a frequent shopper, consider membership services on platforms like Amazon Prime and Walmart+, which offer free two-day shipping on most orders.
One way customers usually get free shipping on their orders is to combine different items that they want to buy to have them delivered together and save on shipping costs.
You can also wait for special times when shipping is free instead to save up on what you want to buy.
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