Online shopping has become a regular part of daily life, offering convenience and a vast array of products at your fingertips. However, to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money, it’s important to shop strategically. Here are some tips to help you shop smart and find the best deals online.
Set a Budget and Make a Shopping List
Just like you plan for major expenses, such as vacations or tuition, budgeting for everyday purchases is crucial. Use a budgeting method like the 50/30/20 rule to allocate your income towards essentials and discretionary spending. Make a list of what you need before you shop to avoid overspending on impulse buys.
Shopping at the Right Time
Timing your purchases strategically can lead to significant savings throughout the year. Many items follow seasonal price fluctuations, making certain times ideal for finding discounts. Here’s a guide to key shopping events:
- Back-to-School Sales: Late summer sees discounts on school supplies, clothing, and electronics, often coinciding with sales-tax holidays in August.
- Labor Day Sales: September offers markdowns on mattresses and home furnishings, along with clearance prices on summer items.
- Black Friday Deals: Starting as early as October, Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature deep discounts on electronics and kitchen appliances both in stores and online. Prepare by checking retailer ads and announcements well in advance.
These events provide opportunities to save on everything from school supplies to home appliances, ensuring you get the best deals possible.
Use Coupons Wisely
To save money when shopping, learn how to use coupons effectively. You can download free coupon apps or search for promo codes online before making purchases. Spending a minute checking aggregator websites might help you get discounts, like $1 off shampoo or free shipping.
Compare Prices and Price Matching
Before buying something online, check different websites to compare prices. Remember to include shipping costs and any available coupons in your calculations. Some stores match competitors’ prices, so you can ask for a price match if you find a better deal elsewhere. Tools like Google Shopping can make comparing prices easier.
Use Shopping Apps
Make shopping easier with apps like Honey and Rakuten. They find coupons, track prices, and give you cashback, all with little effort from you.
Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS)
Save money by buying online and picking up your order in-store, often without paying for shipping. It might mean a trip to the store, but it’s usually worth it to save money and avoid impulse buys.
Earn Rewards
Get extra benefits by using rewards credit cards, store loyalty programs, or cashback apps. These programs give you points or money back on purchases, but be careful not to spend more just to earn rewards.
Find Free Stuff
Look for freebies online, like gift cards or items from local community sites. Before buying something new, check if you can get it for free first.
Use Abandoned Cart Discounts
When shopping online, leave items in your cart without buying them. Stores often send you discounts or special offers to encourage you to complete your purchase later. It’s an easy way to save money on things you already want to buy.
Subscribe to Mailing Lists for Exclusive Deals
While your inbox might already be filled with promotional emails, signing up for newsletters can lead to some of the best online deals. Many brands offer exclusive discounts, flash sales, or subscriber-only promotions to their email list members. Keeping an eye on these emails could save you money on your next purchase. Some companies also provide discounts when you opt-in for text notifications, offering another avenue for potential savings.
Take Advantage of Referral Programs
Several companies reward you with discounts when you refer a friend who makes a purchase. Examples include Snowe, EyeBuyDirect, Brooklinen, and MeUndies. Sometimes, both you and your friend receive discounts, making referral programs a win-win.
Write Reviews for Rewards
Sharing your experience by writing a review can earn you discounts or freebies from brands. For instance, writing an honest review for Best Buy might enter you into a giveaway. Similarly, Office Depot offers rewards back when you leave a review. If you’re unsure whether a business offers incentives for reviews or if it’s not clearly stated on their website, reach out to customer service via online chat or email to inquire.
Dispute Charges for Resolution
While not a direct discount, disputing charges can result in a refund or compensation. If a product you ordered online arrives faulty or doesn’t match its description, consider requesting a refund directly from the merchant. If unsuccessful, escalating the issue by disputing the charge with your credit card company could resolve the situation. The Federal Trade Commission recommends using credit cards for online purchases due to their fraud protection and ability to dispute charges, ensuring you’re covered in case of any issues.