Shopping online can be a budget-friendly option, but you must know where to look for the best deals and how to get deep discounts.
Finding discounts can be challenging, but investing time in this aspect of online shopping will be well worth it. Here are the best money-saving tips from shopping experts. Consider yourself a pro online shopper if you use all six of these strategies.
Look for Deals, Promo Codes, and Coupons
This is the most important thing you can do to become a pro online shopper. Look through popular coupon websites for compiled lists of active codes and promotions. Alternatively, enter a company or product name along with the words “coupon,” “promo,” or “code” into your search engine.
Social media platforms are a growing source of deals and promo codes. Follow your favorite products or merchants on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Many retailer websites also feature promo codes. If you can’t find one or the price isn’t right, you can request one via live chat or email.
Compare and Bargain Prices
Check price comparison websites before making a purchase. Your research may enable you to negotiate a better deal with your preferred retailer. People who negotiate or bargain—in a store or online—get a better deal roughly three out of five times.
Even when shopping in a physical store, take the time to look up prices, coupons, and special offers online before you head to the register.
Review Customer Feedback
Check the reviews that other customers have left if you’re comparing several models of the same product. These people have firsthand knowledge of the products you’re considering purchasing. Both positive and negative feedback can help you make an informed decision.
However, take online feedback with a grain of salt. If customer comments are overly positive or there are few or no negative reviews, there’s a good chance they’re fake.
Sign up For Loyalty Programs
Many businesses provide special discounts and benefits to returning customers who enroll in rewards or loyalty programs. These may include early notice of sales, exclusive discounts, unique coupon codes, and more. Check to see if your favorite stores have loyalty programs.
Subscribe to Email Alerts About Sales
Sign up for email newsletters that deliver savings and special offers to your inbox. Consider creating a separate email address for those messages to keep your primary mailbox clutter-free.
Pause Before Purchasing
When you discover a fantastic product at an unbeatable price, add it to your virtual shopping cart but wait to click “buy.” Keep the item in your shopping cart and return later that day or in the next few days to see if the retailer offers an even better percentage-off deal.
