Are you tired of overspending when shopping online? With so many merchants fighting for your business, it can be difficult to know where to go for the greatest bargains. Fortunately, there are certain smart tactics and strategies you can utilize to become a knowledgeable deal hunter and save money on the things you desire.
More individuals across the world are purchasing online each year as e-commerce grows. In fact, the number of digital consumers is expected to reach 2.64 billion by 2023, accounting for 33.3% of the global population according eMarkter. Fortunately, there are certain smart tactics and strategies you can utilize to become a knowledgeable deal hunter and save money on the items you want. Here are seven clever online shopping tips to get the most out of your money.
Use Price Comparison Tools
Before making a purchase online, it’s always a good idea to compare prices from different retailers. Price comparison tools such as Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and CamelCamelCamel can assist you in finding the best bargain on the product you’re searching for. These tools allow you to compare prices and verify product availability at many merchants all in one spot.
Additionally, you can check online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Mercari to see if any vendors are offering the same brand-new items at a lower price. In rare situations, retailers will have an oversupply of a product and sell it at a discount on these sites. Just make sure you thoroughly read the product description and only buy from trusted suppliers.
Look for Promo Codes and Coupons
Before you hit the checkout button, take a moment to look for any promo codes or coupons. A simple Google search can often turn up some great discounts. You can also check out websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com for the latest codes.
Another option is to install browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping. These extensions automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout. Just be aware that these tools may have access to your shopping history. The companies behind these tools claim that they don’t share your data with anyone, but it’s always good to be cautious.
Here is a screenshot showing how I made $61.42 in rewards on a $255.95 gift card purchase. I also earned additional cash back from my credit card. Continue reading below to find out how.
Sign Up for Email Newsletters
If you’re a frequent shopper at a particular online store, signing up for their email newsletter can help you stay up-to-date on their latest deals and promotions. Many retailers offer exclusive discounts or early access to sales to their email subscribers. Plus, you’ll receive notifications about new products or limited-time offers. This is especially true for all Gap owned brands such as Old Navy, Banana Republic or Macys as they always have some special running.
To avoid cluttering your inbox with promotional emails, you can use a one-time email address or a disposable email service like TempMail or Guerrilla Mail. Alternatively, you can use Google’s “+ trick” to create unique email addresses for each retailer. For example, if your email address is “johndoe@gmail.com,” you can sign up for a retailer’s newsletter using “johndoe+retailer@gmail.com.” This will allow you to filter promotional emails easily and avoid spamming your main email account.
Use Discounted Gift Cards
Using discounted gift cards is another technique to save money while buying online. There are various apps available that provide cheap gift cards for major stores, such as Slide and Fluz. You can significantly cut the cost of your purchase by purchasing a gift card at a discounted rate. However, when using these apps, it is important to exercise caution. Only use a credit card to make these purchases and not a debit card, as credit cards offer superior fraud protection. In addition, returning items purchased with a gift card will be refunded as a gift card rather than cash back.
Some apps also run promotions that provide additional discounts on gift cards, such as 10% off at Uber Eats from time to time. By pairing this discount with a credit card that offers 3% cash back for online shopping, such as the Bank of America Cash Rewards card, you can save even more money on your purchases.
Take Advantage of Price Adjustments
It might be aggravating to see the price reduced immediately after completing a purchase. Many retailers, on the other hand, have price adjustment policies that allow you to obtain a refund for the difference in price. To take advantage of this, review the retailer’s price adjustment policy and keep an eye on the pricing of recently purchased products.
Not all retailers might offer price adjustments and in that scenario, you can request price adjustments with your credit card. Price protection features on certain credit cards automatically reimburse the difference if the price is decreased within a set time period from the date of purchase. Credit cards that offer this feature include the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards and the Wells Fargo Visa Signature Card.
If you’ve made a purchase with one of these cards and noticed the price has dropped, simply contact the credit card company and submit a claim for the price difference. This can help you save even more money on your purchases and get the best deals possible.
Double Dip on Credit Card Cashback Programs
Double-dipping your credit card cash program is one of the best strategies to increase your rewards. In order to maximize your rewards on a transaction, use a cash back website like TopCashback or RebateMe (referral) in addition to the cash back offer on your credit card.
For example, if you have an American Express offer for $5 cash back on a $50 purchase at Crocs.com, you can activate the offer on your Amex app, then go to a cash back site to activate their cash back offer and place an order on Crocs.com with your credit card. This should trigger your credit card offer, and once the cash back site confirms your order, you will get cash back on both your credit card and the cash back site.
Look for Free Shipping
Shipping costs can add up quickly when shopping online, especially if you’re buying from multiple retailers. To save money, always look for free shipping deals or promotions. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or during specific holidays or events. You can also use services like Amazon Prime or ShopRunner to get free two-day shipping on eligible items.
Moreover, some retailers provide free returns on your purchases. Take advantage of this by buying things that are free to return and returning one to get two for the price of one. Verify the retailer’s return policy before making a purchase. You can also opt for in-store pickup for many retailers if it’s available in your area.
While some personal finance websites may advise methods like “abandon cart” or “shop on the correct day” to save money while conducting online shopping, it’s necessary to bear in mind that they may not always be effective. Similarly, not everyone has the luxury of being able to schedule their shopping around certain days or times. While these can be effective strategies when they do work, they may not be reliable or practical for everyone.
Online shopping doesn’t have to be a budget-busting experience. By following these clever online shopping tips, you can save money on the products you want and become a savvy deal hunter. Remember, among other things, to compare prices, hunt for discount codes, read product reviews, and take advantage of price revisions. You can get the most bang for your buck and enjoy the benefits of internet shopping without overpaying with a little work and forethought. Have fun shopping!
Featured image via @dylangillis / Unsplash
