Online shopping has become a go-to option for millions of people, thanks to its convenience, variety, and speed. But while it’s easy to click “Buy Now,” it’s just as easy to overspend without realising it. The good news? Every time you shop online, you can save a lot of money by using a few smart strategies.
The benefits of online shopping started with apps like Amazon, Flipkart, and so many others for the customer’s convenience. You can browse and purchase products 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere with an internet connection, saving time and money on transportation. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience. Online retailers frequently offer better prices, discounts, and exclusive deals due to lower overhead costs. Additionally, it is simple and quick to compare prices across multiple websites. You can also use customer reviews and ratings to make more informed purchasing decisions because you have access to a wider selection of products than any single physical store, including international and niche items. The online experience also offers greater privacy for discreet purchases while removing the pressure of salespeople and the hassles of crowds, long checkout lines, and parking.
We’ll show you ten tried-and-true online shopping hacks in this blog post that can help you save money, find hidden discounts, and get more value out of every purchase.
Leave Items in your Cart
The old trick of adding items to your cart and then walking away is one of the oldest. Many online retailers track abandoned carts and, within 24 to 48 hours, they’ll often send a follow-up email—sometimes with a special discount or free shipping offer to entice you to complete your purchase. When adding items to your cart, make sure you are logged in so that the store can identify you later.
Use Price Comparison Tools
Take a moment to compare prices across several different platforms before making any online purchases. Tools like Google Shopping, Honey, and PriceGrabber can show you where the product is cheapest. The degree to which prices can vary from store to store might surprise you. You can use some of these tools to see past price trends to figure out if now is a good time to buy or if you should wait for a price drop.
Look for Discount Codes
Never check out without first searching for a promo code. Coupon codes for thousands of online stores can be found on websites like CouponBirds, RetailMeNot, and Coupons.com. If you’re using a browser extension like Honey, it will automatically test available codes at checkout and apply the best one. Even if there isn’t a lot of discount, even a small discount or free shipping adds up over time.
Sign up for their newsletter
New subscribers frequently receive a discount code from retailers, such as 10%-20% off. A quick way to get a discount is to sign up for the newsletter right before you buy something. Do you not want a full inbox? After you have received your discount, use a secondary email address or unsubscribe.
Shop on the Right Days
Did you know that online shopping is better on certain days of the week? According to research, Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the best deals, especially on electronics, fashion, and home goods. Additionally, end-of-season sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and flash sales can provide some of the highest discounts of the year. Keep an eye out for these events.
Use Cashback Websites and Apps
When you shop through their links, cashback platforms like Rakuten, TopCashback, pay you a percentage of your total purchase. It’s basically free money just for using a different doorway to the same store. Although the savings may initially appear insignificant, they really add up over time, particularly with large purchases.
Create an Account for Royalty Points
If you shop regularly from a specific website, create an account and join their loyalty or rewards program. Many sites offer points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for future discounts, free products, or special member-only perks. Some loyalty programs also offer early access to sales or exclusive coupon codes.
Follow Brands on Social Media
On their social media accounts, brands frequently announce giveaways, promo codes, and flash sales. Following them on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook can give you insider access to deals not available elsewhere. Additionally, you might come across influencer promo codes or special bundles promoted through collaborations.
Open Box Items
Certified refurbished or open-box products can be found at significant discounts at a lot of retailers, particularly in the tech and electronics industries. These items are often in near-new condition and come with a warranty. Websites like Amazon Renewed, Best Buy Outlet, and Apple Certified Refurbished are trustworthy options for high-quality items at a lower price.
Don’t Be Afraid to Chat with Customer Support
If you’re shopping from a smaller or independent online store, open a live chat with customer support and ask if there are any available discounts or shipping offers. When you’re a first-time customer, especially, you might be surprised at how often they can give you a small promo code. Also, if you’re buying a lot of things, ask if they can bundle them together for a discount or a better shipping price.
What to Learn?
Being a smart, patient, and resourceful buyer is the only way to save money when shopping online. By applying these simple yet powerful hacks, you’ll get more value from your purchases and avoid unnecessary spending. These small routines, such as waiting for the right day, utilising browser extensions, or simply comparing prices, can result in significant savings over time.
Happy shopping—and smarter spending!
