Far from the long lines and chaotic crowds, shopping from home can be quick, fun, and convenient. With more and more stores offering online services, the entire mall can be just one click away. From small family-owned businesses to large multinational chains, the retail industry is already one colossal virtual platform. Most stores have easy-to-use websites and 24/7 customer service, making you wonder why you’d ever go the brick-and-mortar route.
While skipping a trip to the store saves you gas and time, does it always save you money as well? Online stores may show lower prices as clickbait, but then shipping costs can add up quickly. So don’t assume that shopping is always cheaper online.
To make sure you’re getting bargains, use the time you save not finding parking at the mall to research before you buy. Here are four tried-and-tested tips that can help you maximize savings while buying your favorite products.
1. Find Discounts — Or Let Them Find You
You could hunt around for online coupons and promo codes. However, if you’re pressed for time, stick to retailers with consistently reasonable prices without any gimmicks. Look for sites that offer great prices year-round on slight manufacturer slip-ups, such as Carhartt factory seconds. In this economy, minor irregularities can be ignored if you get the same fit and durability at a discounted price.
Another simple trick is to fill your online cart with your desired items and then abandon it for a while. Many websites are programmed to automatically email discount coupons to customers who have left their shopping midway. Using retailers’ own marketing tool against them seems sneaky, but it can be an effective strategy to secure discounts. There are also many coupon websites available online that can also help you get the best price.
2. Compare Prices
One of the best things about online shopping is the ability to compare prices from different retailers with just a few clicks. You’ll often find that prices vary significantly. Additionally, consider using price tracking tools or browser extensions that can notify you when the price on an item drops. This way, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
When comparison shopping, keep all factors in mind. Saving $5 on an item is not worth it’ll take five weeks to be delivered. Check the product specifications if you’re buying items that have different sizes — a tiny bottle can look huge if the photograph is zoomed in. Honest sellers always mention exact dimensions of the items they sell. Alternatively, they place the object next to something standard like a penny so you can gauge the scale. Also, make sure they have a hassle-free refund policy if you’re trying out a new store.
If you just can’t find the bag of your dreams on sale anywhere, you can still knock off a few bucks on your purchase. How? By using cash-back credit cards. Compare different cards to see which gives you the most cash back at stores where you shop.
3. Stay Informed
Many online retailers offer special discounts for signing up for email or text marketing. Not only will you get firsthand information about upcoming sales, but you may also be eligible for subscriber freebies. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your email inbox to avoid that newsletter from going to your spam folder. Ditto for social media. Some companies share exclusive deals and codes on their Instagram or TikTok accounts.
Many marketers allow you to personalize the content you see. If you’re looking for women’s shoes, apps can track your preferences and not send you offers for men’s cologne instead. By opting in, you get early access to flash sales and limited offers that may sell out before they’re available to the public. Your insider access will allow you to snag great gifts and plan ahead for birthday and holiday presents.
4. Wait and Watch
Most retailers have seasonal sales, promotions during holidays, or special events like Cyber Monday. It’s a drag when you see the shoes you bought last month sold at half price during a sale. That sinking sensation could be just the impetus you need to say no to impulsive full-price buys. Holiday sales are around the same time every year, so exercise the virtue of patience. All you have to do is time your shopping and wait for the deals to start pouring in.
Seasonal promotions have the added advantage of giving you a heads-up on the trends and colors for the upcoming season. A little restraint will ensure you buy items that are in sync with the current trends. If you have storage space, you can also buy classic holiday pieces during end-of-season clearance sales. These staples can be used every year — without paying full price.
Practice Safe Shopping
While technology has made shopping so much easier, it comes with its own set of risks. Beware of credit card fraud and identity theft when shopping online. Don’t save your credit card information on websites or use public Wi-Fi when making purchases. To avoid being duped, shop from reputable stores and always check out customer reviews to confirm reliability.
Once you’re hooked on online shopping, there’s usually no looking back. From cookies to cars, diapers to diamonds, you can find the best deals while still in your pajamas.
