It offers convenience, variety, and the ability to shop from anywhere, anytime. However, it's also easy to overspend or fall for marketing tricks. That’s why being a smart shopper is more important than ever. Here are five tried-and-tested strategies to help you save money while shopping online .
1. Compare Prices Across Websites
Before hitting the “Buy Now” button, take a moment to compare prices across multiple platforms. Use price comparison websites like Google Shopping, Shopzilla, or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Some browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping automatically scan the web and apply the lowest available price or coupon at checkout.
2. Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs
Most online retailers offer discounts to first-time buyers who subscribe to their newsletters. You’ll also be the first to hear about exclusive sales, flash deals, and limited-time offers. Signing up for a store’s loyalty or rewards program can give you additional perks such as cashback, free shipping, or points that can be redeemed for future purchases.
3. Take Advantage of Sales and Shopping Holidays
Plan your shopping around big sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Singles’ Day, or End-of-Season Sales. Retailers often offer their best discounts during these times. If you don’t need the item urgently, waiting for a sale can help you save a significant amount.
4. Use the Abandoned Cart Trick
Many retailers monitor cart activity. If you add items to your cart but don’t complete the checkout, you may receive a follow-up email with a special discount or reminder. This trick doesn’t work on all sites, but it’s worth trying—especially with smaller or independent online stores.
5. Stack Coupons and Cashback Offers
Use browser extensions or websites like Rakuten, TopCashback, or RetailMeNot to find active promo codes and earn cashback on purchases. You can often combine these with retailer promotions for double savings. Make it a habit to search for discount codes before buying anything online.
Conclusion:
Being a savvy online shopper doesn't require much effort —it’s all about timing, research, and knowing where to look. By using these five strategies, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without breaking the bank. Happy saving!