With the rise of online shopping, finding great deals has never been easier. However, there are smart strategies you can use to maximize savings and truly find the best discounts online. This article outlines actionable tips for getting the lowest prices, from price tracking tools to lesser known sale days. Read on to become a savvy online shopper!
Compare Prices Across Multiple Sites
One of the best ways to ensure you are getting the lowest price is to compare prices for an item across multiple retailers. Here are some easy ways to compare:
Use Price Comparison Sites
Price comparison sites like Google Shopping and Book Bargain Buy allow you to enter a specific product and see current pricing at dozens of stores instantly. This saves you from having to check each retailer individually.
Check Retailer Sites Directly
In addition to comparison sites, double-check prices on the websites of popular retailers that sell the item. Sometimes exclusive online deals may beat the prices listed on a comparison engine.
Use Browser Extensions
Browser extensions like Honey can automatically show you the best coupon codes and prices for items across the web. The tool integrates seamlessly into your shopping experience.
Sign Up For Retailer Email Lists
Many online stores offer exclusive email promotions and discounts to subscribers. Take advantage of these by:
Create Separate Email For Retailers
To avoid a cluttered inbox, set up a free dedicated email account just for retail newsletters and sale alerts.
Unsubscribe After Deals
Take 10 seconds to unsubscribe from emails after the applicable sale ends. This prevents overload in your dedicated account.
Follow Retailers on Social Media
Beyond email, retailers may announce flash deals and offers on social media channels like Facebook and Instagram.
Enable Post Notifications
Be sure to enable notifications from your favorite stores. This prompts you anytime new deals are posted.
Check for Exclusive Deals
Some discounts may only be unveiled on social media and not shared via email. Browsing regularly can reveal additional savings.
Use Cashback and Coupon Sites
Cashback and coupon aggregator sites compile available offers so you can earn back a percentage of your purchase price.
Common Cashback Sites
Top cashback services include Rakuten, Ibotta, Honey, and CouponCabin. Always check for rates through these sites before buying.
Coupon Aggregator Sites
Sites like RetailMeNot list any publicly available coupons for stores across the web in one spot for easy access.
Shop on Holiday Sales Days
Plan your shopping trips strategically around major retail holidays, which offer sitewide discounts.
Major Holiday Sales
Sales around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day typically offer the steepest sitewide savings. Create a wish list ahead of time.
Lesser Known Sale Days
Keep an eye out for one-day sales around Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and "cashback holidays" like 10/10 or 11/11.
Use Credit Card Rewards
The right credit card can help you earn cashback or points on all your purchases.
Cashback Credit Cards
Cards like Citi DoubleCash offer flat 2% back or more on all purchases. Automatically earn while spending.
Points Credit Cards
Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve offer bonuses for signing up and points per dollar spent. Redeem for statement credits.
Wait For Item To Go On Sale
If you don’t need something immediately, exercise some patience for the price to drop.
Add Items To Wish Lists
Many retailers allow you to save items to a wish list and get email alerts for price drops.
Set Price Drop Alerts
CamelCamelCamel will track Amazon item prices and email you when they fall below a threshold you define.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Look for discounted gift cards to your favorite retailers for instant savings on future purchases.
Check Gift Card Exchange Sites
On sites like CardCash, you can buy discounted gift cards consumers have traded in for cash.
Buy During Gift Card Promotions
Watch for stores offering incentives like a bonus 20% gift card when you buy a gift card.
Sign Up For Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs offer exclusive savings after you make a set number of purchases.
Department Store Programs
Most major department stores like Macy's or Kohl's have loyalty programs for added discounts.
Grocery Store Programs
Grocery stores may offer digital coupons or fuel rewards with loyalty membership.
Use Coupon Codes and Promos
Look for coupon codes and promotions before finalizing any online order.
Search Coupon Sites
A quick search on RetailMeNot or Honey can uncover applicable coupon codes.
Check For Automatic Discounts
Some retailer sites automatically apply valid promos at checkout if any are available.
Conclusion
Finding the best deal when shopping online has gotten much simpler thanks to the range of available tools and resources. By comparing prices across retailers, acting strategically around sales holidays, using rewards programs, and looking for coupons, you can consistently save substantial money. Keep these smart shopping tips in mind to become a bargain hunting pro. Happy deal hunting!
No comments yet