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(#1) Take A Breather Before Hitting 'Buy'
It is astonishingly easy to spend hundreds of dollars online in a single go; research even suggests we end up spending twice as much as we intend when shopping online. And the internet seems to specialize in impulse buys - those things we logically know we don't need but still somehow want.
The best advice before making a big purchase is to take a step back. Go for a walk, get some air, do a bit of yoga... whatever it takes to clear your head. Change the scene for a while, then go back to see if you really do need what's in your shopping cart. You'll likely save some money this way.
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(#2) Check For Coupons
In the same way you would clip coupons and use them in your favorite brick-and-mortar stores, clip virtual coupons for online retailers. The internet is brimming with coupon storehouses - sites that collect thousands of virtual coupons and discount codes to be used online.
RetailMeNot and Coupons.com are two of the biggest. Also, check the specific sites of your favorite retailers for coupons or discount codes.
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(#3) Leave An Item In Your Cart
Not entirely sure if you want to purchase an item in your cart? This might seem counterintuitive, but just leave it there and wait a while. Within a couple of days, the retailer may offer you a discount code for the item.
It doesn't always work, but it's worth a shot - especially if it's an expensive product or something you're truly on the fence about purchasing.
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(#4) Enroll in Rewards Programs
Rewards programs can be an excellent way to save money, stay informed of sales and discounts, and receive members-only perks and deals. These days, virtually every major retailer has some type of rewards or loyalty program.
Some of the most money-saving rewards programs, according to CNN, are available from REI, Marriott, Barnes & Noble, Sephora, and Bloomingdale's.
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(#5) Do A Little Homework When Buying From Unfamiliar Retailers
If you're not familiar with a certain store, or you're purchasing directly from a manufacturer that's new to you, do a little homework first. You don't want to give a possibly shady organization your credit card information.
Here are two helpful steps to take: First, make sure the online checkout is encrypted with security protocol (SSL). If the site is secure, a closed padlock or key icon will appear in the address bar, and the URL will start with "https" instead of "http." Second, visit the site's contact page to see if an address and phone number are listed. Always call before buying if you're uncomfortable.
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(#6) Shop On Wednesdays, Thursdays, And Fridays
The day of the week you choose to do your online shopping can have a direct impact on how much money you save. Many companies offer discounts or sales on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays, so make these your preferred shopping days.
One exception is shopping for airfare; Tuesday afternoons tend to have the best deals for cheap flights.
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(#7) Shop Through Pinterest
Pinterest is a great place to share artsy-craftsy dreams and favorite recipes, but it's a little-known fact that you can shop through Pinterest, too. It works like any other online shopping portal. If you see a Buyable Pin, that means what you're looking at is for sale.
Add the item to your cart, pay, and it’s yours.
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(#8) Pick Up Your Items In-Store
Many retailers still charge for shipping, especially if an order total doesn't exceed a certain amount. If you're buying from an online retailer with a brick-and-mortar location in your area, opt to pick your purchases up at the store.
This could potentially save you a lot on shipping costs.
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(#9) Do Comparison Shopping
Always try to compare prices before you buy. PriceBlink is a browser add-on that takes all the guesswork and research time out of finding the best deals. You simply download the free service to your browser, and it automatically detects the lowest prices and any available coupons whenever you're shopping online.
Bonus: It stays conveniently hidden the rest of the time, so you don't have to deal with annoying popups or interferences when you're online for any other reason.
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(#10) Use The Amazon Filler Item Finder To Get Free Shipping
Amazon provides free shipping on a number of products, even if you don't have a Prime account. But if you don't have Amazon Prime and have a cartful of items that don't include free shipping, you may have to reach a certain dollar amount before Amazon will waive the shipping costs.
Try the Amazon Filler Item Finder to track down cheap products that will get you to the necessary threshold to qualify for free shipping.
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(#11) Use Rebate Sites
It's remarkably easy to shop through rebate sites, also known as cash-back sites. Instead of first visiting a retailer's main page to shop, start by accessing the retailer through a rebate service. Ebates and BeFrugal are among the most popular. You then get money back for certain purchases.
Rebate sites require a free signup, but that's really the only extra effort needed to potentially earn back some of the money you're spending.
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(#12) Google For Discounts
Just as most of us turn to Google for answers to life's questions large and small, you should also use Google to search for discounts when shopping for a specific product or buying from a specific retailer.
Also, Google sometimes offers discounts to shoppers using Google Store or buying Google-branded merchandise.
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(#13) Ask For Promo Codes Via Online Chat
Many major retailers and product manufacturers have an online chat option on their websites. Most people skip over this potential opportunity for a discount. Initiating the chat, which connects you with a live person, and simply requesting a coupon or discount code often yields results.
Stores with a good track record of giving customers bargains via online chat include American Eagle, Bass Pro Shops, Home Depot, and L.L. Bean. Be courteous, and always express your appreciation for the company's products and services (a little buttering-up never hurts).
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(#14) Sign Up For Newsletters
Product manufacturers and retailers usually offer newsletters to interested customers. They're free, and often provide the first notice of upcoming sales or deals. For even more savings, "best-of" newsletters scour the internet for the best bargains and curate the cream of the crop in daily emails.
DealNews Select and RedFlagDeals (for stores based in Canada) are among the most popular newsletters.
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(#15) Pay Via Credit, Not Debit
When shopping online, always pay with a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards have better fraud protection, so there's an additional level of security - and peace of mind - when using them for online purchases.
Also, if you have to return an item, refunds are issued faster to credit cards (within seven days) than to debit cards (within 10 days).
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(#16) Follow Preferred Brands On Social Media
Become a fan of your favorite brands on your social media accounts. Social media is no longer just about winning new customers; it's also about keeping loyal ones, building relationships with followers, and fostering more business.
Following your favorite companies on sites like Facebook and Twitter can provide an early heads-up on bargains or discount codes for certain products.
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About This Tool
With the development of the economy and the Internet, online shopping has become a mainstream shopping mode, especially during isolation at home. Online shopping is very convenient, but there are also many traps. How consumers can buy affordable and satisfactory products requires some practical hacks. Nowadays, there are more and more people shopping online, but because online shopping cannot actually show the quality of the goods, it is more necessary to choose carefully.
From huge home appliances to even cars, nail clippers, biscuits, and even soy sauce, people can shop online easily while sitting at home today. The random tool lists 16 helpful hacks for people who can be master online shoppers.
Our data comes from Ranker, If you want to participate in the ranking of items displayed on this page, please click here.