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It’s no secret that online shopping is becoming increasingly popular daily. In fact, according to a famous study by the National Retail Federation, in 2017, U.S. consumers spent over $453 billion dollars on online purchases—an increase of nearly 16% from the year before! With numbers like that, it’s no wonder people turn to the internet for their shopping needs instead of heading to the mall.
But even though online shopping is convenient and often cheaper than buying things in stores, there are still some ways to save money when you’re shopping online.
Here are five tips that will help you get the best deals on the items you want:
1. Compare prices before you buy
This may seem like a common no-brainer, but it’s important to compare prices before you make any purchase, whether you’re shopping online or in a store. With the internet, it’s easy to find the same product being sold at different prices by different retailers. Take some time to take a proper look around and find the best deal before you click “buy.”
Sites like CheckAFlip can help you compare prices on eBay, while Google Shopping and Nextag are great for comparing prices on other retailers’ websites.
2. Use cash-back sites
Another way to save money when you’re shopping online is to use cash-back sites. These websites give you a percentage of your purchase price back in the form of “cash back” or rewards points that you can use for future purchases.
Some popular cash-back sites include Ebates, TopCashback, and BeFrugal. You must create an account and start shopping through their links—it’s that easy!
3. Search for coupon codes
Before you complete an online purchase, do a quick search for coupon codes that you can apply to your order. Many retailers offer these codes as a way to encourage shopping on their websites, and you can often find bunch of codes for free shipping or percentage-off discounts.
To find coupon codes, simply Google the retailer’s name plus “coupon code” and see what comes up. You can also try sites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.
4. Join loyalty programs
Many retailers have loyalty programs that give members special perks, such as exclusive sales and discounts, early access to brand new products, and even free shipping. If you often shop with a particular retailer, it’s worth joining their loyalty program.
For example, Amazon’s Prime program gives members free two-day shipping on eligible items and access to exclusive sales and discounts. Target also has a loyalty program called REDcard, which provides cardholders with 5% off every purchase, free shipping on Target.com orders, and extended returns.
5. Wait for the right time to buy
Timing can be everything when trying to save money on online purchases. For example, many retailers offer special holiday sales—such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday—where you can find deep discounts on various items.
In addition, if you’re patient and willing to wait a few weeks, you might be able to take advantage of clearance sales where retailers are trying to get rid of old inventory. These sales often offer steep discounts, so it’s worth it to wait if you can.
There are plenty of ways to save money when you’re shopping online. By following these tips, you can get the items you want at a price you can afford.
Happy shopping!
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash