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If you are someone who loves online shopping, try using these smart ways to save even more next time you shop online!
Online shopping is one of the most convenient things that has ever been invented. Now don’t get me wrong, I love going to malls and getting a bit of retail therapy.
But nothing can beat sitting in your PJs and being able to compare different products and prices with a simple click of a button.
But just as online shopping is good, it can often lure you into its trap and you can end up spending more when you don’t intend to.
So here are seven smart ways you can save money while doing online shopping –
1. Add Items to Cart and then Wait
This is one of my favorite tricks. If the item that you want is not super urgent, just add them to your cart and don’t order it right away. Chances are many times, sites like Amazon will email you after a couple of days reminding you about the item left in your cart and will often tell you that the items have gone down in price.
For example, when I added a graze box in my cart and later forgot to order it, they offered me 30% extra discount to get the same item. This is applicable to many sites and it’s a great way to save money, especially if it’s something you don’t want right away.
2. Use Social Networks
These days brands are very much active on their social media and often post about ongoing deals on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page. Often brands first announce their deals or seasonal sales on their social media pages.
So always make it a point to ‘like’ your favorite store’s Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.
3. Cash Back Sites
Okay, I couldn’t really talk about how to save money online and then not talk about Cash Back sites. There has been an influx of so many cash back sites recently. Many of these sites give you cash or points just for signing up.
My favorites are Ebates, Swagbucks and MyPoints. I love to redeem cash or points through them while shopping. It’s as good as getting a discount.
4. Hunt down Coupons
This one is a no-brainer. Many sites like Retailmenot and Dealspotr regularly post about deals and promo codes for various sites that can help you save a sizeable amount of money. I always check multiple sites to get the best promo code or discount before I buy anything.
And remember, promo codes are not just limited to buying clothes or other goodies. I have often found deals like $2 or $7 off on food delivery sites like Eat24 or Delivery.com.
5. Compare Prices
Just because you found a great deal on sites like say Target or Walmart does not mean it’s the lowest price you can get. Always google the product to find out o any other store is offering the same product at a lower price.
I have recently started using Honey which is a google chrome extension. It helps to compare prices, search codes for you and automatically applies the best coupon code during checkout (so you don’t have to worry about a thing!)
The other day I saw an awesome deal on couple’s spa and massage on Groupon. It was a 60% off deal so I was really thrilled about it. When I went to check out, Honey found out a promo code for me and I ended up saving an extra $20! Say what??! Now that’s what I like to call a killer deal!
Try it out, you’ll love it!
Here's how you can #save money online in 7 smart ways! #moneysavingtips Share on X
6. Sign up for Email Newsletters
Always sign up to your favorite site’s email newsletter to get notified of new deals, discounts as well as special promo codes meant only for people on their email list.
I know it can be a bit annoying to get weekly updates from so many brands and companies in your inbox. But you can easily create a folder for all the promotional emails. I use Gmail for my personal use and its built-in functionality of automatically labeling promotional emails helps to separate regular emails from promotional ones.
7. Ask and You Shall Receive
I had spoken about how you can earn a discount or even a freebie in this post by simply speaking up. A while back my husband had ordered a car phone mount – we were going on a road trip and desperately needed one. But it so happened that it did not arrive on time. When he called the customer service and told them about the inconvenience it caused, they waived off the entire cost. We ended up getting the car phone mount for free!
But be sure to be polite and stay true to yourself. While companies might not waive off the entire amount every time, you’ll be surprised how some of them will go out of the way to ensure you receive a good service.
So these are some of the ways I use to save money while doing online shopping.
What are some of your favorite ways to save money when shopping online?
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XOXO
Book Club Mom
March 17, 2017Some good tips here – I had no idea you could save by keeping items in your cart for a few days. I’ll be trying that one!
smilingnotes
March 17, 2017Yes I have noticed this several times. Often, the brands/ companies will email you after a couple of days if the price goes down or offer other things like say free shipping ?
Book Club Mom
March 17, 2017Shipping charges are the biggest whammies- I always try to get that for free!
smilingnotes
March 17, 2017Me too! I hate shipping charges ?
Erika Kind
March 18, 2017Very good advice, Shamira! Most of all I like that first one! That’s something to really try out!
smilingnotes
March 18, 2017Thanks Erika. While that trick may not work all the time, it’s worth trying it out since you never know what discount you might get ?
Erika Kind
March 18, 2017It is for sure worth to try it in case you don’t need it asap… lol!
smilingnotes
March 18, 2017Hahaa yes definitely! ?
Erika Kind
March 18, 2017??
Divya Deepak Rao
March 18, 2017Off late, I’ve kept online shopping at bay (owing to my fear of addiction I guess;)). But, the tips you’ve shared are definitely winning! Thank you for that! Maybe I should indulge more:)
smilingnotes
March 18, 2017Don’t even get me started on online shopping addiction. It’s like a never ending circle. But getting discounts is my way of saying that I have won ?
Divya Deepak Rao
March 18, 2017I second that 🙂
anroworld
March 19, 2017Great tips, dear Shamira!
smilingnotes
March 19, 2017Thank you my dear Ann ?
Lifestylebites3
March 21, 2017Amazing tips as always
smilingnotes
March 21, 2017Thanks a lot my dear ? xoxo
Alok Singhal
March 23, 2017You can even negotiate with the vendor if it’s a big purchase. I did it earlier with a jewelry brand and got a good deal.
In the store, I sometimes do it with Macy’s agents ?
Good read.
smilingnotes
March 23, 2017That’s a good one, Alok! Negotiating is a skill and it can sometimes works like a charm. Haven’t ever tried it in Macy’s or other big stores though I always ask them if they have any extra coupons on the item I’m about to buy ?
Alok Singhal
March 23, 2017If you buy anything expensive from Macy’s (say, a handbag), the agents there can give you 20% off as they work on commission basis.
smilingnotes
March 23, 2017Oh that’s a great tip! Going to keep in mind the next time I shop in Macy’s ???Thanks a lot for sharing this.
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Money Quickr
April 12, 2017Thank you for a very well written and informative post! I can’t wait to take all this information and apply it to my site!
Dean
April 14, 2017These are such wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing with us at #MMBH.
XO
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