How to Save Money Shopping Online
We all shop. Some of us shop with a purpose. Others of us shop as a hobby. Whether it’s buying a gift for a loved one or picking up a new trinket for our home, we all appreciate a bargain.
Once upon a time, everyone shopped in a brick and mortar store or through a mail order catalog. Now, you can buy almost everything from the comfort of your own home with just a few clicks of the mouse. Here are a few tips for saving money while shopping online.
General Merchandise
1. Comparison shop. You just found the perfect gadget for your kitchen, but is it the perfect price? Rather than jumping to check out, check other sites as well. Open a new tab and do a quick search for the item. You might find that a different retailer has a better price, or they might have the same price with no shipping which saves you money as well.
2. Pay attention to shipping costs. Often you can save shipping charges by spending a certain amount. If that’s the case, combine items on the same order to save the shipping cost. Forego expedited shipping whenever you can because expedited usually means extra taken from your bank account. If it’s not an emergency purchase, patience is the key to saving. If you do need it quickly, opt for free site to store shipping when possible.
3. Sign up for loyalty programs. If you find yourself buying from the same website often, see if they have a frequent shopper program or discount card. Sign up for those programs to save money and earn rewards. Joining a shopper’s program with a retailer is usually free, and some of them are tied to receiving sale prices on items. Others offer points that lead to rewards after you’ve made a set number of qualifying purchases.
4. Use coupons wisely. Many manufacturers and retailers offer digital coupons, and you can sign up to receive coupons through email. You can also search for coupons through your favourite search engine. some retailers allow you to stack coupons giving you even more savings. For example, various websites offer coupon deals, so if you’re looking for an eBay coupon, make sure to shop around and get the best deal available to you. If you do stack coupons, be sure to take a percentage off before taking off set amounts. You’ll often save more money that way.
5. Be patient. If your item isn’t something you need right away, let it sit in your online cart for a few days. Some retailers will offer discounts to entice you to go ahead and buy it. Sometimes the item will go on sale, and you’ll receive the discounted price at checkout.
6. Shop at the right time. Believe it or not, research shows that certain days of the week are better for getting deals on certain items. Clothes, for example, typically get discounted on Thursdays. Research your item and you might discover a markdown trend that you can use to your advantage.
7. Name your price. Retailers have a price point that they can’t advertise below, but they might be willing to take less for an item than their advertised price. This is where name your price tools and websites come into play. With these sites you find an item and make an offer below the advertised price. The site sends your offer to certain retailers, and the first one to accept your offer sells you the item. Then you wait for it to be delivered.
8. Avoid dynamic pricing by clearing your cookies. Retailers sometimes assume that people who buy from them often won’t pay attention, and will buy items regardless of the price. To avoid this issue, clear your browser cookies. To take it a step further, open an incognito window before you shop. This could give you first time buyer pricing and extra deals.
Furniture, Bedding, and Big Ticket Items
1. Buy from reputable, secure websites. A furniture purchase is an investment, and you don’t want to spend more than anticipated by having your financial information exposed. Thoroughly research the website you are using. Read the About page and customer reviews. Check for Better Business Bureau complaints. A single bad review or complaint could just be an isolated experience. Several of them means you should probably shop elsewhere. A big website like Amazon can be a great place for these type items as well. Check out Furniture Standards, they are not an online store, but they do reviews of furniture that can be found on Amazon.
2. Always check shipping policies. Familiarize yourself with which shipping company will be transporting your furniture. Some shipping companies charge higher rates than others. You should also be on the look out for hidden fees. Some retailers charge a handling fee in addition to retail and shipping prices. Be wary of free shipping claims too. Some stores include shipping in the price. If a site with free shipping offers an item at a more expensive price, chances are good that you’re being charged shipping.
3. Know the return policy. Look for return policies that offer free return shipping or the ability to return the item to a local store. You should be allowed plenty of time to return items for exchange or a refund. Avoid re-stocking fees. Those fees can be as much as 15% of the purchase price, and it will be taken from your refund or added to the price of an exchange.
4. Look for online stores with brick and mortar locations. Having a brick and mortar location can save you the headache of returning something that doesn’t quite work. You can often visit the brick and mortar location to view a piece you found online before you buy. Some stores with brick and mortar locations will offer free site to store shipping.
5. Choose an online store that offers variety and a large selection of items. Sometimes you can cash in on discounts when you buy several pieces from the same store. They might combine shipping costs, or they could actually discount the purchase price. If you are purchasing painted or stained furniture and want the items to match perfectly, it’s best to buy them all from one store when possible.
Conclusion
Whether shopping for everyday items or big ticket items, there are several ways to save money. We have simply scratched the tip of the iceberg with these money saving tips. Now it’s your turn to put them to work as you shop online.
Emily Palmer is a caffeinated blogger who loves talking Decorating, Travel, Yoga, Parenting, Self Development, and more. She can be reached at twitter if you can’t find her at the local café.
*This is a collaborative post.
