How to Find the Best Deals When Shopping Online

The internet has revolutionized shopping, but it’s also created a battlefield of prices and promotions. Finding the best deals can feel overwhelming, but with a little strategy and the right tools, you can consistently save money while still getting what you need. This guide will walk you through proven techniques to become a savvy online shopper.

1. Leverage Price Comparison Sites:

Don’t just settle for the first price you see. Price comparison websites are your best friend:

Google Shopping: Google’s Shopping tab aggregates prices from numerous retailers. It's a great starting point.
CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon): This site tracks the price history of Amazon products, showing you if a current price is actually a good deal or just a temporary promotion. It also allows you to set up price alerts!
PriceRunner: A broad price comparison site covering a massive range of products.
ShopSavvy: A browser extension that allows you to scan barcodes and instantly compare prices at different retailers.

2. Browser Extensions are Your Allies:

These extensions can automate the process of finding the best deals:

Honey: This extension automatically searches for and applies coupon codes at checkout.
Rakuten (formerly Ebates): Earn cashback on your purchases at thousands of retailers.
Capital One Shopping: Similar to Honey and Rakuten, this extension finds coupon codes and compares prices.

3. Timing is Everything:

Black Friday & Cyber Monday: These are the biggest sales events of the year, but the deals often start well before and continue through the week.
Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye out for holiday sales (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, etc.).
Flash Sales & Limited-Time Offers: Sign up for email newsletters and follow retailers on social media to be notified of short-term promotions.
Mid-Week Deals: Many retailers offer discounts on weekdays, as they’re less busy.

4. Consider Outlet Stores & Discount Retailers:

Amazon Outlet: Offers discounted items directly from Amazon.
Nordstrom Rack & Saks Off 5th: Excellent options for discounted designer goods.
TJ Maxx & Marshalls: You can find incredible deals on clothing, home goods, and electronics.

5. Sign Up for Email Newsletters & Loyalty Programs:

Retailer Newsletters: Most retailers send exclusive discounts and promotions to their email subscribers.
Loyalty Programs: Earn points or rewards for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items. Many retailers offer tiered loyalty programs, so the more you spend, the better the rewards.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate (Especially on Larger Purchases):

While less common online, you can sometimes negotiate a lower price, particularly for larger items like furniture or electronics.

7. Watch for Shipping Costs:

Factor shipping costs into your overall price comparison. Some retailers offer free shipping above a certain order value.

Resources:

Do you have any favorite tips for finding online deals?