How to Find the Best Deals When Shopping Online

The internet has revolutionized shopping, offering a staggering amount of products and services at our fingertips. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming – and sometimes frustrating – to find the best deals. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a bargain hunter extraordinaire to score some serious savings. This guide will equip you with the tools and strategies to consistently find the best prices when shopping online.

1. Price Comparison Websites – Your New Best Friend

Forget manually checking multiple websites. Price comparison sites aggregate listings from various retailers, allowing you to instantly see where a product is cheapest. Here are some popular options:

Google Shopping: Google’s shopping portal is a great starting point and often includes local retailer listings.
CamelCamelCamel: Primarily focused on Amazon, CamelCamelCamel tracks price history, alerting you to drops and setting up price alerts.
PriceRunner: Compares prices across a vast range of retailers.
ShopSavvy: A mobile app that lets you scan product barcodes in-store and compare prices online.

2. Browser Extensions – Automation is Key

Browser extensions can automate the process of finding and applying coupon codes. Some popular options include:

Honey: Honey automatically searches for and applies coupon codes at checkout. It also tracks prices and alerts you to deals.
Rakuten (formerly Ebates): Earn cashback on purchases made through the Rakuten portal.
Capital One Shopping: Similar to Honey, it finds and applies coupon codes and offers cashback rewards.

3. Leverage Coupon Codes and Promo Codes

RetailMeNot: A massive database of coupon codes for various retailers.
DealNews: Features daily deals and coupon codes.
Check the Retailer's Website: Always check the retailer's website for exclusive deals and promo codes. Sign up for their email list to receive notifications about sales and promotions.

4. Timing is Everything

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These events offer some of the biggest discounts of the year.
Seasonal Sales: Take advantage of sales during holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Memorial Day.
Flash Sales: Many retailers offer limited-time flash sales to drive urgency and boost sales.

5. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Items

Don’t always assume new is the only option. Refurbished or open-box items can often be purchased at a significant discount. Many retailers (Amazon, Best Buy) offer these options.

6. Set Price Alerts

Most price comparison websites (like CamelCamelCamel) allow you to set up price alerts. You'll receive an email notification when the price of a product you're tracking drops below a certain threshold.

7. Don't Get Sidetracked!

It's easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of online shopping. Stick to your original list of items and avoid impulse buys.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best deals online requires a little effort, but it's well worth it. By utilizing these strategies, you can save money and get the products you want without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!