How to Get the Best Deals When Shopping Online

Let's be honest, the internet is a treasure trove of amazing products, but it can also feel like a minefield of inflated prices and misleading promotions. It’s tempting to just buy whatever catches your eye, but that rarely leads to the best savings. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to become a savvy online shopper and actually find those incredible deals. Here’s your guide to getting the most for your money when you shop online.

1. Price Comparison is Your Best Friend

Don’t settle for the first price you see. Seriously! This is the single most important thing you can do. Sites like Google Shopping, PriceRunner, and CamelCamelCamel (specifically for Amazon) allow you to compare prices from multiple retailers in one place. Take a few extra minutes to check several options before committing to a purchase.

2. Utilize Coupon Codes & Browser Extensions

Before hitting ‘checkout’, always search for coupon codes. Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and CouponCabin automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout. Honey, in particular, is a browser extension that’s incredibly handy - it’s constantly scanning for deals while you browse.

3. Sign Up for Email Newsletters

Retailers love to reward loyal customers. Signing up for email newsletters gives you access to exclusive sales, early bird discounts, and special promotions. Many offer a welcome discount just for joining.

4. Timing is Everything - Seasonal Sales Matter

Shop during major sales events! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, and even smaller seasonal sales like back-to-school sales, offer significant discounts. However, don’t only buy during these events. Many retailers run sales throughout the year.

5. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Items

Don’t automatically dismiss items that have been previously owned. Refurbished electronics and open-box items (returned items in new condition) can often be bought at drastically reduced prices. Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers frequently offer these options.

6. Set Up Price Alerts

CamelCamelCamel (again, amazing for Amazon) and other price tracking tools allow you to set up alerts. You’ll receive an email or notification when the price of an item you’re interested in drops below a certain amount. This is incredibly useful for items you’ve been eyeing and don’t want to miss out on.

7. Check for Free Shipping

Shipping costs can really eat into your savings. Many retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Look for promotions that waive shipping fees too.

8. Don't Impulse Buy!

Seriously. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of online shopping. Before you click ‘buy’, take a step back and ask yourself if you really need the item and if the price is actually a good deal.

Resources to Check Out:

Google Shopping: https://shopping.google.com/
CamelCamelCamel: https://camelcamelcamel.com/
RetailMeNot: https://www.retailmenot.com/
Honey: https://gethoney.com/

Happy shopping and happy saving!