Shopping online became the new normal this year, even for those who had never given it a try. Once lockdown regulations kicked in, more people than ever turned to online shopping to get what they needed and have it delivered to their doorstep.
Even once the stores reopened, people are still doing more shopping online, not only because it is safer but also because there are ways to save money. Here are some ways to spend less when shopping online:
Discount gift cards
If you walk into a store to buy someone a gift card for their birthday or Christmas, expect to pay the full price. However, the same rule does not apply when shopping online. There are ways to buy discount gift cards for less than they are worth. Gift cards are wonderful presents when you are not entirely sure what someone wants or if they are saving up for something big.
During these financially challenging times, it is better to give your loved one the gift of choice instead of buying something that they do not really want or need.
To qualify for discount gift cards, users are making the most of the cashback extension provider, Checkout Saver. When paying using the company’s portal, you earn rewards like discount gift cards and coupons.
The company uses rebates from sellers when clients use its payment platform and passes them back to customers. It offers these services to customers at no additional cost.
Wait
If you do not need what you are buying immediately, play the retailers’ game in your favor. Put things into your shopping cart or onto your wish list and leave the site without checking out. Now, you will need to exercise patience and restraint, but it will be worth it.
When you follow this suggestion, retailers will email you a reminder that you have items in your cart. They might offer you a discount coupon to get you to go back and pay because they want to make the sale. It will not work for every site you shop on, but why not try it out?
Sales
Again, if you can wait, do so until online retailers have sales. Clothing retailers have end of season sales where prices are slashed. Other companies offer reduced prices or 2-for-1 deals when trying to offload excess stock. By leaving your email address with a retailer, you are usually entitled to advance warning about upcoming flash sales.
And then, there is the granddaddy of them all: Black Friday. If you want a good bargain, this is the time of year to go shopping. And now that most items are available online, you can avoid the chaos of crowded stores and engage in some retail therapy from the comfort of home.
Start looking for Black Friday catalogs ahead of time to plan your shopping. The sooner you get onto the site and make your purchase, the better, especially when stocks are limited.
Compare
Price comparisons no longer need shoppers to trek from one shop to another before deciding where to buy. Online shopping makes comparing prices across sites quick and easy. Make these comparisons when sales season approaches as the price difference might be significant.
Do not only look at retail prices when making comparisons. A site offering something at a lower price might have shipping costs that will make it more expensive than the other.
If you are in a hurry to get your purchase, compare shipping times to ensure you get it on time. Another factor to consider is the site’s returns policy, as some retailers make this process so convoluted that it is prohibitive.