10 Ways to Save Money when Online Shopping

Like most people these days, I am doing most of my shopping online. Here are 10 ways I have found to save money when online shopping. (Feel free to try more than one. I find I can get maximum savings when I use some of these in tandem.)

1. Use a browser extension and coupon apps to save money. Rakuten, Honey, Karma, and RetailMeNot just to name a few. They advise you of deals, sales, and promo codes. Some also let you know if something you’ve your eye on is cheaper at another store, and best of all, some literally send you money back. Rakuten is so far my favorite to browser extension, but I find RetailMeNot, generally, has more discount codes.
2. Sign up for emails and texts. Online stores usually offer a coupon code for new subscribers.
3. Put items in the store cart, leave the website, and let them “hang out”. You might find an email offering you a discount code.
4. Google it. Google shopping compares prices for you and directs you to the store with the lowest price.
5. Ship to store. Some retailers don’t charge a shipping fee for using this option.
6. Shop right after a holiday for best seasonal discounts. Usually shopping the day after a holiday is when stores have the best inventory still available, but the price has drastically been reduced.
7. Plan to buy specific items when retailers have their monthly and seasonal sales. These are specific dates during the year when retailers clear out the old inventory to bring in the new. These are generally the best times to get anything from towels to electronics, to appliances, to a car.
8. Follow the stores social media. They may offer coupon codes and inform you of upcoming sales.
9. Use a bank card or credit card for their rewards and coupons. Some bank cards, credit cards and store cards have extra savings and coupons for greater incentive to purchase using their card. Check on their website or app for any deals they may offer.
10. Don’t buy spontaneously! Sometimes giving some space to think it over (Do I really need it?) or waiting for sales saves you a lot of money in the long run!