How to save money while shopping online
Online shopping has transformed the way we shop, offering speed, convenience and variety. You can do it anytime, anywhere, and find just about everything you need in a few clicks. But if you’re not careful, purchases can add up quickly and get expensive. With a little planning and a few smart habits, you can save money while still enjoying the ease of online shopping. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your money when shopping online.
Look for promo codes and coupons
One of the easiest ways to save money online is by using promo codes and coupons. Many retailers offer discounts through these codes, which can be applied at checkout. For Windows users, Microsoft Edge’s Coupons feature shows discount codes and coupons on shopping sites you visit with the browser. Similarly, the browser extension Honey scours the web for the best coupons for whatever you're buying. You should also check retailer websites or sign up for newsletters as they often send exclusive codes to subscribers. So before making any purchase, spend a few minutes searching for a promo code. In the end, simple discounts of 10% or free shipping can go a long way.
Use cashback apps and websites
Cashback apps and websites reward you for shopping through their platforms. A portion of what you pay is then returned to you as cash or credit. Popular platforms like Cashrewards and ShopBack are easy to use and support a wide range of retailers. Just sign up, search for your favourite retailer and shop through the cashback platform’s link. You can even combine cashback rewards with promo codes for more savings.
Collect reward points for gift cards
If you shop often, reward points and gift cards can provide substantial savings. You can earn points through reward programmes from credit cards or survey platforms like LifePoints, which you can then apply to future purchases or PayPal payments. Your points can also go towards discounted gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Coles, Myer, iTunes, JB Hi-Fi, eBay and more. LifePoints members can earn free gift cards by completing online surveys, which helps save money when shopping.
Compare prices before buying
Often shoppers will find widely differing pricing on the same item. So don’t settle for the first price you see – do a bit of price comparison first. Chances are, you may find the same product at a lower price on another site or during a sale. For example, when you search for a specific item on Google Shopping, it displays relevant products with details such as images, prices and ratings, allowing you to compare prices and shipping options from different retailers. You can also use browser extensions like Price Hipster to automatically compare prices while browsing.
Take advantage of free shipping
Shipping fees can cut into your budget, but there are ways to avoid them. Subscriptions like Amazon Prime offer free shipping if you become a member. And many retailers waive shipping fees if your order exceeds a minimum purchase amount. So it’s a good idea to consolidate your purchases into one order to qualify for free shipping.
Keep an eye out for sales and events
Shopping during sales and special events can lead to huge savings. Popular sales include Black Friday, Cyber Monday and end-of-season sales, which are prime times for discounts. Watch out for annual sales or clearance events hosted by certain retailers. If you keep track of important sale dates, you can prepare by making a list of items you need beforehand. You can often get early access to sales, discounts or exclusive deals by subscribing to retail newsletters.
Apply for cashback credit cards
Credit cards with cashback rewards can save you money on every purchase. They allow users to earn a percentage of their spending back as cash or credit. The best cards have no annual fees and high cashback rates for online purchases. You can even use a cashback credit card in combination with promo codes and cashback websites to maximise your savings. A quick Google search for cashback credit cards will give you plenty of options to choose from.
Shop seasonally
Some items are less expensive at specific times of the year. Plan your shopping to coincide with seasonal sales. For example, buy winter clothes in spring or summer and holiday decorations after the festive season. A great price tracking tool for Amazon products is camelcamelcamel. It displays price history charts to help you determine the best moment to buy the item you want. Microsoft Edge Shopping also tracks price changes on products from major online retailers, including Amazon. Just add items to your watchlist and Edge will alert you if the price drops.
Beware of impulse purchases
Impulse buying is one of the quickest ways to overspend. So have your budget planned and shop mindfully. Some helpful tricks: Make a list before shopping and stick to it. You can also try leaving items in your shopping basket and waiting 24 hours before checking out. You might find that you don’t actually need those items. Some browser extensions let you save items for later and compare prices.
Online shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. By using promo codes, cashback platforms and strategic timing, you can reap significant savings. Platforms like LifePoints can make your online shopping experience even better through rewards like gift cards and cashback options. Sign up for LifePoints today and earn rewards, start saving and get the most out of your money!
