There are several problems and anxieties related to fear of missing out and being scammed while shopping online, however, it can also serve as a thrilling adventure with unlimited choices and unmatched bargains. Unfortunately, many shoppers often overlook fundamental aspects that could help them become more economical and benefit from their purchases.
We have done extensive research to help shoppers get the most out of their online shopping experience, and below are five online shopping hacks that will revolutionize your shopping experience.
1. Track Prices: It Is Possible to Lower Your Spending No Stress
It may appear as if the ideal e-commerce deal will cost $50, however, it’s possible that your favorite product may be available for $30 next week. The price of e-commerce products tends to change every minute, and waiting to consider purchasing it later may just pay off. In circumstances like these, automated price trackers are your best friend. Instead of having to manually check every day’s prices, you can have the tracker do it for you and take the burden off your shoulders.
The following strategies can be employed:
- Many retailers track their price drops as they occur, so well-known websites CamelCamelCamel (which operates specifically for Amazon) or Honey will inform you once a price change is detected.
- A detailed graphic representation of price changes over time can be viewed through some web browsing extensions like Keeps.
- Users can set low price alerts and notifications can be sent when an item of their desire is offered at a lower price.
Additional Tips:
Be wary of special offers from retailers. Some stores will increase their prices prior to a seasonal sale in order to make discounts look more appealing. As always, track prices with sensible methods.
Consider price differences between the same stores from other countries. Often, using an international version of a website may be cheaper.
Pro Tip:
Check the price history of an item before making a purchase decision. If the price was lower previously, there’s a likely probability it will drop again.
2. Delay Check Out To Get More Discounts
To retain potential sales, several online retailers send discount codes to users who leave items in their carts without paying. This is a smart way of saving some more money!
How It Works:
- Once you have selected what you want to purchase, proceed to checkout.
- Instead of completing the payment, leave the site.
- Encouraged by the marketing circus, sellers will follow through with discount code encouraging emails that will generally arrive within a day or two.
Why It Works:
Retailers use sophisticated technology that systematically tracks abandoned carts and dispenses discounts to complete the sale.
This tactic is best for non-essentials with a high-profit margin like electronics, clothes and jewelry.
Further Suggestions:
- If you want the retailer to follow your activity and email you a discount, ensure you are logged into your account before leaving your cart.
- For greater savings, combine this technique with seasonal sales.
Expert Tip:
This technique should be used on fashion and electronics retailers that are known for abandoning cart discounting.
3. Use Promo Codes and Cashback Rebate Incentives
Many shoppers tend to forget looking for promo codes or a cashback offer prior to making a purchase. A simple search can save you $10, $20 or more.
How It Works:
- Shoppers can use sites such as RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, Honey, etc. to obtain discount codes.
- Install cashback extensions such as Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal, etc. to earn money back on purchases.
- Specific credit cards provide cashback when purchased through certain e-commerce sites.
Further Suggestions:
- Certain brands have special discounts they provide only to students, members of the military, and healthcare workers. Check for eligibility prior to purchase.
- Certain retailers give first-time customer discounts when signing up for newsletters. Create a separate email account specifically for shopping deals, and you will not regret it.
- Sign up for reward programs from specific retailers. Stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer customers more cashback or discount rewards for loyal shoppers.
Pro Tip:
Maximize savings by using multiple discounts at once! For instance, if you use a coupon code, you can also apply cashback through an extension and pay through a cashback credit card.
4. Shop Incognito or Clear Cookies to Avoid Dynamic Pricing
Certain online retailers implement dynamic pricing which links the cost of goods, services, or access to a website with a buyer’s prior activities. Therefore, browsing history, geographic location, or even used devices can have a significant influence on the price logic. This pricing would in many cases require users to pay more money simply because they have at one point been searching for the product.
How It Works:
- Use incognito mode or private browsing windows when you want to search for expensive products.
- Clear cookies from your browser before checking the price of the item again.
- Use other devices or other locations for browsing (sometimes the amount of certain products is less when people are accessing them through different IP addresses).
Why It Works:
Retailers can observe your activities and tend to raise prices for products that you have shown interest in most of the time.
Certain regions are characterized by higher average income levels, and prices are displayed higher in such regions.
Additional Tips:
- For checking prices for flights and accommodation, resort to the use of VPN services for different countries.
- If you often shop online, install an extension that deletes tracker cookies after every session automatically.
- Use both mobile and desktop gadgets for comparing prices. Some retailers offer discounts available only through the app.
Advanced Tip:
To book a flight or accommodation, they tend to have dynamic pricing. Therefore, we recommend checking different methods of browsing before doing any bookings.
5. Subscribe to Newsletters and Rewards Programs
Most online shops have offers for new and returning customers. If you make purchases with the retailer often, you will greatly benefit from their Loyalty programs in conjunction with the newsletters.
How It Works:
- Usually, most retailers will offer you a 10-20% discount for ordering for the first time if you subscribe to their newsletter.
- Loyalty programs are known to give very friendly offers such as special discounts, early sales, and redeemable points for other purchases.
- Social media is another place to follow brands to catch flash sales, giveaways, or exclusive promotions.
Additional Tips:
- Some stores will use personalized coupons with set discounts for certain periods like birthdays, so ensure that you input your birthdate while registering.
- You can also combine loyalty points with promo codes to reduce the overall price further.
- Some partner retails give out extra reward points for users of specific credit cards.
Advanced Tip:
- Keep your primary inbox free from clutter by creating a new email simply for shopping newsletters.
- Purchase Discounted Gift Cards.
- Purchasing a gift card that is sold for less than the set value can be a great way to save extra money when purchasing items.
How It Works:
Certain websites such as Raise or CardCash sell underpriced gift cards (with a discount of typically 5-15%).
Some gift cards allow the user to claim promo codes in addition to the gift card, resulting in savings from both the promo and gift card.
Some Additional Guidelines:
Keep an eye out for bonus gift card promotions that certain stores offer when customers spend a specific amount.
If there is a retailer that you frequent the most, find a discounted gift card for that store and purchase it ahead of time.
Pro Tip:
Never buy a discounted gift card without checking the balance first.
Final Remarks
Implementing these five e-commerce tips, plus one extra, will allow users to make better purchasing decisions and get better value for their money. The most important aspect is to devise a plan that involves price comparisons, discount aids, and retailer incentives.
These suggestions will help anyone, from a casual shopper to a penny pincher, make better financial choices along with having a positive shopping experience.
Happy shopping!
