Shopping online is super easy and fun, but you don't want to spend too much money. With a few smart moves, you can find great deals and save a lot. Here are some top strategies to help you get the best prices online.

Key Takeaways

• Always set a budget and make a shopping list before you start buying.
• Check prices on different websites to make sure you're getting the best deal.
• Look for coupons online to save even more money.
• Consider buying refurbished items, which can be just as good as new ones but cheaper.
• Set alerts for sales so you know when prices drop.

1. Set a Budget and Make a Shopping List

Before diving into online shopping, it's crucial to set a budget. This helps you understand how much you can afford to spend without going into debt. A popular method is the 50/30/20 budget, which divides your income into needs, wants, and savings.

Once you have a budget, make a shopping list. Write down the items you need before you start shopping. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Sticking to your list makes it easier to follow your budget and ensures you only buy what you truly need.

Planning your purchases can save you money and prevent unnecessary spending. Always keep your budget and list handy when shopping online.

2. Scrutinize Prices

Before making a purchase, it's crucial to compare prices across different retailers. Sometimes, the same product can have different prices on various websites. Don't just look at the sticker price; consider additional costs like shipping and any available coupons.

Take a moment to search for the item online and see how much it costs at multiple stores. This simple step can help you avoid falling for deceptive marketing and inflated prices.

Checking prices regularly can ensure you get the best deal possible. Prices can change frequently, especially on big-box retailer sites like Amazon and Walmart.

By following these steps, you can make sure you're getting the lowest price available for almost everything you buy.

3. Know Where to Find Coupons

Finding coupons can save you a lot of money on your purchases. Spend a few moments searching online with the retailer’s name and the term "coupon" or "promo code" to see if any deals pop up. This simple step can lead to significant savings.

Here are some popular places to find coupons:

• Coupon websites: Websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com are great for finding discount codes.
• Email newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores to get exclusive deals and coupons.
• Coupon apps: Apps like Honey and Groupon can help you find and apply coupons automatically.

Taking a minute to search for coupons can make a big difference in your total spending. Don't skip this step!

Remember, even a small discount can add up over time, so always look for coupons before making a purchase.

4. Consider Refurbished

When shopping for items like kitchen appliances, power tools, or personal gadgets, consider refurbished options to save money without sacrificing quality. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Decluttr.com offer refurbished products like laptops, smartphones, and tablets at significantly lower prices compared to new ones.

It's important to ensure that any refurbished product you buy comes with a solid warranty. For example, Decluttr provides a free, 12-month limited warranty on their refurbished devices, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

Refurbished items can be a great way to get high-quality products at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure to check the warranty and buy from reputable sellers.

5. Set Sale Alerts

Setting sale alerts can save you a lot of time and effort when hunting for the best deals. Instead of constantly checking prices, let the alerts do the work for you. Many websites and apps offer this feature, notifying you when an item you're interested in goes on sale.

Here are some steps to set up sale alerts:

1. Choose a reliable discount shopping site or app, like slickdeals.net.
2. Create an account and browse for the items you want.
3. Set up alerts for those items.
4. Wait for notifications when the prices drop.

Sale alerts ensure you never miss a good deal without having to monitor prices all the time. This way, you can shop smarter and save more.

6. Ask for a Rain Check

If an item you want is on sale but out of stock, don't worry. You can still get the sale price by asking for a rain check. This means the store will honor the sale price when the item is back in stock, even if the sale has ended.

Here's how to ask for a rain check:

1. Find a store associate and let them know the item you want is out of stock.
2. Ask if you can get a rain check for the sale price.
3. Make sure to get a written or digital confirmation of the rain check.
4. Return to the store when the item is back in stock and present your rain check to get the sale price.

A rain check can be a great way to save money without missing out on deals. Always ask for one if your desired item is unavailable during a sale.

7. Speak to a Store Associate

If you're not finding the deals you want, talk to a store associate or online customer service representative. They might know about discounts or promotions that aren't advertised.

Here are some tips for speaking to a store associate:

• Ask about any ongoing promotions: Sometimes, there are discounts that aren't displayed.
• Inquire about upcoming sales: Associates often know when the next sale is happening.
• Check for price matching: Some stores will match a competitor's price if you ask.

Don't be shy to ask for help. Store associates are there to assist you and can often provide valuable information to help you save money.

8. Be Social

Social media isn't just for sharing photos and updates with friends and family. It's also a fantastic way to connect with brands and retailers. Many stores share exclusive deals and limited coupons with their followers. By following, liking, or subscribing to your favorite stores on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, you can uncover extra savings.

Tips to Maximize Social Media Savings

• Follow Your Favorite Brands: Stay updated with the latest deals and promotions.
• Engage with Posts: Sometimes, brands offer discounts to those who comment or share their posts.
• Join Groups and Forums: Many communities share insider tips and exclusive deals.

Being active on social media can lead to unexpected savings and exclusive offers. Don't miss out on these opportunities by staying engaged and connected.

9. Shop Secondhand

Before buying anything brand new, run a quick search online to see if you can find the same or similar item used. This way, you can pay a fraction of the regular retail price. A fantastic way to get great deals is to look for items secondhand.

Get in the habit of checking local reselling marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. Also, explore online resale sites like Poshmark, eBay, and The RealReal. These platforms make secondhand shopping as easy as any other online shopping site.

• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• Poshmark
• eBay
• The RealReal

The Swoondle Society is another great option, especially for kids' clothing. You can swap items your children have outgrown for like-new pieces in their current size.

Shopping secondhand is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally responsible. It reduces waste and gives items a second life.

10. Seek Price Adjustments

After making a purchase, don't assume your savings end at checkout. Many large stores have a price adjustment policy that typically lasts between seven to 14 days. This means if the price of an item you bought drops within that period, you can get the difference back. Usually, you just need to bring in your receipt to get the adjustment.

To make the most of this, follow these steps:

1. Keep your receipts: Always save your receipts after making a purchase.
2. Monitor prices: Check the prices of items you've bought for any drops.
3. Request adjustments: If you see a price drop, visit the store or contact customer service to request a refund of the difference.

Some stores also offer price-matching policies. Retailers like Best Buy and Target may match a lower price found on a competitor’s website. You can call customer service or use online chat to request an adjustment. Tools like Google Shopping and ShopMania can help you compare prices quickly.

Using tools like Edison Mail’s Price Alert feature can save you time by automatically tracking price drops on items you've purchased online. If eligible for a price adjustment, it will even send you a pre-filled email template to request the refund.

Conclusion

Finding the best deals online doesn't have to be hard. By planning your budget, shopping at the right times, and comparing prices, you can save a lot of money. Don't forget to look for coupons and consider buying refurbished items. With these tips, you can make sure you're getting the most for your money every time you shop online. Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to set a budget before shopping online?

Setting a budget helps you keep track of your spending and avoid buying things you can't afford. It ensures that you only spend money on what you really need.

How can I find the best prices online?

To find the best prices, compare costs on different websites, look for sales, and use price comparison tools. This way, you can see which store offers the best deal.

Where can I find coupons for online shopping?

You can find coupons on coupon websites, through email newsletters from stores, and by searching for promo codes online. Some websites also offer browser extensions that automatically find coupons for you.

Is it safe to buy refurbished items?

Yes, buying refurbished items can be safe if you purchase from reputable sellers. Make sure to check reviews and the return policy before buying.

What are sale alerts and how do they work?

Sale alerts notify you when the price of an item drops. You can set them up on many shopping websites or use apps that track prices for you.

Can I get a price adjustment after buying something?

Some stores offer price adjustments if the price of an item drops shortly after you buy it. Check the store's policy and keep your receipt to request a price adjustment.