Online shopping comes with almost magical convenience – while you once had no alternative than to go to a physical store to buy what you need, this is no longer necessary. All you have to do is grab your phone, and with a few clicks, you will get a package delivered to your door within a very short time. Whether you want to buy clothes to refresh your wardrobe or you’re looking for loads of different figures to collect, you can find literally anything online. However, this accessibility comes with a downside: you can always end up overspending and buying stuff you don’t need. But fret not – you can learn how to harness the power of shopping online in a way that benefits your wallet. In this blog, we share a few secrets on maximising savings when buying goods online, so keep reading!
Be intentional with what you buy
If you feel like your money evaporates immediately whenever you shop online, it’s time to be more intentional and get into the habit of writing shopping lists so you won’t get lost in the online retail abyss and end up buying impulsively. The goal of any online seller is to make you buy stuff (before you even get to consider your decision) and so, they make sure that your experience will be as enjoyable as possible, catching your attention with their flashy sale banners and stunning graphics.
But it’s important to remember what your needs TRULY are and treat online shopping just as you’d treat going into a physical store. Having a list will help you stick only to the things you intend to purchase, and it’s a good idea to place a sticky note on your phone or computer if you think that will help you more. Whatever you do, always remember to apply the H.A.L.T method: never buy a product if you’re hungry, angry, lonely and tired.
Think about the best time to buy
Are you planning to buy big-ticket items like furniture or new appliances? If that’s the case, we recommend waiting for the next holiday weekend, as retailers offer considerable discounts during such a time (like the Fourth of July or President’s Day). Suppose your patio chairs have wobbly legs; consider whether you can wait until fall – there is a great chance you will get some great deals during off-season and end-of-season sales on clothes, furniture, and outdoor gear.
October is generally a great month to buy outdoor furniture, while November is the busiest when it comes to clothing catalogues. For small kitchen appliances, it’s a good idea to take advantage of December deals, such as Cyber Monday when products like an air fryer and stand mixer hit really low prices.
Compare product’s prices before buying them
Buying an item immediately is one of the biggest mistakes you could go when shopping online. One of the advantages of buying stuff online is that you can easily switch between tabs and determine whether a product is available at a cheaper price, so why not take advantage of it?
Google will immediately pull the links and prices from different retailers, allowing you to buy from a brand that offers a more convenient price for the product you want. However, you can also use price comparison websites that allow you to compare costs from popular stores such as Amazon.
Make the most of discounts
Do you know what’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money when buying products online? Taking advantage of discounts! This will save you a lot of money in the long run, so be sure to look out for them. If you’ve subscribed to your favourite brand’s social media or newsletter, they will likely let you know whenever they have a sale or offer a discount code for the available products.
Note that this doesn’t mean you should purchase a product ONLY because it’s on sale – this is exactly the opposite of being a savvy shopper, so avoid doing that as much as possible! However, if you genuinely need a specific product ( or you think you may need it at some point when you run out), it’s a good idea to make the most of the discount and stock up, which will benefit you until you spot another sale from them, meaning that you won’t really have to pay the full price for the product – smart, isn’t it?
Consider buying in bulk whenever possible
Are there items you know you will continue using? If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to buy in bulk – for instance, you can purchase large bottles of personal care products such as shower gel and shampoo or foot staples like rice and pasta.
Just keep in mind that not everything is meant to be bought in bulk, such as fresh food, or large amounts of snacks that can easily go stale. Purchasing large packs may seem like a more significant investment, but they can save you money in the long run, so we recommend taking advantage of it!
Join loyalty programs
Do you have a favourite store where you always shop online? If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to check whether they have a loyalty program you could join to earn points and reduce your spending on your purchases. It doesn’t matter if you have a discount code or that an item is on sale – if you participate in a loyalty program, you will still get the chance to save money by earning points, and the good news is that they are generally free, and you can use them both online and in store.
However, beware of the fact that getting member notifications about the latest deals may entice you to spend more money than you plan, so pay attention to this aspect and don’t forget to always come back to your shopping list.
The bottom line
It is possible to shop online without breaking the bank, and the tips above will help you rack up savings throughout the process. Remember, you don’t have to be born a savvy shopper, but you can always become one – as long as you take an honest look at your buying habits and try to make the necessary changes to avoid impulse buying or spending more than you’ve planned. With these smart shopping tips, you can now go forth and buy that purse or gadget that’s been on your mind( or Insta feed) for a while! Happy shopping!