Throughout the whole pandemic, people all over the globe have relied on online shopping for essential care products, food deliveries, and just a little bit of happiness in a world that seemed to be crumbling all around us. Online shopping is no new craze by any means, but sites like Amazon and Walmart have done nothing but skyrocket in popularity these past few years. If you find yourself hitting the “add to cart” button too much, chances are your budget will reflect an unhealthy spending pattern. In this blog post, we’ll share 3 online shopping secrets to save you money. Let’s get started!
Online Resources and Browser Extensions
With 1.8 billion websites running simultaneously around the globe, chances are that you don’t confine your shopping to just one. While online coupons make for a good way to save money, searching for them takes tons of time and rarely comes back with rewarding results. Free Apps like Honey and Camelizer connect directly with your search browser and instantly search for offer discount codes and coupons for your purchase. Additionally, they offer rewards for your purchases that you can use at all your favorite stores.
Two more sites that help shoppers save are Groupon and RetailMeNot. While Honey provides discounts on anything you search up, these apps present specific offers to you. Discounts on restaurant visits, experiences, and local events are some of the most popular Groupon offers, making your saving extend far beyond retail items.
Shop at Chain Store Alternatives
While all of us like to shop at our tried-and-true Walmarts and Targets, the truth is that cheaper alternatives to these stores are out there. Utilize Facebook Marketplace and second-hand online stores like eBay and Google Shopping. When making a big furniture purchase, comparing prices and opting for a warehouse or refurbished model can save you hundreds of dollars. Several big-name brands like Nike and Adidas also offer discounts and big sales on their outlet sites. Even so, you should check out the smaller sellers first and make sure there isn’t a better deal out there.
Dodging Shipping Costs
Most stores offer free shipping when you order in bundles, so build your order over time until free shipping is available. When you order one thing from a store, chances are you are paying a ton more for shipping than you realize. Ordering in bulk helps prevent these hefty shipping costs. Additionally, if you are ordering locally, tons of stores offer curbside pickup to prevent shipping costs altogether.
Though there is no perfect formula for shopping online, stores are beginning to implement tools to help you save as much money as you can. Honey automatically applies coupons to your orders, and curbside pickup helps you dodge shipping costs while still getting the items you want. Think twice before hitting that “add to cart” button too quickly, because you could be missing out on a ton of savings.