Lately, I haven’t exactly been living up to my full frugal potential, but that’s going to change starting this year. My goal is to save as much money as possible instead of having it spent before it even hits my bank account. I know, I know.. bad bad, which is why I wanted to emphasize on ways to save money when shopping online in this post. Let’s face it, some of us can’t get out of the house every time a good deal hits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money when shopping online.
1. Research. Research. Research.
Just because it’s advertised as a good deal, doesn’t exactly mean it’s a good deal. Check Google for comparison pricing on the certain item you’re looking for, this will give you a general overview if it’s worth it or not at the price point it’s being offered. There will be local pricing and online pricing if available.
2. Use Coupon Codes and Stack Them if Possible
This is an obvious no-brainer. If you want to save money online, use coupon codes that you can either get by signing up for the brands’ newsletter or by searching on Google. Often times you’ll find that the coupon incentive is much higher if you’re an actual newsletter subscriber. Another thing to note if you find a coupon code on Google, it may be an account tied coupon or a one-time use, so it’s best to sign up for the brands you do like so you can be reminded of current and future sales. Some companies like ClothingRIC and SitewideCouponseven allow you to stack multiple coupon codes, so take advantage when you can.
3. Add Items To Cart and Leave Them If You Don’t Need Right Away
One thing I have noticed when I window shop online is that they’ll offer an incentive to give you a little push to make that purchase. You’ll receive emails like, “we noticed you left something in your cart, here’s a little discount.” etc. Now not every company does this, so don’t let the item sit if it’s a good deal as good deals usually have a limited availability and will go out of stock quickly. So jump on it, if it’s hot.
4. Use Cash Back Websites Like GivingAssistant
Giving Assistant is a free digital loyalty program, with over 1,100 of the largest retailers like Kohls for instance, and gives an average of 5% cash reward after each online purchase.
Not all cash back websites are created equal. Some will give you very little back and some will give you 100% of what they make off your purchase, and Giving Assistant is one of those websites if you’re a member. For non-member purchases, they retain the commission and make a small donation to Feeding America to give one meal. You don’t have to wait months for a check in the mail like other cashback sites, and minimum payout is just $5.01, not $25+ like most other cashback sites which are nice because it can take a while to accumulate if you’re like me and not spending hundreds of dollars frequently.
If you make a purchase through their website and you don’t get credit for it, contact them and they’ll make sure you receive your full cash back amount. That to me is GREAT customer service!
I actually had an issue with the purchase I did through Walmart not crediting, but they put the 4% cash back in my account after confirming my purchase. It’s as simple as that!
5. Ask For a Price Drop Refund
Ouch, it stings knowing you just purchased something and then it drops to a lower price a day or a week later. Contact the company and ask for a price adjustment; the worst thing they could say is no. I know that Amazon does this when you contact their chat customer support people. It may be a hit or miss though depending on who you’re talking to, usually, they will accommodate though and refund the difference.
Do you have any more tips to save money when shopping online? I know there are lots more, but it will have to wait for a 2nd edition post.
Thanks for the great tips!
These are awesome tips. I am always looking for ways to save money when I can!
These are great tips. Stacking coupon codes is my personal favorite. That’s a satisfying feeling!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Cozy Woggle Safety Coat for Kids Review
I’m trying to learn more about how to stack correctly. I read over a lot of coupon blogs and that helps me quite a bit. The more you stack the more you can save.
Love all the tips here. It’s definitely a must to be a frugal and wise shopper when online shopping because there are so many items on different sites. It’s easier to browse through your fingertips rather than visit stores physically.
These are great tips. I love shopping online. It’s stress free and easier!
I love shopping online and these are great tips to remember! I love to save more money when shopping.
This is absolutely a great tips for me. I love shopping online its very convenient for me
I love this list! It will make shopping online so much easier! Online shopping is becoming more and more the norm. And lets be honest, anywhere we can save a buck these days, lets do it!
I love to shop online. I always look for coupon codes to get an extra discount. These are great tips.
I love shopping on line and rarely shop without some kind of coupon or discount!!
I love using coupon codes to save money. We use cash back rewards program as well.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted…Family Travel is a Pleasure
I absolutely love these tips! esp leaving the items in your cart until you actually need them. Great post!!
I love shopping online. I often feel I get better sales and coupons than if I shop in stores. I also belong to a lot of points and cashback sites to that helps out a great deal.
These are excellent tips for shopping online. You can really use some good coupons and many people do not realize that you can stack them at certain times too!
I’ve used Giving Assistant before, and it’s super helpful. Great tips, thanks!
These are some really good tips. I love online shopping! I have to be careful though not to over spend. I love using cashback options.
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Easy Fried Rice Recipe
These are some great tips!!!! I’m always searching for coupon codes before I make my purchases!
These are definitely some really great ways to save money when online shopping. We use most of these when we shop online.
Great tips, I love shopping online for the convenience. I always wonder if I am saving anything, I am going to utilize these.
I absolutely love how you presented this article! Really love your work! Keep it up!