5 Tips for finding the best ones
Shopping online has become very popular over the past few years. One of the key advantages of online shopping is the ability to compare prices between vendors, all from the comfort of your own couch. But how do you go about finding the best online deals? Here are five key strategies to get you started.
- Subscribe to Deals Blogs
There are bloggers who spend hours each day searching the internet for the best deals and then sharing those deals with their readers. Sometimes, they're even able to offer discount codes that you can enter for an additional percentage off your purchase.
There are deals blogs that focus on listing deals from certain retailers. There are others who post deals on certain types of items, like sporting goods or apparel. Do a quick search for "deals blog" along with your interests and you should stumble upon some useful sites. - Use Rebate Software
There are several apps and websites that will give you rebates just for activating their tool while you shop online. Usually, you'll get somewhere between 1% and 3% back on your purchases, but on holidays and other special occasions, these apps tend to have even better offers—sometimes as much as 10% back! If you find the cheapest price on an item and then stack a rebate on top of that, you'll save a lot.
Most of these apps can be installed as a browser extension, so they activate automatically whenever you make an online purchase. - Track Prices Over Time
Online retailers change prices often. So, if you can plan ahead and watch the price of an item over time, you can sometimes save a bundle. Start searching for an item as soon as you think you might want it, and then check the price daily, over the course of at least a week, to see how it changes. If the price drops, buy the item.
There are also apps and browser extensions that will track the price of an item for you, sending you a text or email if the price falls below a pre-set threshold. - Remember to Check Shipping Costs
What looks like a great deal can quickly become a bad deal when you factor in shipping costs. So, when comparing prices between websites, make sure you take into account the cost of shipping. For example, if one website offers free shipping but charges $60 for the item, that may actually be a better deal than buying from a retailer that offers the item for $50 but charges $12.99 for shipping and handling.
Many websites have a threshold after which they offer free shipping. If you need another item anyways, it may be worth adding it to your count to make the free shipping threshold. But don't buy items you don't need just to reach the shipping threshold; this is a common way to overspend. - Search for Coupon Codes
Before buying something from a certain online retailer, always search "coupon code" and the retailer's name. You might find a coupon code you can enter for an additional discount and a better online deal. Watch your email for coupon codes, too. Retailers you have purchased from before may send you exclusive coupon codes via email.
Online retailers can often offer better prices than brick-and-mortar stores. With the strategies above, you can find the best online deals. Remember to be patient, do plenty of searching, and rely on rebate apps for extra savings.
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