Online shopping is now a standard part of our lives, but with this shift, the rules for snagging deals have shifted as well. Here’s how to adapt.
In 2021, you could easily stand in your kitchen preparing dinner — or let’s be honest, sipping a glass of wine — instructing a compact speaker to order essential items like almond flour and toilet paper. Those products arrive at your doorstep, often without delivery fees, in less time than it takes to get your latest COVID test results. This is the new landscape of online shopping.
As we step into the future, it's crucial to remember the tips that will help you keep getting the best bargains and ensure your purchases are what you intended. The rules of online shopping have transformed forever. Here’s how to keep saving.
Employ Price Trackers
In today’s digital age, a little automation in your shopping can yield significant benefits. Before finalizing your Amazon purchases, visit price-tracking sites like CamelCamelCamel, recommends consumer analyst Julie Ramhold. Although it only tracks Amazon products, it helps you understand the price history of items, so you can decide whether to buy now or wait.
Price-tracking tools and apps, such as Slickdeals and Honey, are also useful. They notify users about price drops via email or mobile alerts. These services are typically free, easy to set up, and many offer coupons or rebates alongside price updates.
Utilize Cash Back Apps and Reward Programs
Increasingly, shoppers are turning to apps and browser extensions like Rakuten and BeFrugal for cash back on qualifying purchases. For promo codes, check out RetailMeNot for a treasure trove of current discounts from top retailers.
Enhance your savings by using a rewards credit card that provides cash back or points for purchases. Just be diligent about paying off your balance on time to avoid interest fees that could negate your savings.
Some cards, like the Target REDCard, automatically draw from your checking account and offer an immediate 5% discount on both in-store and online purchases. Additionally, using the REDCard earns you perks like free shipping and frequent discounts.
Always Shop for Sale Items
It’s tough to resist the allure of a full-price handbag, especially when you’re holding it and smelling that new leather scent. However, online shopping gives you the power to walk away from the screen until the impulse to splurge fades.
While basic necessities like milk and bread often lack discounts, for almost everything else, utilize websites like DealNews or BradsDeals to find the latest sales on clothing, electronics, beauty products, and even meal subscriptions from brands like Butcher Box and EveryPlate.
Explore Resale and Reconditioned Goods
Thrift store enthusiasts have missed browsing through racks of gently used clothing and home items since the pandemic impacted in-person shopping.
Whether you call it circular fashion or resale therapy, online platforms like ThredUP offer a fantastic selection of used clothing, featuring brands like Coach, Lululemon, Lily Pulitzer, Old Navy, and J.Crew.
Choose Safe Payment Methods: Use Credit Cards
When making online purchases, it’s always advisable to pay with a credit card rather than through services like PayPal or Venmo. Credit cards offer federal protections, ensuring you won’t be charged for items you never receive.
If issues arise with a purchase, try to resolve them directly with the seller. Many credit cards also provide purchase protection. “Even if you get scammed,” Ramhold notes, “using these payment methods can help you recover your money.”
Plus, credit cards allow for disputes on unauthorized charges, known as a chargeback dispute. If you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Investigate the Seller
To steer clear of scams, take a moment to research a seller’s ratings. “If you feel uncertain about a seller, it’s wise not to take the risk,” Ramhold advises. “Ensure ratings are meaningful; I’ve seen sellers with five-star ratings and nothing but ‘yes’ in the comments — a clear red flag.”
Check seller reviews on sites like Trustpilot or see if they’re verified by Google. While these indicators don’t guarantee trustworthiness, they provide a sense of security when sharing payment information.
