We do most of our shopping online these days, from groceries to clothes and gift shopping and even booking flights and accommodation for your holidays. In fact, studies have shown that more than 33% of the population will make an online shopping purchase this week. Online shopping has never been easier – it’s handy, quick and reliable and you can get your hands on a huge variety of brands. But as most of us have a budget to stick to, let’s help you save money on your online shopping. We’ve researched the best online shopping hacks that will really save you money:
- Sign up for newsletters to discover discount codes, offers and sales
A great way to save money when you’re shopping online is to visit your favourite retailers’ websites and sign up for their newsletters. This way you’ll get all the latest deals, offers and more delivered straight to your index. You might even get an invitation to shop a sale early, before it’s released to the general public so you can snag the best deals before they go out of stock. If you’re interested in clothes, keep an eye on seasonal sales and plan ahead – invest in high-quality items that don’t go out of fashion that you’ll be able to wear for years to come rather than for just one season. Check out our article on looking elegant and fashionable on a budget here for more tips on building a great wardrobe at a great price.
- Discover coupons instantly before checking out
Once you’ve selected the items you’d like and you’ve clicked through to checkout, there’s always an option to add a coupon or discount code from a site for promo codes. Coupon codes are notoriously tricky to find and use, requiring specific codes which are only valid for short periods of time. But rustable sites use modern web technology to dig up coupon codes you’d be unaware of otherwise, bringing down the costs for you as you save a percentage of the full price at checkout.
- Unleash social media
Some brands release exclusive codes on their social media pages that you’ll find nowhere else – they want to reward their Facebook or Instagram followers and grow their social media reach. Make sure you like and follow the brands and retailers you buy from often, so you don’t miss out on any fantastic exclusive discounts or flash sales. Another top tip is to check out the reviews on Facebook if you’re thinking of buying a new product or booking an event with a certain company for example. You’ll be able to see whether people have had good experiences with them and this kind of information is worth way more than all the marketing speak on a company’s website! If the reviews are bad, save your money and steer clear.
- Never buy anything directly from a website without Googling it first
This simple step will take you just a few seconds but could save you loads if you get into the habit of it. Before you make a purchase, put the item into Google and compare prices across other retailers and websites – you might find a cheaper option or benefit from a flash sale elsewhere. If you want to find out more about comparing prices online, check out this guide by Clark which has loads more detail on the topic.
- Hang on for a holiday
Especially if you have some big purchases to make, it’s wise to sit tight and wait for a holiday to do your shopping. Skip the crowds and take advantage of the online deals on Black Friday or at Christmas by grabbing that TV, laptop or phone you’ve had your eye on for ages. Create a wishlist in advance to avoid getting distracted and keep you focused on what you really want to buy. You’ll be grateful you waited that little bit longer when you see how much money you’ll save this way! If you want to find out more about holiday shopping read these top tips on staying safe and saving online during the holidays.
With these shopping hacks, you’ll find your dollars go further and you’ll get more for your money. Don’t blow your budget, follow our top tips and save yourself a lot of money. Happy shopping!
