Many of us are becoming online shopping geeks, and it’s easy to see why. There is comfort and convenience that comes from ordering your favorites within your fingertips. And since the e-commerce industry is thriving and expanding wildly, many business owners have risen to the occasion and build their storefronts on the web.
Online shopping has reached a whole new level of popularity, and we’re expecting things to only escalate as the world becomes even more so technologically-driven. There are millions of websites and thousands of apps launched, and of course, billions of people streaming their favorites on their screens.
With online shopping, people can spend more time on other important matters, instead of wasting each precious moment and energy on store hopping. They can meet their deadlines, study for finals, relax at home, or spend quality time with their loved ones.
However, online shopping proves to be a blessing and a curse. The convenience of online shopping becomes so addicting that many are swiping their cards and using their money compulsively. Hence, they go broke with the many packages delivered to their doorsteps.
I too am a victim of compulsive buying on the internet. There is a plethora of options to choose from and a treasure trove of exciting deals. But I learned from experience after seeing my rapidly depleting bank account from too much binge-shopping.
Luckily, I got my groove back and my self-discipline! I developed ways to thrift online and save as many dimes as I can. So if you are facing the same dilemma I had years ago, I hope my foolproof strategies can help you.
Should online shopping drain your pockets? Of course, not. You can enjoy the convenience of shopping online without hurting your budget. Below are ways to save every penny with every online transaction:
Have a wish list
Don’t directly purchase items unless they’re badly needed. Instead, make them a part of your wish list. Many online shops will send you email alerts if their prices have dropped. Just make sure you’ve subscribed to their emailing system, so you’ll get the latest scoops about the company and the items you’re eyeing on.
Speaking of emails, it’s best to have a separate email account intended solely for online shopping. This helps a lot in weeding out spam in your regular email account.
Look out for coupon codes
There are many promos, discounts, and coupon codes available on the internet. Wise shoppers know where to find them and how to get them. Companies will usually post these exciting deals on their website and ping all their subscribers via email.
Some of the money-savvy options I’ve been using are Babywalz coupon codes and Nike promo codes. You can check them too and use them for your next purchases!
Save more by shopping on sales with coupons
You can also use your coupons later on when the retailer has issued a sale! You can save a lot by doubling up coupons with sales. Sales are usually done during the holidays throughout the year. Hence, anticipate the next big online sale event and get your items at very low costs with promo codes and coupons.
Watch out for sales on seasonal trends
Seasonal trends like jackets, grills, and etc. are usually held on sale as retailers try to purge old inventory for new items. If you want to buy any of these items, you can get crazy deals and discounts during its off-seasons. Outdoor furniture is often discounted during fall and winter. Spot them!
Compare sellers’ prices
Before sealing your online transactions with your cards, type the item’s name on a search browser. On the shopping tab, you’ll see the item’s prices from a wide range of sellers and suppliers. This gives you a clearer picture of whether or not you’ve purchased the item at a good value. This can also point you to a reliable retailer that offers less but of the same quality.
Consider getting your items at their storefront
This is a good trick when the seller doesn’t offer discounts or free shipping options for every purchase. Delivery rates can cost you a lot. In fact, there are times when your delivery charges cost higher than the item you’ve purchased! If the retailer has a shop you can visit to pick up your items and if it’s not too far from your place, then opt to get your items at their office or storefront.
Glenda Santos is a freelance creative writer who collaborates with various lifestyle enthusiasts to share her experiences through the written word. Glenda worked as a content marketing specialist in her formal life but recently left to pursue a full-time freelance career.
