Save More While Shopping Online with These Smart Tips
Online shopping can be convenient, but costs add up fast. The good news? There are secret deals and smart tricks to help you cut expenses. With the right strategies, you can save money with cashback and coupons, find discounts, and make better purchase choices.
1. Always Search for Coupon Codes Before Checkout
Before clicking “Buy Now,” do a quick search for promo codes. Retailers often release hidden coupons that aren’t promoted on their websites.
Where to Find Reliable Coupon Codes:
- RetailMeNot – Thousands of active coupon codes for popular stores.
- CouponCabin – Offers cashback and exclusive deals alongside coupons.
Tip: If no coupon codes work, try searching “[store name] + promo code” on Google. You’ll often find recent deals posted on forums or Reddit.
2. Use Browser Extensions for Instant Savings
Many browser extensions automatically apply coupon codes or detect lower prices. These tools make saving effortless.
- Rakuten: Gives cashback on purchases from partnered retailers.
- Capital One Shopping: Compares prices across different stores to find the best deals.
How It Helps:
Extensions work in the background, reducing the time spent searching for discounts. Over time, this can save hundreds of dollars annually.
3. Use Cashback Websites and Apps
Cashback platforms give you a percentage of your purchase back—essentially paying you to shop.
Top Cashback Sites to Try:
| Cashback Platform | Average Cashback Rate | Bonus Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | 1% – 10% | $10 sign-up bonus |
| TopCashback | 2% – 15% | No minimum payout |
| Swagbucks | 1% – 8% | Earn points for gift cards |
| BeFrugal | 2% – 12% | 125% cashback match guarantee |
Pro Tip: Activate cashback extensions like Rakuten or TopCashback on your browser so you never miss a deal.
4. Time Your Purchases for Bigger Savings
Timing can make a huge difference in how much you pay.
Best Times to Shop Online:
- Mondays and Tuesdays – Electronics and travel deals often drop early in the week.
- End of Season Sales – Shop clothing and home goods when seasons change for major markdowns.
- Major Sale Events – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, and Back-to-School sales offer the biggest discounts.
- Holiday Weekends – Think Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents’ Day for extra deals.
Insider Tip: Use CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon price history and know if you’re truly getting the best deal.
5. Abandon Your Cart and Wait
Ever noticed that stores email you with a discount after you leave something in your cart? It’s intentional.
How This Works:
- Add items to your cart.
- Close the tab and wait 24-48 hours.
- Check your email for a “Still thinking about it?” message — often with a discount.
Retailers want your business and will often offer 10-20% off to complete the sale.
6. Sign Up for Store Rewards and Newsletters
Retailers reward loyal customers with discounts and exclusive offers. Signing up for store newsletters can unlock special promotions.
- Many stores offer 10-20% off your first order for signing up.
- Birthday rewards and exclusive sales are common among loyalty programs.
- Some retailers give early access to sales, helping shoppers grab deals before items sell out.
7. Compare Prices Before Checking Out
Not all stores price items the same way. Before finalizing a purchase, check other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Price Comparison Websites:
- Google Shopping lets you compare prices across multiple stores.
- CamelCamelCamel tracks price history on Amazon, helping you buy at the lowest price.
- PriceBlink is a browser add-on that scans websites for better deals.
Sample Price Comparison Table
| Item | Store A Price | Store B Price | Store C Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Earbuds | $79.99 | $89.99 | $74.49 |
| Running Shoes | $120 | $105 | $115 |
| Smartwatch | $199 | $185 | $190 |
Checking multiple sources ensures you don’t overpay.
8. Time Your Purchases with Seasonal Sales
Retailers have predictable sales cycles. Shopping at the right time means bigger discounts.
Best Times to Buy:
- Electronics: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day feature the lowest prices.
- Clothing: End-of-season sales bring major markdowns.
- Home Goods: January and July offer discounts on furniture and decor.
9. Stack Coupons and Cashback for Extra Savings
Coupons and cashback work together to cut costs significantly.
How to Maximize Discounts:
- Apply a promo code at checkout.
- Use a cashback site like Rakuten, TopCashback, or Ibotta.
- Pay with a rewards credit card for additional cashback.
Retailers sometimes allow coupon stacking, where multiple codes can be used on one purchase. Always check store policies.
10. Take Advantage of Student, Military, and First Responder Discounts
If you qualify, many brands offer special discounts — often 10-15% off.
Websites That Verify Discounts:
- UNiDAYS – Student discounts for fashion, tech, and more.
- ID.me – Verifies for military, teachers, first responders, and students.
- SheerID – Connects you with eligible brand discounts.
Tip: Even if a store doesn’t list these discounts, ask customer service. They may apply it manually.
11. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Offers
Shipping costs can erase savings. Many stores offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount.
Ways to Get Free Shipping:
- Sign up for premium memberships like Amazon Prime.
- Look for minimum-spend thresholds (e.g., “Free shipping on orders over $50”).
- Use store pickup options to avoid shipping fees.
12. Buy Gift Cards at a Discount
Discounted gift cards can lower costs before you even start shopping.
- Websites like Raise and CardCash sell gift cards below face value.
- Some cashback apps allow you to purchase gift cards at a discount.
Example: A $100 gift card for $90 instantly saves you 10% on your purchase.
13. Shop in Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies
Retailers track browsing history and may raise prices if they see repeated interest in an item.
How to Avoid Price Hikes:
- Shop in incognito mode.
- Clear browser cookies before checking out.
- Use a different device or browser to compare prices.
This prevents dynamic pricing from working against you.
14. Buy in Bulk for Bigger Discounts
Buying multiple items at once often triggers savings.
- Some sites offer bulk discounts on essentials like groceries and office supplies.
- Membership stores like Costco and Sam’s Club provide cost savings on large purchases.
- Consider pooling orders with friends or family.
15. Follow Brands on Social Media for Exclusive Deals
Brands share special promotions through their social media channels.
Where to Look:
- Instagram Stories often feature limited-time promo codes.
- Twitter updates may announce flash sales.
- Facebook groups dedicated to coupons provide daily savings alerts.
Following brands ensures you never miss a great deal.
16. Don’t Rush — Use Wishlist Alerts
If you can wait, add items to your wishlist and set up price alerts.
Tools That Track Prices for You:
- Honey Droplist – Get notifications when the price drops.
- Slickdeals Deal Alerts – Create alerts based on specific products or categories.
- Keepa (for Amazon) – Tracks price history and sends alerts.
This method is great for big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, or designer fashion.
BONUS TIP:
Want to track Amazon price history? Use CamelCamelCamel for accurate price alerts.
Final Thoughts
Saving money while shopping online is easier than you think. Using coupon extensions, tracking prices, and stacking discounts can lead to significant savings. Try these smart strategies on your next purchase and watch your costs drop.
Which of these tips do you already use? Share your experiences below!