Unlock massive savings with our top 10 strategies for online shopping. Learn how to use coupons, compare prices, get cashback, and more to become a smarter shopper today!

Online shopping is super convenient, but are you getting the best possible price? With a little strategy, every purchase can be a great bargain. It’s not about spending less; it’s about shopping smarter.

A seasoned online shopper or a novice, these ten tried-and-true methods will leave more cash in your wallet without sacrificing quality.

1. Always Search for Coupon Codes

This is the money-saving golden rule of online shopping. Before you even hit the “Buy Now” button, stop and open up a new tab and search for coupon codes for that store. Websites like CouponSeed do the legwork for you and compile and test promo codes that give you immediate savings, anything from a percentage off your entire order to free shipping.

2. Compare Prices Before You Buy

Don’t settle for the initial price you find. Use price comparison websites or browser add-ons to view the price of the product at different stores. Some research can reveal that the same product is available at a significantly cheaper price on another site.

3. Utilize Cashback and Reward Programs

Why not get paid to shop? Cashback websites (like Rakuten or TopCashback) offer a percentage of your purchase price back when you shop using their links. Similarly, the majority of credit cards offer reward points or cashback for shopping online. Combining these with a promo code is a power move for the best discount.

4. Abandon Your Shopping Cart

This is a stealthy psychological trick. Add things to your cart, proceed to the checkout page, enter your email address, and simply close the tab. Most online stores track abandoned carts and will send you an email reminder within a day or two—typically with an exclusive discount code in an attempt to get you to complete the purchase.

5. Purchase During Major Sale Events

Patience is a virtue. If your purchase isn’t immediate, hold out for major sale events. Mark your calendar for big shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Also, look for end-of-season sales when retailers clear out old merchandise at an extreme discount.

6. Enroll in Brand Newsletters

Like any business, your favorite brands have a vested interest in keeping you as a client. Enrolling in their email newsletters often gets you baseline discounts, such as a welcome coupon of 10-15% off your first order. You’ll also be the first to access special offers, promotions, and sales.

7. Follow Businesses on Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are flooded with brands advertising flash sales, giveaways, and special promo codes. Following your favorite brands on social media allows you to access these time-sensitive offers without any hassle.

8. Install a Browser Extension That Focuses on Saving Money

Let the internet do the work for you. Browser extensions such as Honey or Capital One Shopping find, apply, and sometimes track coupon codes and price drops on items you are interested in, even if you don’t ask them to—saving you a lot of effort and money.

9. Always Look for Free Shipping

Shipping will turn a good deal into an average one. Free shipping is offered by most stores on a minimum purchase. A cheap, useful item can be added to your order if you’re near the cut-off and your purchase falls a little short. Otherwise, look for a free shipping promotional code.

10. Clear Your Cookies or Shop Incognito

Have you ever looked for a flight or hotel multiple times and the price increases? That’s called “dynamic pricing.” Some e-commerce sites use your browser cookies and search history to increase prices. Deleting cookies or searching in your browser’s incognito or private mode will get you a lower, default price.

Final Thoughts
Saving money online is a game, and with these tips, you’re going to play to win. Combining some of these tips on your next purchase, you won’t believe how much you’ll save.

Happy (and smart) shopping