Online shopping is now as common as going to a physical supermarket in person, and for many, it has become the default way to purchase goods and services. It is a crucial and deeply integrated part of our modern lives, primarily due to being incredibly convenient, offering unparalleled variety, and being exceptionally fast. With just a few strategic clicks from the comfort of our home, office, or even while commuting, we can have almost anything delivered directly to our doorstep, often within a day or two.
But like everything in life, this digital convenience comes with its own set of pros and cons. The seamless nature of online shopping has a significant downside: it’s remarkably easy to spend more than you originally planned. Retailers employ sophisticated psychological tactics, from countdown timers to “limited stock” alerts, to encourage impulse buys. Frugal people, however, are masters of navigating this digital landscape. They know very well how to shop online so as to make the best purchases while steadfastly staying within their budget, turning the tables on these tactics.
Want to learn the frugal ways so that you can also enjoy online shopping at its true value, without the risk of buyer’s remorse or a depleted bank account? Are you ready to transform your online spending from a potential liability into a strategic advantage? Then read on to find out what frugalists always do to make the most of their online shopping experience and become more intentional consumers.
Smart habits for online shopping that frugal people adopt:
1. Set a budget in advance
Frugal people always set a budget, no matter what they do, and this principle is non-negotiable for them. This is also valid, and perhaps even more critical, when it comes to making online purchases. Before they even open a browser tab, they determine the exact amount they can comfortably spend and commit to staying within this limit. This might involve using a dedicated budgeting app, a simple spreadsheet, or even just a note on their phone.
According to money experts, this method is quite efficient in preventing impulsive shopping, which is often triggered by visually appealing product layouts and targeted ads. By setting a clear financial boundary beforehand, you create a powerful defense mechanism. Not only do they manage to resist the temptation to buy whatever comes their way, but they also find it easier to prioritize their needs over fleeting wants, and consistently manage to save some money in the process.
2. Use price comparison tools
A clear advantage when shopping online is that you can search for the best prices and deals without moving an inch from your couch. This is a superpower compared to traditional retail. You don’t need to go from one supermarket or mall to another to check their offers and choose the best one for your budget. You can simply use automated price comparison tools and browser extensions that show you the best prices from various retailers in a matter of seconds. Websites like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber, and extensions like Honey, do the legwork for you.
This simple step ensures you’re not overpaying for an item that a different vendor sells for less. It’s a fundamental habit of a savvy shopper to never assume the first price you see is the best one. Always take a minute to compare, as it could save you a significant amount with minimal effort.
3. Find coupons and discount codes
Frugalists have another good habit when it comes to online shopping that has become second nature: they never check out without searching for a discount. They actively seek out discount codes and coupons, successfully succeeding in saving money, especially on high-ticket items where a percentage-based discount can be substantial. “Run a quick web search for the name of the retailer and ‘coupon code’ or ‘free shipping code’ before buying to see if any are available,” Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet.
If you also want to enjoy your purchases without paying the full price, check dedicated coupon websites, sign up for retailer newsletters (perhaps with a separate email address to avoid clutter), and follow your favorite brands on social media for exclusive follower-only deals. The discounts might not always seem like much individually, but consistently saving 10% or 20% can lead to very important savings over time.
4. Join loyalty programs
Speaking of loyalty programs, there are many retailers who offer all sorts of rewards to their loyal customers, either in the form of redeemable points, exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or other one-of-a-kind deals. But you have to become a member in order to be able to access such benefits. These programs are designed to encourage repeat business, and smart shoppers use this to their advantage.
Frugal people know that loyalty programs can be important tools in finding the best online deals and saving money in the process. However, they are also selective. They only join programs for stores they already shop at regularly. If you purchase items from the same retailers constantly, then loyalty programs are exactly what you need to be rewarded for the spending you were already planning to do.
5. Abandon the shopping cart
Bet you didn’t know this was an actual money-saving technique, did you? Well, frugal shoppers use it every chance they get to obtain various discounts. This clever tactic plays on the retailer’s fear of losing a sale. They add items to their cart, proceed to the checkout page, and then simply close the browser tab. To do this effectively, make sure you are logged into your account on the site. Retailers then often send follow-up emails to entice you back, frequently including a special discount code or a free shipping offer to convince you to finish the shopping process.
Not only is it efficient, in that you can receive surprising discounts you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, but it can also lead to surprising savings with zero effort. It also serves as a mandatory “cooling-off” period, giving you time to reconsider if you truly need the item, which helps prevent impulse buys.
6. Use cashback portals
Similar to coupon websites, there are also many websites and browser extensions that give you a part of your money back for buying items from certain online retailers. Frugalists use these cashback opportunities to pay less for their purchases, effectively getting a retroactive discount. These services work by earning a commission for referring you to a retailer, and they share a piece of that commission with you. You can search sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, RetailMeNot, and ShopatHome to maximize your rewards during the shopping experience.
The process is simple: you sign up for the cashback service, click through their specific link to the retailer’s site before you start shopping, and complete your purchase as normal. A percentage of your purchase total is then credited to your cashback account, which you can later withdraw. It’s a simple, extra step that can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings per year.
7. Look for off-season items
The old saying “in fair weather prepare for foul” is most likely the best description for this highly effective strategy. Most frugal shoppers swear by this method and for good reason. It requires planning and foresight, but the savings are often enormous. For instance, you’ll be able to find much cheaper winter coats, boots, and sweaters during the summer than in the middle of winter, when the demand is definitely higher and prices are at their peak.
When a new season starts, that’s when retailers usually want to get rid of the old stock to make room for new inventory. They will then offer all sorts of steep discounts and clearance deals for all sorts of items. This applies to more than just clothing; think about buying a barbecue grill in October or patio furniture in February. Some of these items can be quite expensive if purchased in their prime season, but planning ahead can cut the cost in half.
8. Get free shipping
Shipping fees can quickly turn a great deal into a mediocre one. Retailers often have free shipping options if your purchased items add up to a certain amount, like $50 or $100. Frugal people know this and try to find the best items, ones that are really necessary, to meet the threshold and benefit from this perk. If they are just a few dollars short, they’ll look for a small, useful “filler” item they’ll actually use—like a pair of socks or a kitchen sponge—rather than pay a shipping fee that provides no tangible value. If not, then they opt for standard shipping, never rush shipping.
Rush shipping, or expedited delivery, significantly increases the overall cost, so if it’s really not required, try to stay away from such additional costs. Patience is a virtue in frugal shopping. Another excellent option is to see if the retailer offers a free “ship-to-store” service, which allows you to bypass shipping costs altogether.
9. Stick to a list
Lists are absolutely essential when it comes to shopping, whether you’re doing it in a sprawling supermarket or in the infinite aisle of the virtual space. Making a list (and, most importantly, sticking to it!) is a foundational habit that frugal people adopt to avoid the powerful temptation of unnecessary browsing and purchasing items they don’t really need. Online stores are masterfully designed to encourage discovery and impulse buys.
It requires a little bit of discipline in the beginning, but once you’re committed to sticking to your list and budget, it will become an easy and incredibly useful shopping habit. For an added layer of defense, try the “24-hour rule”: if you see something you want that isn’t on your list, add it to a separate “wishlist” and wait a full day. More often than not, the initial impulse will fade, saving you from a purchase you would have later regretted.
10. Read reviews and ratings
To prevent common shopping traps and avoid ending up with low-quality items that break the minute you use them or don’t match their description, frugal shoppers become diligent researchers. They always read reviews and ratings before committing to a purchase. It is a very smart way to find out more about the retailers and the true quality of their products in advance, without spending a dime from your pocket or wasting time on returns.
It’s true that personal shopping experiences may vary, but you can still get a general idea of how serious a retailer can be and about the quality of their merchandise by looking for patterns. Pay close attention to recent reviews and look for comments that mention specific details about fit, durability, or customer service. Be wary of reviews that are overly generic, as you can learn to spot authentic feedback over time.
11. Shop with a credit card
When using credit cards for online shopping, you gain an invaluable layer of extra protection in case of fraudulent transactions or disputes with a merchant. “If your card number is compromised, it’s easier to dispute any charges that you didn’t approve,” says Sara Skirboll, the shopping and trends expert from RetailMeNot. Unlike debit cards, which take money directly from your bank account, credit cards provide a buffer. Not to mention that some credit card companies offer cash back, points, extended warranties, or purchase protection for certain categories of products. Frugal people love cash back, and so will you!
Recommendation: if you’re afraid of online scams, use a different credit card from your main one, preferably one with a low credit limit. Keep this credit card for online shopping only to minimize potential risk. The golden rule, however, is to always pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which would completely negate any savings or rewards earned.
12. Ask for a price adjustment
Did you know that you can also ask for price adjustments when it comes to online purchases, not only for in-store ones? This is a little-known but powerful tip. Frugal people know this and use this opportunity to purchase cheaper items retroactively. The procedure is quite simple. If an item you’ve already bought goes on sale or is sold at a lower price within a certain timeframe (often 14-30 days), you can contact the retailer. Just call or email customer service with your order number and ask for a price adjustment. Many large retailers will happily refund you the difference.
To make this even easier, you can use browser extensions or services that track the prices of your recent purchases and can even automate the price adjustment request on your behalf. It takes a little diligence to watch for price drops, but it can pay off handsomely.
Takeaway
Online shopping is as tempting as it is undeniably convenient. A simple, idle scroll through a website or app can easily turn into unintentional overspending, leaving you with items you don’t need and a lighter wallet. But with the right habits and a shift in mindset, you can take control. By adopting the strategies of frugal experts, such as always sticking to a list and a pre-set budget, using every opportunity to get cash back and rewards, and turning shopping into a strategic process rather than an emotional one, you can become a savvy shopper and make consistently smart and informed purchases. Not to mention save a significant amount of money in the process, which can then be used to achieve your larger financial goals.
Related articles:
- 10 Things Frugal People Never Do and Neither Should You
- 5 Purchases You Should NEVER Make with Cash
- Free Money? Here Are 7 Sure Ways to Get Them
