Online shopping is now as common as going to the supermarket in person. It is a crucial part of our lives, due to being convenient, varied and fast. It only takes a few clicks to place your order.
But like everything in life, there are pros and cons to online shopping as well. One downside of making online purchases is the fact that you can easily spend more than planned. Frugal people, however, know very well how to shop online so as to make the best purchases while staying within the budget.
Want to learn the frugal ways so that you can also enjoy online shopping at its true value? Then read on to find out what frugalists always do to make the most of their online shopping experience.
Smart habits for online shopping that frugal people adopt:
-
Set a budget in advance
Frugal people always set a budget, no matter what they do. This is also valid when it comes to making online purchases. They determine the amount they can spend and stay within this limit.
According to money experts, this method is quite efficient in preventing impulsive shopping. Not only do they manage to resist the temptation to buy whatever comes their way but also manage to save some money in the process.
-
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. You don’t need to go from one supermarket to another to check their offers and choose the best one for your budget. You can simply use comparison tools that show you the best prices of various retailers.
-
Find coupons and discount codes
Frugalists have another good habit when it comes to online shopping. They seek out discount codes and coupons, successfully succeeding in saving money, especially on high-ticket items. “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 coupon websites, newsletters or loyalty programs. The discounts might not seem much but it can lead to important savings in time.
-
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 points, discounts or one-of-a-kind deals. But you have to become a member in order to be able to access such benefits.
Frugal people know that loyalty programs can be important tools in finding the best online deals and saving money in the process. If you purchase items from the same retailers constantly, then loyalty programs are exactly what you need.
-
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. They add items to their cart and then they wait for the follow-up emails from retailers. The discount codes or points arrive quite fast, as retailers want to convince you to finish the shopping process.
Not only is it efficient, in that you can receive surprising discounts, but it can also lead to surprising savings.
-
Use cashback portals
Similar to coupon websites, there are also many websites 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. You can search sites like RetailMeNot and ShopatHome to maximize your rewards during the shopping experience.
-
Look for off-season items
In fair weather prepare for foul is most likely the best description for this strategy. Most frugal shoppers sear by this method and for good reason. For instance, you’ll be able to find much cheaper winter clothes during the summer than in winter, when the demand is definitely higher.
When a new season starts, that’s when retailers usually want to get rid of the old stock and offer all sorts of discounts and deals for all sorts of items. Some of them quite expensive if purchased in their season.
-
Get free shipping
Retailers often have free shipping options if your purchased items add up to a certain amount. Frugal people know this and try to find the best items, ones that are really necessary, to benefit from this perk. If not, then they opt for standard shipping, never rush shipping.
Rush shipping increases the overall cost so, if it’s really not required, try to stay away from such additional costs.
-
Stick to a list
Lists are essential when it comes to shopping, whether you’re doing it in a supermarket or in the virtual space. Making a list (and sticking to it!) is a good habit that frugal people adopt to avoid the temptation of unnecessary browsing and purchasing items they don’t really need.
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 useful shopping habit.
-
Read reviews and ratings
To prevent shopping traps and ending up with low-quality items that break the minute you use them, frugal shoppers read reviews and ratings. It is a very smart way to find out more about the retailers and their products in advance, without spending a dime from your pocket.
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.
-
Shop with a credit card
When using credit cards for online shopping, you have extra protection in case of fraudulent transactions. “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. Not to mention that some credit card companies offer cash backs or bonuses 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. Keep this credit card for online shopping only.
-
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? Frugal people know this and use this opportunity to purchase cheaper items. The procedure is quite simple. Just call customer service and ask for a price adjustment if an item you’ve already bought is now being sold at a lower price.
Takeaway
Online shopping is as tempting as it is convenient. A simple scroll can easily turn into overspending. But with the right habits, such as sticking to a list and a budget, using every opportunity to get cash back, rewards and turning shopping into a strategic process, you can become a savvy shopper and make smart and informed purchases. Not to mention save money in the process.
Related articles:
