January, 2023

Ways to Shop Online & Save Big

How to Save Money When Shopping Online

Online shopping gets a bad rap. Yes, you might occasionally be tempted to impulse shop from your phone while in bed. Although, if you know how to be a savvy shopper, ordering items online can be one of the best ways to shop while saving time and money. Online shopping makes it quick and easy to find discounts, compare prices, avoid crowds, and get your purchases delivered to your doorstep. Here are some of our favorite methods of saving money when shopping online.

Avoid Shipping Fees

Shipping fees are one of the biggest reasons you might spend more online than in store. An extra $4.99 here and there adds up over time. Adding more things to your cart to hit the shipping minimum isn’t a good idea either, as you may end up buying extra things you don’t need.

One solution is to wait on your purchase until you have an order large enough for free shipping or wait for a free shipping deal. Start a wish list or leave items in your cart until you’re ready to check out.² Sometimes retailers will email you coupons if you abandon your cart as long as you’re logged into your account.

If you can’t wait, consider ordering what you need online and picking it up in the store. You’ll still have to make a trip, but this way you won’t be tempted by any extra items on the way to the register.¹

Use Online Shopping Browser Extensions

If you’re wondering how to save money shopping on Amazon and other online retailers, browser extensions are one of the best ways to shop online. Plus, they do all the work for you by comparing prices on other retailers. These tools will pop up automatically as you’re checking out from a website to provide coupons, price comparisons or cashback to ensure you get the best price.

● Honey. This free Google extension automatically searches for and applies coupon codes to your cart. It also offers price comparison and price history features for Amazon. This will show you which of Amazon’s sellers has the lowest price and how the product’s price has changed in recent months. Plus, you can earn cashback, giving you an even bigger discount.

● The Camelizer. Track pricing data and get alerted about low prices using this browser extension. You can also view past changes in price without leaving the retailer’s website.

● Rakuten. Get cashback directly to your PayPal while shopping with this browser extension. Previously known as Ebates, Rakuten also searches for coupons and offers a welcome bonus on your cashback payments.

Time Your Shopping Strategically

Sales happen on a regular schedule throughout the year: Black Friday, Prime Day, holidays, back-to-school, tax-free weekends and so on. If you have a big purchase to make, get a great deal by planning around discount days. Most furniture sales happen in July⁴ and electronics are most affordable around Black Friday⁵.

You’ll also be able to find heavily discounted seasonal items by shopping online at the end of the season. This is especially true for clothing, but also for phones, games, mattresses, appliances and more.

You’ll need a little extra patience for these methods of saving money, but it will be worth it. Then, when you do find a good sale on items you use a lot, don’t forget to stock up!

Online Loans

It can be tough to save money, even when you’re using coupon codes and planning out your every purchase. If you’re struggling to save enough for the things you need, consider getting a loan with LendNation. Get the cash you need fast with title loans, installment loans and payday loans. Find a location or apply online now.

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