5 Creative Ways to Save Money on Your Online Shopping Habits

We went beyond coupons to show you some creative ways to save money online.

---

Online shopping has gained immense popularity over the years due to its convenience and ease of use. With just a few clicks, consumers can purchase products from anywhere in the world and have them delivered to their doorstep, without ever having to leave their homes. 

Online shopping also offers a wider selection of products, as well as the ability to compare prices across various websites, making it easier for consumers to find the best deals. 

Additionally, online shopping often provides access to exclusive discounts and promotions, giving shoppers an added incentive to make purchases online. All of these factors contribute to the growing popularity of online shopping as a preferred method of purchasing goods and services.

Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way to purchase everything from groceries to electronics. It's convenient, time-saving, and can often offer better prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. But did you know that online shopping can also be a way to save money with the right strategies?

In this article, we'll share five creative ways to make the most out of your online shopping habits and keep more money in your wallet. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to online shopping, these tips will help you get the best deals and take advantage of all the savings opportunities available to you.

Tip 1: Use Cashback Apps and Websites

Cashback apps and websites are a great way to save money on your online shopping purchases. These platforms offer users a percentage of their purchase back in cash, which can add up quickly over time. Some popular cashback apps include Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and Honey.

Rakuten works by partnering with various retailers to offer cashback rewards to its users. To use the platform, customers simply sign up for a free account and then click through to a retailer's website from Rakuten before making a purchase. Once the purchase is complete, Rakuten tracks the transaction and credits the user's account with a percentage of the purchase amount, usually between 1% to 10%. Users can then redeem their cashback rewards via check or PayPal.

Honey, on the other hand, is a browser extension that automatically applies coupon codes and discounts at checkout. In addition to automatic savings, Honey also offers cashback rewards at select retailers. Users can install the extension for free on their web browser, and then shop as usual. Honey will automatically apply any available coupons and offer cashback rewards where applicable.

Other popular cashback websites include TopCashback, BeFrugal, and Swagbucks. The potential savings with these platforms can vary depending on the retailer and the percentage of cashback offered, but users can often earn significant amounts of cashback simply by clicking through to a retailer's website from the cashback platform. And since many of these platforms offer browser extensions and mobile apps, they're incredibly easy to use, making it effortless to save money on your online shopping purchases.

Tip 2: Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons

When it comes to saving money on your online shopping purchases, taking advantage of sales and coupons is another effective strategy. Retailers often offer discounts and promotions throughout the year, and with a bit of strategic planning, you can make the most out of these opportunities to save money.

Finding and using coupons and promo codes is one way to save money when shopping online. Many retailers offer coupon codes that can be applied at checkout for additional savings. You can often find these codes by doing a quick Google search for the retailer's name along with phrases like "coupon code" or "promo code." Alternatively, you can use browser extensions like Honey or RetailMeNot to automatically apply available coupon codes at checkout.

In addition to coupon codes, many retailers also offer seasonal or holiday sales, as well as clearance events that offer significant discounts on their products. To maximize your savings during these times, it's important to plan ahead and do your research. Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions. Additionally, follow them on social media to get exclusive access to discounts and flash sales.

Another tactic for maximizing savings during sales is to shop strategically. Before making a purchase, take some time to compare prices across different retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal. You can also consider timing your purchases around specific events, such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, to take advantage of deep discounts on popular items.

Stacking discounts is another way to save even more money during online shopping. This involves combining multiple discounts, such as coupons, cashback rewards, and free shipping offers, to maximize your savings. For example, if a retailer is offering a 20% off coupon code and Rakuten is offering 5% cashback, you could use both of these discounts together to save a total of 25%.

To stack discounts effectively, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that the discounts are compatible with each other. Some retailers may not allow the use of multiple discounts on a single purchase, while others may have restrictions on which discounts can be used together.

Taking advantage of sales and coupons is an effective way to save money on your online shopping purchases. By finding and using coupons and promo codes, shopping strategically, and stacking discounts, you can maximize your savings and get the best deals possible. Remember to plan ahead, read the terms and conditions carefully, and be patient – with a little bit of effort, you can save a significant amount of money over time.

Tip 3: Utilize Gift Cards and Reward Programs

Gift cards and reward programs are another way to save money on your online shopping purchases. By taking advantage of these tools, you can earn cashback rewards, discounts, and even free gift cards that can be used to reduce the cost of your purchases.

One way to save money with gift cards is to purchase them at a discount. Websites like Raise and Cardpool offer discounted gift cards for a variety of retailers. These cards are often sold by people who received them as gifts but don't plan on using them, or they may be excess inventory from the retailer. By purchasing discounted gift cards, you can essentially buy credit at a lower price than its face value, saving you money on future purchases.

Another way to save money with gift cards is to take advantage of reward programs. Many retailers offer their own reward programs that allow you to earn points or cashback rewards for your purchases. For example, Target's Circle program offers users exclusive discounts, as well as the ability to earn 1% cashback on all purchases. Similarly, Amazon's Prime Rewards Visa card offers 5% cashback on all Amazon purchases, making it an attractive option for frequent shoppers.

Outside of individual retailer programs, there are also third-party reward programs like Swagbucks that allow you to earn points for a variety of activities, including online shopping. Users can earn points by clicking through to retailers' websites from the Swagbucks platform, completing surveys, watching videos, and more. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

In addition to reward programs, there are also various resources available for earning free gift cards. For example, if you have a credit card with rewards points, you may be able to redeem those points for gift cards to popular retailers. Additionally, websites like InboxDollars and Survey Junkie offer cash rewards for completing surveys and other tasks. Users can then redeem these rewards for gift cards to popular retailers.

To make the most out of gift cards and reward programs, it's important to do your research and find the programs that work best for your needs. Consider signing up for multiple reward programs to maximize your savings, and be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you're taking full advantage of the benefits offered.

Utilizing gift cards and reward programs can be an effective way to save money on your online shopping purchases. Whether you're purchasing discounted gift cards, taking advantage of reward programs, or earning free gift cards through various resources, these tools can help reduce the cost of your purchases and keep more money in your wallet.

Tip 4: Avoid Impulse Purchases and Comparison Shop

Impulse purchases can be a major drain on your wallet, especially when shopping online. To save money on your online shopping habits, it's important to avoid impulse purchases as much as possible. One way to do this is to create a list of the items you need before starting your shopping session. This will help you stay focused and avoid buying unnecessary items.

Another tactic for avoiding impulse purchases is to wait before making a purchase. Take some time to think about whether you really need the item or if it's just an impulse buy. You can also add items to your cart and then wait a day or two before completing the purchase. This will give you time to consider whether the item is truly worth the cost.

Comparison shopping is another effective strategy for saving money on your online shopping purchases. By comparing prices across different retailers, you can find the best deals and ensure that you're not overpaying for a particular item. There are several websites and apps available that make comparison shopping easier than ever.

One popular price comparison website is Google Shopping. Simply enter the name of the product you're interested in, and Google will show you prices from various retailers. Another website to consider is PriceGrabber, which allows you to compare prices on millions of products from thousands of retailers.

In addition to price comparison websites, there are also browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel that allow you to track price changes on Amazon. Users can set up price alerts and receive notifications when the price drops to their desired level. This can be especially helpful for larger purchases, as it can save you a significant amount of money over time.

By avoiding impulse purchases and comparison shopping, you can save money on your online shopping habits and ensure that you're getting the best deals possible. Remember to take your time, do your research, and be patient – with a little bit of effort, you can save a significant amount of money over time.

Avoiding impulse purchases and comparison shopping are essential strategies for saving money on your online shopping purchases. By taking the time to plan ahead, avoid impulse purchases, and compare prices, you can get the most out of your online shopping experience and keep more money in your wallet. Be sure to check out the various resources available for comparison shopping, such as price comparison websites and browser extensions, to make the process as easy and efficient as possible.

Tip 5: Plan Ahead and Wait for Deals

Planning ahead and waiting for deals can be an effective way to save money on your online shopping purchases, especially when it comes to larger purchases. By being patient and waiting for the right opportunities, you can often get the products you want at a significantly lower price.

One important tip for planning ahead is to research the products you're interested in before making a purchase. Take some time to read reviews, compare prices across different retailers, and consider the features you need. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you're getting the best deal possible.

Price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel can also be helpful in planning ahead and waiting for deals. This browser extension allows you to view the price history of a particular product on Amazon, as well as set up price alerts to be notified when the price drops to your desired level. This can be especially helpful for larger purchases, as it can help you avoid overpaying for a particular item.

In addition to price tracking tools, there are also other tips for setting price alerts and waiting for deals. One strategy is to sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers or brands. These newsletters often include exclusive discounts and promotions that can help you save money on your purchases.

Another tip is to consider timing your purchases around holidays or special events. Many retailers offer deep discounts and promotional offers during these times, and with a bit of planning, you can take advantage of these opportunities to save money.

Finally, consider waiting for newer versions or models of the product you're interested in to be released. Often, retailers will offer significant discounts on older models to make room for newer inventory.

Planning ahead and waiting for deals can be an effective way to save money on your online shopping purchases, especially for larger purchases. By researching products, using price tracking tools, signing up for newsletters, and timing your purchases strategically, you can get the products you want at a significantly lower price. Remember to be patient, do your research, and take advantage of opportunities to save money whenever possible.

Conclusion

Saving money on online shopping is easy when you know the right strategies. By utilizing cashback apps and websites, taking advantage of sales and coupons, utilizing gift cards and reward programs, avoiding impulse purchases and comparison shopping, and planning ahead and waiting for deals, you can keep more money in your wallet and get the products you want at a lower price.

These five tips are effective ways to save money on your online shopping habits, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of e-commerce. We encourage you to give them a try and see the savings add up over time. Remember to be patient, do your research, and take advantage of opportunities to save money whenever possible.

With a bit of effort, planning, and strategy, you can make the most out of your online shopping experience and keep more money in your pocket. So why not start today? Give these tips a try and see how much you can save on your next online shopping purchase. Happy shopping!

P.S. - If you LOVE the above tips OR want to earn money by testing products, taking surveys, doing clinical trials, and more, JOIN OUR SITE HERE.