Ever feel like online shopping is burning a hole in your wallet? You’re not alone (I’ve been there). But how to save money while shopping doesn’t have to be a puzzle.
In this guide, you’ll discover 10 secret hacks that smart online shoppers swear by.
You’ll slash your total bill, score top deals, and keep more cash in your pocket.
For even more smart shopper hacks, bookmark this guide.
Let’s dive in.
Spot coupon codes
Coupon codes are easy wins. Before you check out, hunt for promo codes online. Many retailers offer discounts for first-time buyers or free shipping (freebies!).
- Enter “[store name] coupon” in your search engine
- Visit coupon aggregators like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com
- Subscribe to store emails for exclusive codes
Copy and paste at checkout and watch the savings appear.
Compare prices online
Comparing prices takes seconds but saves you big dollars. Use price comparison tools or check multiple stores yourself. Some sites even show historical price data, so you know when you’re getting a real deal.
- Check Google Shopping listings
- Browse competitors for the same product
- Factor in shipping, taxes, and return fees
Pay attention to total cost, not just that sale tag.
Join loyalty programs
Signing up for store loyalty programs pays off fast. You earn points, get members-only discounts, and sometimes snag free gifts. Many programs also let you stack coupons and sale prices.
- Get a welcome offer, like 10% off
- Earn points per dollar spent
- Redeem points for discounts or freebies
Stick with your top retailers to rack up rewards quicker. Pair these points perks with our other insider shopping tips.
Leverage cashback services
Cashback platforms give you a percentage of your purchase back, so it feels like free money. You just shop through the app or website, then link your card or submit receipts. Who doesn’t love getting paid to shop?
- Try popular platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta
- Link a credit card for automatic rebates
- Check payout options, such as PayPal or gift cards
Treat cashback like a secret coupon that never expires.
Shop off season
Buying seasonal items when demand is low unlocks deep discounts. Think coats in spring, swimwear in fall, and holiday decor after December. You’ll pay a fraction of the peak price.
- Stock up basics like workout gear in winter
- Plan next year’s gifts during clearance events
- Store your finds properly so they last
Stashing these deals now means big savings later.
Follow flash sales
Flash sales are time-limited discounts that can pop up without warning. Many retailers host daily deals or surprise promos. Want to hear about them first? Sign up for alerts.
- Watch deal-of-the-day sites
- Subscribe to email lists for exclusive windows
- Set browser notifications if possible
Being quick is key because these offers vanish fast.
Abandon carts wisely
Leaving items in your cart might sound counterintuitive, but it can trigger discount emails. Retailers hate abandoned orders, so they often sweeten the deal. Ever get an email with “take 15% off your order”? That’s why.
- Add items, then close the tab for 24 hours
- Check your inbox (and spam folder) for offers
- Redeem the coupon before it expires
It’s like a free trial period that pays you back.
Bundle your orders
Shipping fees add up when you place multiple small orders. Instead, group purchases into one shipment to save on delivery costs. Many stores even offer free shipping if you hit a threshold.
- Wait until you have several items before checking out
- Use combined carts from the same retailer
- Consider ship-from-store pick up to skip fees
Your wallet will thank you when those shipping costs disappear.
Use browser extensions
Browser extensions can automate savings by applying coupon codes and alerts at checkout. They work in the background so you don’t forget a discount. Plus, some track price history to spot deals.
- Install Honey for coupons and price tracking
- Try Capital One Shopping for automatic code application
- Use extension settings to customize alerts
Let technology do the hunting so you can focus on what matters.
Set price alerts
Price alert tools watch products for you and ping you when the cost drops. That way you never miss a sale, even on pricier items. Many services send alerts via email or mobile push.
- Create alerts on your favorite shopping apps
- Adjust target price so alerts aren’t too frequent
- Track multiple products to compare deals
Sit back, get notified, and buy when the price hits your sweet spot.
Key takeaways
- Spot promo codes and coupons before checkout
- Compare final costs across multiple retailers
- Earn rewards with loyalty and cashback programs
- Snag deep discounts by shopping off season and flash sales
- Use tools like cart abandonment, bundles, extensions, and alerts
Ready to see these hacks in action? Try one tip today, and notice how much you save. Got a favorite trick or question? Drop a comment below. For more secret shopping hacks and money-saving shopping strategies, explore the links and keep the savings rolling.
