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Online shopping has made it easier than ever for people around the globe to get what they need at the mere click of a mouse. The number of digital buyers was expected to reach 2.05 billion in 2020 and rise to 2.14 billion in 2021. If you’re among the billions, it’s high time you make sure you’re getting the best deals online. Here’s everything you need to know about how to find the best deals online.
1. Try Online Price Matching
Many larger retailers like Walmart and Target participate in price matching programs, which means if you find a price at one retailer you may be able to get it at another. This used to mean bringing in a printed coupon or proof that the product was on sale for a lower price at a different retailer, but now, it can all be done online. All a shopper needs to do is reach out to customer service, which may be able to help out.
Specifically for Walmart shoppers, the retail giant now offers customers access to Savings Catcher, its own price-matching tool. After purchasing an item at Walmart, just scan the receipt. Walmart will compare prices and issue a refund if it finds the item for less money somewhere else.
2. Checking Reviews
To get the best deal online, consumers need to be sure they are getting the best product. And one way to do that is to check online reviews. Customers all over the internet leave reviews on products they’ve purchased, alerting others to potential issues or potential great buys. On websites like Amazon search for “verified purchase” to know that the review is legit. While online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they are one more tool to add to your decision-making arsenal for online shopping.
Before purchasing a product, is it really something you want or need, or will bring joy? If so, check reviews to make sure it’s the perfect fit before clicking “buy.”
3. Following Favorite Brands on Social Media
One more way to potentially find the best deals online is to follow brands and retailers on social media. Brands love to give their loyal customers something special, so they may share insider discounts and offers on their social media pages and newsletters before anywhere else.
4. Using Free Shipping or In-Store Pickup
Online shopping tips don’t stop at coupons. Another way to save is to find free shipping options. If you don’t need an item ASAP, free shipping is typically an option at checkout. Many online retailers also offer free shipping with a minimum order amount. To find free shipping deals and codes, check out websites like FreeShipping.org.
Another option may be to order an item online and then pick it up at the store for free. If it’s close enough to grab in person, it may be worth it to avoid shipping costs altogether.
5. Earning Cash Back for Purchases
If you’re not interested in having to do all this legwork to get a good deal while shopping online, there is another option: SoFi Money®. The cash management account helps people better manage their money and can also let them earn a few dollars back, thanks to its cash back rewards program. When members set up recurring $500 monthly deposits to their SoFi Money® accounts, they gain access to unique offers that reward them for spending at their favorite local and nationwide brands.
6. Waiting for Bigger Sales
Throughout the year, larger retailers will likely host online shopping sales. These sales are known to occur around the holidays, specifically on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Other major sales usually occur around holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, as well as midsummer. During this time, consumers may be able to score major discounts, so if you can wait for a purchase, try to wait until then.
One more “holiday” to keep an eye out for is Amazon Prime Day. During the sale, retailers across the website offer steep discounts on products. However, to get in on the deal, one must be an Amazon Prime member, which comes with a subscription. But Amazon Prime members get free shipping on most products, which can add up in the long run.
7. Giving a Price Watcher a Go
Consumers who aren’t in a rush to purchase an item may be able to take advantage of price tracking tools. Price tracking tools help shoppers stay informed about price drops and sales so they can click “buy” at just the right time. Apps like Honey have tools like Droplist that allow consumers to save items for later and be informed when an item on the list has a price drop.
Other apps like CamelCamelCamel track prices on Amazon, and PriceBlink, a desktop application, will find even more deals across the Web, too. It works by showing how much an item costs at several online stores so shoppers can pick the best one.
SoFi.
