5 tips to save money while shopping online
I think most of do at least some of our shopping online, when I could I loved browsing the shops and spending ages trying on clothes and finding the perfect item. These days however I don’t have that luxury, my body won’t allow me to wander around for long (if at all), so I have had to swap my window shopping day for virtual shopping trips around the internet.
Over my time of shopping online, I have come up with a number of ways to save a few pennies on the items I need and here are a few of my favourite tricks.
Vouchers.
Vouchers are your friend no matter if you are shopping instore or online, personally though, I find them easier to use online because then I don’t need to worry about holding up the queue, or what happens if the cashier says no.
When it comes to using voucher codes online all you need to do is check out a website such as My Favourite Voucher Codes who for instance boast over 1500 stores listed with them, to help people in the UK save on the things they need. Once you are on your chosen website see if there are any current vouchers available for the shop you are using and then enter them at checkout.
Follow your favourite brands on social media.
If you shop with a certain brand often, as well as signing up to their newsletter to be the first to learn about sales, it can also be worth following them on social media. I’ve personally found that sometimes they will offer flash sales or discount codes which are available to likers and followers only, so it is well worth keeping an eye on what they are posting.
Cashback.
Sometimes websites offer the opportunity to gain cashback on your purchases if you click through from certain websites. Personally I use TopCashBack and while the amount offered is often just pennies, it all adds up in the long term.
Leave items in your basket.
If you aren’t absolutely desperate for an item and you know they are unlikely to go out of stock overnight, it can sometimes be worth logging into your account, adding the items you want to your basket and then clicking away from the website.
As some companies will email you the following day, to remind you about your unpurchased basket and offer a bit of money off if you click back over and buy.
Compare Prices.
I think we often always go back to our favourite websites over and over; after all, we know and trust them. But sometimes it can be worth doing some research, using comparison websites and google. As you might just find the item you have been after at a lower price, elsewhere.
So that’s five of the tips I have picked up over the years, but how about you? Do you have any top money-saving tips?
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Great post! I love shopping online but wasn’t sure how to save money doing so.
I love shopping online. I almost love to do that more than in store!
Really good ideas. Planning to follow your tips
I always forget about following brands on social media – I miss out on so many offers. I have got into the habit of searching for discount codes just before I make a purchase though which has saved me quite a bit of cash.
It has taken me so long to get into the habit and cashback as well – I always used to forget. x
Great tips, I like to use vouchers when I can get hold of them.
It is a great feeling when you save a few pennies isn’t it haha!
I love shopping with cash back. I am a member with so many sites, I try to save as much as I can. Life is expensive, so I try to make the most of it.
Most definitely, as they say every little helps in the long run 🙂 x
I’m a mean shopper, but I had no idea about some of these discounts. I always feel so victorious when I leave the store after saving money.
Me too – there is something thrilling about getting something you need for less. x
I wish I could say I didn’t already know most of these, but I do shop online way too much! I didn’t know about them emailing you offered if you left items in your basket though! Guess I never left anything in there long enough… Haha!
– Elodie x
Haha it doesn’t happen with all stores but I’ve had it happen a couple of times and been like ohhh yes please lol x
i search online for vouchers
I’m always leaving items in my baskets and then getting discount codes from brands. This is the simplest way to get a deal… and I love a deal!
It really is isn’t it and a sneaky way for the company to get you to come back to their website as well so win / win 😉 x
I love shopping online!! It is amazing how many good deals you can get, cashback is one of my favorite things about it.
It is amazing isn’t it – I can’t believe the amount of cashback I’ve managed to grab over time. x
I am a huge online shopper. A lot of times if you Tweet for a discount code, the company will give you one, too! And yes – leaving stuff in my basket has totally worked for me. : )
Ohh I totally need to try the tweeting one in future as well – good idea! x
I am a big proponent of comparing prices. When I go to the store, especially the grocery store, I look at all the specials and I grab what is on sale in my store will match it with the other store.
Sometimes I can overspend when shopping online, I enjoyed reading these tips and hope they really help me to go in the right direction to spend less online in the future!
Love using TopCashBack!
I always tend to look for vouchers online as like most others I hate spending full price on things. The trick of leaving things in a basket is a great one! x
Paying full price is just the worst – only a couple of places I’ll do that and it’s mostly handmade haha! x
Fab tips – I’m penny pinching for our holidays in a few months at the mo so this will be really helpful! H x
I just learned all about leaving items in your online shopping cart and waiting for businesses to send coupons and discount codes–its genius! Thanks for all of the other tips–I will definitely look into those to save some money this Spring.
I really hope it helps in the future 🙂 so pleased at least a couple of tips were new to people. x
I love shopping online. These are some great tips, I love finding ways to save especially where online shopping is concerned as sometimes to me shipping can be a bit of a deal breaker so if I can save a bit, it helps!
I have to admit I love all the things you can find online, it opens up a whole new world. x
These are all great tips. I follow all my favorite brands on social media. They commonly post deals on their feeds.
It is amazing what they tweet sometimes isn’t it – you just have to be there at the right moment. x
These are all such great ideas, I use them most of the time! I never thought to leave items in my cart for an additional discount!
It is well worth trying if you aren’t in a rush – you never know what they might send. x
I always look for online codes or vouchers when I first see that I am going to purchase something online!
I use online shopping online as well, I hate going shopping and only go to the shops if i have too.
There is nothing like shopping from the comfort of your own home 😉 x
Since being disabled, I’ve had to use online shopping as my only means of shopping. Really miss browsing the shops and trying things on, but this is second best. And it also lets you get those vouchers and discount’s and compare prices online, so I think it works out cheaper in the long run.
I’m the same there is something about being able to look at an item close up and hold it before you buy it that I do miss. x
These are good tips! Being on such a tight budget I’m always up to trying to save money and this article gives me a couple of ideas I haven’t thought of before!