Shopping online is a great way to save both time and money, but you have to shop smarter if you don’t want to spend harder than absolutely necessary. Sites like DontPayFull.com are great for finding deals, promo codes and coupon codes, but there’s even more you can do to make the most of online shopping deals.
Take Full Advantage of Cashback
Cashback sites are a great way to reward yourself while whittling away at your shopping list. As you’re shopping online, be sure to check cashback sites first to see if they’ve got the items you desire. While you’ll likely have to sign up for an account, and the cashback feature might add a bit more time to your shopping experience, the effort can be well worth it when you find yourself saving money.
Use Your Reward Credit Cards
While it’s perfectly understandable for you want to use your credit card as little as possible, breaking your own rule can be beneficial in the long run, and that’s especially true if your credit card offers you rewards. Check your current credit cards to see if they have a useful reward system attached, such as airline miles or points. One thing to bear in mind when using reward credit cards is that you want to pay them off in full every month to avoid paying interest, which defeats the purpose of the rewards incentive.
Don’t Forget About Store Loyalty Programs
Just because you aren’t shopping in a brick-and-mortar store doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of store loyalty programs. Your online shopping loyalty is rewarded with great deals, points and other ways to save money. Before shopping, be sure to check to see how the program works. For instance, you might receive points with each purchase you can use for things like free shipping or a discount, so make sure you shop at the site enough to justify being part of the loyalty program.
Combine Your Savings
You can save even more while shopping online by using cashback sites, reward credit cards, loyalty programs and online coupons, which can save you even more than you thought possible. At the very least, you should try to use cashback and a rewards credit card together every time you shop online. Just make sure you’re well aware of any terms and conditions that might come with stacking so you don’t miss out on the chance to save as much as possible.
Sign Up for E-Newsletters
If you aren’t interested in a loyalty program, or if your favorite online store doesn’t have a loyalty program, see if they at least offer an e-newsletter for which you can sign up for to be alerted of upcoming sales and discounts. This ensures you never miss out on a good deal or a chance to save some money.
With a little patience, the right information and some luck, you can take care of online shopping without ruining your finances. Remember these tips, and always shop smart.
