5 Reasons Smart Shoppers Use Online Resources to Find the Best Options

No matter how full your bank account may be, it always feels good to save money on purchases. Astute shoppers use online resources to find great prices on the best name brands. Find out how these smart shoppers save more so you can enjoy the same savings for yourself. 

They Can Save for Just a Few Seconds of Searching

Clipping coupons from the local paper may not be as popular as it once was. But using coupons is still one of the easiest ways to save money on a purchase. Most online sites provide coupon codes, and smart shoppers will look for a coupon before they begin shopping. 

Coupons give a better deal and can be easily found at store sites or through online coupon sites. Although sometimes finding the right coupon code can be a hunt, many online sites gather coupon offers, consolidating them into one easy search. Websites such as Coupons.com and RetailMeNot can provide eligible coupons quickly. While some require you to sign up for a membership, other sites offer the service for free. 

Also, there are browser extensions you can download and add to help you find more savings. The browser extension will search the internet for any available discount codes and coupons then automatically try them. Browser extensions like WikiBuy and Honey will scour the internet for codes to enter when you are in the checkout process. This way you don’t have to worry about losing out on potential savings.

Remember, only a few seconds of searching can lead to significant savings. 

They Don’t Pay for Shipping

Once in a while, the perfect price appears on the screen, only to have the price increase once you have to add the shipping. Smart shoppers know it’s not always worth the high shipping prices, even with a fantastic deal on the original product. They are sure to factor in shipping costs as they can negate the savings offered by these “deal” prices. 

Many stores offer free shipping year-round, with a minimum purchase amount, or with free shipping codes. Sometimes finding these sorts of deals does require a little time and searching. But searching for a better option can save unnecessary costs. With so many online shopping options, there may be another site with the same product offering free shipping. 

They Get “Free” Money

Gift cards aren’t just gifts for the person that has it all. Smart shoppers know buying discounted gift cards is like getting more money for free by saving ten to thirty percent at the stores they plan on shopping. 

If you want to sell unwanted gift cards at a reduced rate, you can find them through online sites such as Raise or CardCash. Some larger stores, such as Costco, also sell discounted cards to restaurants and retail stores. Also, sites like Groupon often have deals on gift cards where you pay $10 for a $15 gift card.

And don’t forget those holiday promotions when buying gift cards for others. Many restaurants and retail stores will give bonus gift cards to those purchasing designated dollar amount gift cards as a part of their holiday promotions. 

They Use All Available Resources

There are so many resources and ways to save. Smart shoppers use online resources to compare brands with various apps and websites to find the best deals. 

Online shopping apps offer coupon codes, cashback, alerts to new deals, and discounts. It’s as easy as downloading the app and creating an account. You will then have the option to save the offer to use for online shopping.

Companies promote their businesses online, which includes using social media. Most companies will post special offers and portions on their social media accounts for their followers to use. Follow the brands you shop for most often and receive those exclusive benefits when scrolling through your news feed. 

Consumer review sites such as PriceGrabber and Bizrate perform quick searches on products to conveniently provide you with comparison shopping. Knowing price ranges from multiple online vendors is an excellent way to find a great price. And having customer comments and product reviews can ensure your savings are the real deal. 

They’re Patient

Like most things in life, finding a great deal is often worth the wait. Smart shoppers know when to hit pause on making specific purchases. 

You will want to plan for those particular days of the week or dates on the calendar when online retailers honor coupon codes, scratch cards, or cashback offers. Of course, there’s Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Green Monday, but many stores will have deals on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as well. If coupons are accepted, or their values increased on certain days, it’s worth waiting to shop on those days. 

Also, purchase seasonal items once the stores have discounted them. Most stores stock seasonal items before the season begins; think swimsuits and holiday decorations. These items are often significantly discounted once the next seasonal wave of items is about to hit shelves. Waiting a month or two could add up to significant savings.

Save Like the Best Smart Shopper

As a smart shopper, finding the right deals when shopping is as easy. All you have to do is use your online resources to find the best options. Join the ranks of the smart shopper by using shopping methods wisely, not harder.