How to Save Money While Shopping Online: Tips and Tricks

We all love the convenience of shopping online, but with so many tempting products and flashy "limited-time offers," it's easy to overspend. I've been there—more times than I'd like to admit. You go in for one thing, and two hours later, your cart is full of items you didn't even know you needed.

So, how do you make sure you're not blowing your budget but still snagging the best deals? Here are some tried-and-true tips I've learned along the way to help you save money, all while making the most of your online shopping experience.

Abandon Your Cart and Wait for a Discount

You know that guilty moment when you've filled your cart, ready to check out, but something inside you says, "Maybe not right now"? That hesitation could actually work in your favor. Many online retailers track abandoned carts and often send you an email with a discount or promo code within a day or two, encouraging you to come back and complete your purchase. It's like playing hard to get, but with savings.

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Of course, this doesn't work every time. Some smaller or newer websites might not have this feature, but for larger retailers, it's a common tactic. Next time you're shopping and feeling a little unsure, hit pause and see if they'll sweeten the deal for you.

Use Price Tracking Tools to Keep an Eye on Deals

Price tracking tools are a game changer when it comes to getting the best price. Apps like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and PriceBlink allow you to track products and alert you when prices drop.

My Go-to Tools:

• Honey: Automatically applies coupon codes and tracks price history.
• CamelCamelCamel: Excellent for tracking Amazon prices.
• PriceBlink: Compares prices across various websites.

With these tools, I’ve learned to play the waiting game instead of jumping on an impulse buy.

Get to Know the Sales Cycles and Shop Smart

Every retailer has a rhythm when it comes to sales. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-holiday clearance sales are obvious, but did you know that many online stores have mini-sales around the start of each month or quarter? Whether it's a spring wardrobe update or clearing out inventory before summer, many retailers slash prices on last season's items.

So, before hitting "Buy Now," take a moment to think: is there a big shopping event coming up soon? Can this wait a few weeks? If the answer is yes, you're likely to score a much better deal by waiting. Patience really is a virtue—especially for your wallet.

Sign Up for Newsletters… and Then Unsubscribe

Yes, your inbox might be crowded, but signing up for a retailer’s newsletter can unlock immediate discounts. Many stores offer an instant 10-15% off just for subscribing.

What I do:

• Sign up, grab the discount code.
• Make the purchase.
• Unsubscribe afterward if I don’t want future emails.

This way, I’m not overwhelmed with promotions, but I still take advantage of the initial savings.

Don't Forget About Cashback Websites

This one's often overlooked but can make a significant difference, especially for larger purchases. Websites like Rakuten (formerly Ebates), Swagbucks, and TopCashback give you a percentage back on your purchases from participating retailers. It's like getting paid to shop—what's not to love?

I've personally saved a ton just by remembering to click through a cashback site before making a purchase. It feels like free money (because it kind of is). Sure, you're not saving upfront, but when that check comes in the mail or as a PayPal deposit, it's like finding money in your pocket.

 Find Free Shipping Codes

No one likes paying for shipping, and sometimes, shipping fees can make an otherwise great deal not-so-great. One of my top strategies to avoid shipping costs is by using free shipping promo codes.

Check out sites like RetailMeNot or FreeShipping.org for codes that apply to the stores you’re shopping from. You can also bundle your purchases to meet the free shipping minimum that many retailers offer.

Pro Tip: If a store offers in-store pickup, that’s another way to skip the shipping fees!

Join Store Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs can offer serious perks if you shop at certain stores regularly. Many retailers, like Target, Sephora, and Amazon, have rewards programs that give you exclusive discounts, birthday gifts, or faster shipping.

Here’s how I approach loyalty programs:

• Only sign up for programs where you shop frequently.
• Use the points you earn strategically, such as stacking rewards with other discounts.

However, don’t join every program under the sun—stick to the ones where you actually shop often, and the rewards will pay off.

Shop Smart, Not Hard

At the end of the day, saving money while shopping online isn't about sacrificing quality or missing out on the things you love. It's about being mindful, strategic, and a little bit clever. With these tricks in your back pocket, you'll be able to shop smart without feeling like you're depriving yourself. And who knows? The money you save might just fund your next splurge.