Online shopping makes it easier than ever to snag exactly what you need (and want) without leaving your couch. But if you’re paying full price every time you click “checkout,” you could be missing out on serious savings. With a few smart strategies and a little extra patience, you can score bigger discounts, avoid hidden markups, and stretch your shopping dollars much further.
Here’s your guide to the best online shopping hacks that can help you save big—every time you shop.
1. Always Search for Promo Codes
Why it works:
Many retailers offer discounts you can easily find—if you know where to look.
How to find them:
- Search “[store name] promo code” before checking out.
- Use browser extensions like Honey or RetailMeNot that automatically search and apply coupon codes.
- Check the retailer’s homepage for seasonal promotions or sign-up bonuses.
Pro tip:
If you can’t find a current promo, try leaving items in your cart. Some retailers will email you a discount code to nudge you into completing your purchase.
2. Sign Up for Newsletters (Then Unsubscribe Later)
Why it works:
Brands often offer 10–20% off your first purchase when you subscribe to their email list.
How to use it smartly:
- Sign up, grab your discount, and shop.
- Unsubscribe once you’ve scored the deal (or use a secondary email address just for promotions).
Tip:
Some retailers also send exclusive sales and birthday discounts to subscribers.
3. Use Price Tracking Tools
Why it works:
Prices fluctuate constantly. Tools can alert you when the item you want drops in price.
Best tools to try:
- CamelCamelCamel for Amazon price history and alerts
- Honey’s Droplist feature
- Google Shopping’s price tracking notifications
- Keepa for detailed price charts
Pro tip:
Set a target price and wait if you’re not in a rush to buy—patience often pays off.
4. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers
Why it works:
Just because something is on sale at one site doesn’t mean it’s the best deal available.
Quick ways to compare:
- Use Google Shopping or ShopSavvy to search and compare prices across sites.
- Check out price-matching policies at stores like Target, Best Buy, or Walmart.
Tip:
Factor in shipping costs when comparing deals—sometimes a slightly higher price with free shipping ends up cheaper overall.
5. Shop Through Cashback Portals
Why it works:
Get a percentage of your purchase price back—essentially earning cash just for clicking through the right site.
Top cashback sites:
- Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
- TopCashback
- Swagbucks Shop
- BeFrugal
Pro tip:
Always activate the cashback offer before you check out. Some browser extensions alert you automatically if a cashback offer is available.
6. Time Your Purchases Strategically
Why it works:
Certain products go on sale during specific months or seasons.
General timing rules:
- Electronics: Best deals during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales.
- Furniture: February and August clearance sales.
- Clothing: End-of-season clearances (January, July).
- Travel: Book flights on Tuesdays for better pricing.
Tip:
Use holiday weekends and major sale events like Amazon Prime Day to plan big-ticket purchases.
7. Abandon Your Cart (Strategically)
Why it works:
Retailers don’t like losing sales—and many will tempt you with a discount to come back and complete your purchase.
How to do it:
- Add items to your cart.
- Close the tab and wait 24–48 hours.
- Check your email for a discount offer.
Pro tip:
This tactic works especially well with clothing and beauty retailers.
8. Stack Discounts Whenever Possible
Why it works:
Using multiple savings strategies at once can dramatically cut your total cost.
Stacking ideas:
- Apply a promo code.
- Pay through a cashback site.
- Use a credit card that offers additional rewards or protections.
- Combine store sales with coupon codes and loyalty rewards.
Tip:
Some stores allow stacking coupons—check their policy before combining deals.
9. Utilize Loyalty Programs
Why it works:
Frequent shoppers can earn points, receive early sale access, and score exclusive discounts.
Examples:
- Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program
- Target Circle
- REI Co-op Membership
- Kohl’s Rewards
Pro tip:
Sign up only for programs where you genuinely shop regularly—otherwise, the rewards won’t add up.
10. Watch for Free Shipping Offers
Why it works:
Shipping costs can erode your savings fast.
Tips:
- Look for free shipping thresholds and add low-cost filler items if needed.
- Sign up for free shipping clubs like Walmart+ or Amazon Prime if you order often.
- Use services like ShopRunner, which offer free two-day shipping at partner stores (often available free with certain credit cards).
11. Check Out the “Open Box” and “Clearance” Sections
Why it works:
Open-box and clearance items are often brand new or lightly used but heavily discounted.
Where to look:
- Best Buy Open Box deals
- Amazon Warehouse
- Overstock sections at major retailers
- eBay Certified Refurbished items
Tip:
Always check the return policy before purchasing to protect yourself if the item isn’t as expected.
12. Read Reviews Before You Buy
Why it works:
A low price isn’t a bargain if the product is poor quality.
How to vet products:
- Look for reviews across multiple sites, not just the retailer’s website.
- Check product videos or independent review blogs.
- Use sites like Consumer Reports or Wirecutter for trusted recommendations.
Scoring huge savings while shopping online isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. From searching for promo codes and using cashback portals to mastering the art of price tracking and timing your purchases just right, a few smart habits can save you a lot of money over time.
The next time you’re about to click “buy,” take a moment to apply a few of these hacks—you might be surprised how much you save, without sacrificing what you really want. Happy shopping!
