Shopping Smart in the United States is about a whole lot more than finding the best deal; you also need to know all of the right techniques and instruments to get the best price you can. No matter if you are a big spender or like to treat your self once in a while, these shopping tips will allow you to save some big money and maximize your buys.
So far, I have been looking at a few sites to buy products I liked and ordering the cheapest one. But after a while, I discovered that I could save even more money when purchasing products. I learned about it thanks to some of my friends and the social media channels I follow. My purposes of establishing this blog are to share the information I have already learned and to give you the shopping tips I know.
1. Plan Your Shopping Trips
One of the best shopping tips is to plan your trips carefully. Before heading out, make a list of what you need. This simple act can prevent impulse buys and help you stay within your budget. Additionally, research upcoming sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season sales. Planning your shopping around these times can lead to significant savings.
Instead of buying the products I like immediately, I usually add them to the cart and wait a while. Thus, if that product goes on sale in the next few days, you will receive an automatic e-mail: “The product in your cart is on sale”. This way, the product remains on my list and I receive notifications. Or, I check the price change throughout the year through some websites and comment on whether it might go on sale soon. Or, by price tracking, I ensure that an automatic e-mail is sent to whichever site that product is on sale. The site where I did this is CamelCamelCamel.
CamelCamelHow Does Camel Work?
It plays quite simply. I paste the link of the product I like into the search box.
You can then track the price from where I show you in the picture.
Additionally, I can see price changes and comment. It goes on sale every few weeks. Or how much is the price on other e-commerce sites, etc. I can see these. This way, I make a list of the items I will purchase. I don’t need notepad or any other application. I can constantly follow both products and prices. I usually do this when I buy expensive products. One of my best shopping tips.
2. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons are a tried-and-true method for saving money, but today, digital tools make it even easier. Apps like Honey, Rakuten, and RetailMeNot can automatically find and apply the best coupons at checkout. For example, Honey is a browser extension that scans the web for the best coupons and applies them automatically. Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, offers cashback on purchases from a wide range of retailers. By signing up for these apps, you can save a substantial amount on your shopping trips.
And I had previously written an article in which I introduced detailed different apps and sites for save money. You can see different shopping tips by checking the article.
Additionally, you can join Facebook groups dedicated to sharing coupons and deals, or follow Pinterest boards that focus on saving money. These communities are often the first to know about the latest discounts and can provide valuable tips.
3. Shop During Off-Peak Hours
Shopping during off-peak hours can make a huge difference, not just in terms of avoiding crowds but also in finding better deals. Stores often restock and mark down items early in the morning or late in the evening. Additionally, shopping on weekdays instead of weekends can help you find fresher stock and more attentive service.
I learned this tactic from some of my seller friends. Since I have a blog site, I often contact sellers. They said that since weekdays are busy, they do marketing activities such as product listings and discounts on weekends. For this reason, checking the products on the weekend when shopping online is an unknown shopping tactic. In this way, you can buy products instantly when their stocks are renewed and they go on sale.
4. Subscribe to Store Newsletters
Subscribing to store newsletters is one of the most underrated shopping tips for saving money. Retailers often reward their subscribers with exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and special promotions. For example, many stores will send you a discount code just for signing up, which can be used on your next purchase. These newsletters can also keep you informed about upcoming sales events, new product launches, and in-store events.
Below you can see the e-mails I received to subscribe to these e-mail newsletters. This way I find out about most opportunities. I really like this way to keep track of online shopping discounts
Moreover, being on a store’s mailing list often gives you access to subscriber-only events, such as private sales or preview days for new collections. This can be particularly beneficial for high-demand items that might sell out quickly once they become available to the general public. Additionally, some retailers offer loyalty points or rewards for subscribing, which can be redeemed for future discounts or free items.
Here are a few tips to make the most out of store newsletters:
- Create a Separate Email Account: Use a dedicated email account for store newsletters to keep your main inbox uncluttered.
- Check Emails Regularly: Keep an eye on your inbox for time-sensitive offers and flash sales.
- Look for Birthday Discounts: Many retailers offer special discounts or freebies on your birthday, so make sure your birthdate is included in your profile.
By subscribing to newsletters from your favorite stores, you can stay informed about the latest deals and maximize your savings.
5. Take Advantage of Price Matching Policies
Many retailers offer price matching policies, which can be a fantastic way to ensure you get the best deal. If you find a lower price at a competitor, some stores will match that price. This is particularly useful for big-ticket items like electronics or appliances. Retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have price matching policies in place.
Example of Data Entry:
| Retailers | Percentage of Price Matches Honored |
|---|---|
| Best Buy | 95% |
| Target | 90% |
| Walmart | 85% |
To take advantage of price matching:
- Research Competitors: Before making a purchase, check the prices at various retailers.
- Keep Proof: Have a screenshot or printout of the lower price from the competitor.
- Ask at Checkout: Mention the price match policy at checkout to see if the retailer will honor it.
This strategy can save you a good amount of money and ensures you’re always getting the best deal available.
6. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer loyalty programs that reward frequent shoppers with discounts, early access to sales, and exclusive offers. Signing up for these programs can lead to significant savings over time. For instance, the Target Circle program offers 1% back on every purchase, as well as special discounts and coupons. Similarly, Sephora’s Beauty Insider program provides access to free samples, birthday gifts, and exclusive events.
Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program:
If you’re a beauty lover like me, you definitely want to check out Sephora’s Beauty Insider program. It’s an awesome way to get rewarded just for buying the products you love. Here’s the scoop:
Three Tiers of Membership:
- Insider: This is free to join. You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend and get a free birthday gift. Super easy!
- VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider): Spend $350 in a year to get here. You earn 1.25 points per dollar, get a birthday gift, and enjoy special offers and events.
- Rouge: This is the top tier, for those who spend $1,000 in a year. You earn 1.5 points per dollar, get free shipping, exclusive events, and premium perks along with your birthday gift.
Points and Rewards: You can use your points to get deluxe samples, trial-size products, and even full-size items. Sephora keeps adding new rewards, so there’s always something exciting to save up for.
Exclusive Offers and Events: As a Beauty Insider, you get early access to sales, special events, and promotions. VIB and Rouge members get invited to exclusive events and can try new products before anyone else.
Free Birthday Gift: Every year, you get a special birthday gift. You can choose from deluxe samples from top brands, which is such a nice treat.
Seasonal Savings: Members get access to Sephora’s big annual sales, where you can snag your favorite products at amazing discounts.
Joining Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is a no-brainer if you want to save money on beauty products, earn rewards, and enjoy exclusive perks that make your shopping experience even better.
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is a must for anyone who loves beauty products. This program is designed to reward loyal customers with points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for deluxe samples, exclusive products, and special experiences. Here are some details about the program:
- Three Tiers of Membership:
- Insider: Free to join, members earn 1 point per dollar spent and receive a free birthday gift.
- VIB (Very Important Beauty Insider): For those who spend $350 in a calendar year. Members earn 1.25 points per dollar spent, receive a free birthday gift, and get exclusive offers and events.
- Rouge: For those who spend $1,000 in a calendar year. Members earn 1.5 points per dollar spent, receive a free birthday gift, and enjoy exclusive events, free shipping, and other premium perks.
- Points and Rewards: Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including deluxe samples, trial-size products, and full-size items. Sephora regularly updates its rewards bazaar with new options, making it exciting to shop and earn.
- Exclusive Offers and Events: Beauty Insider members get early access to sales, special events, and promotions. Sephora also hosts exclusive events for VIB and Rouge members, offering unique experiences and early access to new products.
- Free Birthday Gift: Every year, members receive a special birthday gift, which includes a choice of deluxe samples from top brands.
- Seasonal Savings: Members enjoy access to Sephora’s annual sales, where they can get significant discounts on their favorite products.
By joining Sephora’s Beauty Insider program, you can save money on beauty products, earn points towards rewards, and enjoy exclusive benefits that enhance your shopping experience.
7. Shop Secondhand
Secondhand shopping is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally conscious. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark offer gently used items at a fraction of the original price. For example, I once found a designer handbag at a thrift store for just $20, a steal compared to its $200 retail price. Shopping secondhand can also lead to unique finds that add character to your wardrobe or home.
I recently had a fantastic experience on eBay. I was looking for a vintage watch that I couldn’t find anywhere else. After a bit of searching, I found the perfect one at a great price. The seller was super responsive, and the watch arrived in excellent condition. It felt like finding a hidden treasure, and I saved a lot compared to buying new. Shopping secondhand on eBay not only saved me money but also added a unique piece to my collection.
8. Look for Free Shipping
Shipping costs can add up quickly, so one of the essential shopping tips is to look for free shipping options. Many retailers offer free shipping if you meet a minimum purchase amount. Additionally, consider signing up for services like Amazon Prime, which offers free two-day shipping on eligible items. Other stores may offer free shipping during special promotions or if you sign up for their newsletters.
I can’t rave enough about Amazon Prime’s fast shipping. Last month, I realized I needed a gift for a friend’s birthday party just two days away. I quickly found the perfect item on Amazon, and thanks to Prime, it arrived the next day with plenty of time to spare. The convenience of knowing you can get what you need so quickly, often without any extra shipping cost, makes Amazon Prime worth every penny. It’s saved me from last-minute stress so many times, making it an invaluable part of my shopping routine.
Last for Shopping Tips
By using these shopping tips, you can save money and make better choices. Use digital tools, shop during off-peak hours, join loyalty programs, and look for deals. These strategies will help you get the best price when shopping. A little planning and research can help you save a lot.
Happy shopping!
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