We are now truly living in a digital era, which is really exciting as it means the internet provides a convenient alternative to many things that would usually take a lot of time and effort, like shopping. It isn’t difficult to find impressive statistics on the increase in online shoppers over the last few years, and it isn’t any surprise either. It is convenient, saves time and it can save so much money. Obviously it is just as easy (if not easier) to overspend online as it is on the high street, but if you’re really clever, you can save a lot of money when you shop online. Here are 6 top tips to help you:
1. Pay Attention To When Not Where
There are better day’s to save money online, no really! Sounds a bit odd but it really is true, and if you want to save money you need to pay attention to these not so well known facts. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are your winning days for online deals and special offers. However, Sundays are best for flight tickets, Saturdays are best for larger stores, Tuesdays are best for cinema tickets and Mondays are best for cars and tech. So, pay attention to when you should be shopping not where and you’re already well on your way to being a super savvy shopper.
2. Seasons Of Love (And Savings!)
You know those people who are excellent at buying items in the seasonal sales to plan for next year, or for birthdays months away – well, those people save up to 50-70% off the price of their gifts. Although it is easy to scoff at the organised, deep down we’re all probably just a little bit jealous! If you want to get in on this action, simply start thinking ahead. So when the winter stock is being sold off in spring, buy it ahead for next winter. Or list birthdays and events coming up in the year and buy gifts for them during the seasonal sales. Basically, if you see something online you know you would want next season or even next year and it is at a ridiculously low price – grab it and feel really smug when the time comes to use it.
3. Always Look For Vouchers
Before you buy anything from an online shop, particularly if it is a well known shop, check if there are vouchers for it. It might just be a voucher offering you free delivery, or it could give you a free product, or even 10% off. Promo codes and voucher codes are great and a really accessible way to save money when shopping online.
4. Have An Online Shopping Email Folder
It can be easy to miss amazing online deals in your email inbox when you have emails from loads of different places coming in every day. To avoid this make a new folder to assign specific emails to. So you can be sure to see all the latest offers in your new folder from all your favourite women’s fashion shops, and then assign everything else to your junk folder.
5. Social Media Engagement
Lots of online shops are investing lots of money into their social media engagement because they recognise that a lot of the time, that is where most of us are (even when we shouldn’t be!). So be sure to follow your favourite online shops on all the social media platforms you use, engaging with them and following their updates. Many will do 24 hour flash sales in-store and online, as well as competitions and special promo codes, all which will be advertised on social media.
6. Price Wars
Everyone selling the same thing online wants you to buy it from them, which is why you always need to look around before spending your hard earned cash. If there is a particular item you want, perhaps it is expensive and you have wanted it for a while – you should spend time looking around for the cheapest price, and for any associated offers. Even if you just get free delivery, upgraded delivery, or 10% off the price, it is still money saved for another day.