Become an Online Shopping Ninja!

Everyone is good at something. I’m good at shopping. Really good. I have been told by more that a few people that I should become a professional shopper and have considered it. Most of us want to get the best prices on the products we buy, but not everyone wants to spend (or has) the time to look. You may already be looking for the best deals and discounts on your favorite things, there are some basic tips and tricks that can help you to do even better when you shop online.

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Step 1: Search It. The first thing to do is “Google” it. Search for the specific item that you are looking for and consider adding the terms “best price” or “best value”. You will see a list of options and a set of links with prices displayed. Take a look at the options in the first search. Do any of the prices seem much lower than others? Click through to see what the deal is (and if it really is a deal!)

Step 2: Compare. For products, start with Amazon.com, then check aggregators like Rakuten – formerly ebates and Active Junky that offer cash back and look on daily deal sites for the products you want.

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Keep in mind, sometimes getting cash back, credit card points or free shipping can make a higher price on one site a better deal after all. You can open several browser tabs to run comparisons. Sound complicated? Simplify it by bookmarking sites and future searches will take just a few minutes.

Step 3: Look for Additional Savings. How?

  • Many websites have frequent coupon codes that you can get from aggregators like Retail Me Not or Chippmunk if they are not on ebates.
  • Groupon now has a HUGE list of coupon codes, too, in the tab marked “Coupon codes.” Extra Tip: For most, you can get the code from Groupon but link to the site via ebates to get cash back in addition to the discount.
  • Check the retailer’s or product maker’s Facebook page or Twitter feed for specials.
  • Something that is easy to overlook, check your credit card company sites for deals. Most of the major credit card companies have relationships with retailers. Check out American Express offers. If you select and offer and buy it, you automatically get a rebate (on top of your other savings!)
  • Once you find an item on a particular site, Poachit lets you click a button while you are shopping to find active coupon codes.

Step 4: Look for Your Item on Curated Sale Sites. There are many great curated sale websites depending on which type of product that could have the same or similar products. Some of these sites are:

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Step 5: Wait! If a product need is not urgent, wait a few days before buying anything. If you put items in your shopping cart but don’t buy, you’ll often get coupon codes or offers to buy. One caveat, don’t wait on curated deals you find. Those are open for a limited time only!

Step 6: Go! Now you are ready to buy. Check the return policies of the sites you are considering and also check to see if the retailer you buy from has a guaranteed low price policy. I recommend keeping an eye out for sales. If you see an item at a lower price, you can contact the retailer you bought from to see if they will match the price or if you have not used it, you can return the product and buy at a lower price.

This may seem like a lot of work in the beginning, but smart online shopping habits become second nature. It’s worth it. You can save a bunch of cash and get bragging rights for being the best shopper, too!

I love to find the best deals. Try me! Tell me in the comments what you are looking for and I will do some searching. I recently got just released $170 Hoka One One sneakers for $120 using a deal at Backcountry.com and Active Junky cash back. I have found my friends deals on all kinds of products, travel and services.

What are you shopping for? Are there any tips I am missing? Please add them in the comments!

PS. Don’t forget my 3 active giveaways!

Please note: This post contains some affiliate/referral links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.