Guide to Finding Cost Savings Opportunities Online | 12 Smart Shopper’s tip

In today’s fast-paced digital world, savvy shoppers are always on the lookout for the best deals and cost saving opportunities.

With countless retailers and products available online, it’s crucial to have a well-rounded approach to consistently finding the best value for your money.

This comprehensive guide will reveal the secrets of smart online shopping, from mastering the art of price comparison to utilizing free shipping offers and staying informed about the latest deals through social media.

As you explore our Smart Shopper’s Guide to Finding Cost Savings Opportunities Online, get ready to become a more informed and cost-conscious shopper.

Section 1: Mastering the Art of Price Comparison

Price comparison is crucial in ensuring you get the best possible deal on your online purchases. By comparing the prices of the same item across multiple retailers, you can find the lowest price available and potentially save a significant amount of money. Various websites and tools can assist you in this process, making it easy to identify the best deals.

1. Google Shopping: Google Shopping is a powerful price comparison tool that allows you to search for products and compare prices across multiple online retailers. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database of products, Google Shopping is an excellent starting point for your price comparison journey.
2. PriceGrabber: PriceGrabber is another popular price comparison website that helps you find the best deals by comparing prices from thousands of online retailers. The website also features product reviews and a mobile app, making it a versatile tool for smart shoppers.
3. Nextag: Nextag is a price comparison website that enables you to compare prices on a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing. With an intuitive search function and the ability to create custom price alerts, Nextag is a valuable resource for finding cost savings opportunities.
4. Shopzilla: Shopzilla is a price comparison website that offers a comprehensive database of products and retailers. With its advanced filtering options and price alert feature, you can easily find the best deals on the items you’re looking for.
5. CamelCamelCamel: CamelCamelCamel is a price tracking website that specializes in monitoring Amazon product prices. By entering a product’s URL or using their browser extension, you can view historical price data and set up price drop alerts, ensuring that you always purchase at the most favorable price.
6. BizRate: BizRate is a price comparison website that allows you to search for products and compare prices across a wide range of online retailers. The website also offers product reviews and a cashback program, providing additional opportunities for savings.
7. Shopping.com: Shopping.com, owned by eBay, is a price comparison website offering an extensive product and retailer database. With its advanced search function and the ability to filter results by various criteria, Shopping.com is a valuable tool for identifying cost savings opportunities.

By mastering the art of price comparison and utilizing these helpful tools, you can ensure that you always find the best deals and maximize your online savings.

Section 2: Discovering and Applying Coupon Codes

Coupon codes can provide instant savings on your online purchases, often in the form of a percentage off your total or free shipping. By finding and applying these codes during the checkout process, you can significantly reduce the cost of your online shopping. There are numerous websites and tools available to help you find and apply these valuable codes, making it easier than ever to save money.

1. RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot is a popular coupon aggregator website that offers a vast collection of coupon codes, discounts, and deals for thousands of online retailers. You can search for codes by store, category, or product and easily copy them to apply during checkout.
2. Coupons.com: Coupons.com is another well-known source for digital coupons and discounts, including printable coupons and coupon codes for online retailers. The website is updated frequently and offers a wide range of deals across various shopping categories.
3. Slickdeals: Slickdeals is a community-driven website that features user-submitted deals and coupons from a variety of online retailers. With a strong focus on finding the best deals available, Slickdeals users often share exclusive and hard-to-find coupon codes.
4. Groupon: Groupon is a popular deal-of-the-day website that offers discounted gift certificates and coupon codes for local businesses, as well as major online retailers. By browsing the available deals, you can find significant savings on a wide range of products and services.
5. Honey: Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout for you. With its user-friendly interface and time-saving features, Honey can streamline the coupon code process and ensure that you never miss out on a deal.
6. CouponCabin: CouponCabin is a coupon aggregator website that offers a wide range of coupon codes, printable coupons, and cashback opportunities. By signing up for a free account, you can access exclusive member-only deals and receive personalized recommendations based on your shopping preferences.
7. CouponFollow: CouponFollow is a coupon aggregator website that tracks coupon codes from online retailers in real time. Users can search for codes by store, category, or keyword, and the website also features a browser extension called Cently that automatically applies coupon codes during checkout.

Section 3: Harnessing the Power of Cashback Programs and Websites

Cashback programs and websites offer another layer of savings by returning a percentage of your purchase price as cashback. By utilizing these services, you can earn money on your online purchases and maximize your overall savings. Many cashback platforms partner with a wide range of retailers, allowing you to enjoy savings across multiple shopping categories.

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates): Rakuten is a popular cashback website that partners with over 2,500 online retailers, offering cashback percentages that vary by store. With a browser extension and mobile app, you can easily earn cashback on your purchases and receive payments via check or PayPal.
2. TopCashback: TopCashback is another reputable cashback website with partnerships with thousands of retailers. The platform offers competitive cashback rates and provides multiple payout options, including gift cards, direct deposit, and PayPal.
3. Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a versatile cashback and rewards program that allows you to earn points, called SB, for your online purchases, as well as for completing surveys, watching videos, and more. You can redeem your points for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
4. Dosh: Dosh is a mobile app that offers cashback on purchases made at participating retailers. By linking your credit or debit card to the app, you can earn automatic cashback on your purchases without the need for manual activation or scanning receipts.
5. BeFrugal: BeFrugal is a cashback website that partners with thousands of online retailers, offering competitive cashback rates and a variety of payout options, including direct deposit, PayPal, and gift cards. BeFrugal also features exclusive coupons and offers to help you save even more.
6. Honey Gold: Honey Gold is a cashback program offered by the Honey browser extension. When you shop at participating retailers, you can earn a percentage of your purchase back in the form of Honey Gold points, which can be redeemed for gift cards at popular stores.
7. MyPoints: MyPoints is a cashback and rewards program that allows you to earn points for your online purchases, as well as for completing surveys, watching videos, and participating in various online activities. You can redeem your points for gift cards, travel miles, or cash via PayPal.

Section 4: Following Brands and Retailers on Social Media

Social media platforms are a great place to discover exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions from your favorite brands and retailers.** By following these companies on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can stay informed about their latest offers and be among the first to take advantage of limited-time deals.

1. Facebook: Many brands and retailers use Facebook to announce sales, share coupon codes, and host giveaways. Be sure to “like” and “follow” your favorite stores’ pages to receive these updates in your news feed.
2. Twitter: Twitter is another popular brand platform for sharing deals and promotions. Follow your favorite companies and use the platform’s search function to find hashtag-based deals, such as #FlashSale or #DealOfTheDay.
3. Instagram: Instagram is a visually-driven platform, making it perfect for brands to showcase their products and share special offers. Follow your favorite retailers and keep an eye out for exclusive discount codes and promotions in their posts and stories.

Section 5: Signing Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Newsletters and loyalty programs are valuable resources for finding cost-saving opportunities online. By signing up for these programs, you can receive exclusive discounts, access to members-only sales, and earn rewards points for future purchases.

1. Newsletters: Many online retailers offer email newsletters with subscriber-exclusive discounts and promotions. Sign up for your favourite stores’ newsletters to receive these deals directly in your inbox.
2. Loyalty Programs: Many brands and retailers offer loyalty programs that reward you for your continued business. By joining these programs, you can earn points for your purchases, which can then be redeemed for discounts or exclusive merchandise.
3. Referral Programs: Some companies offer referral programs, where you can earn rewards for referring friends and family to shop with them. By participating in these programs, you can enjoy additional savings and even earn free products.

Section 6: Leveraging Browser Extensions for Automated Savings

Browser extensions can help you find and apply the best deals and discounts automatically as you shop online. These tools can save you both time and money, ensuring that you always get the best available price on your purchases.

1. InvisibleHand: InvisibleHand is a browser extension that compares prices across multiple retailers, alerting you if a better deal is available elsewhere. It also provides real-time coupon codes, ensuring you get the best possible price.
2. PriceBlink: PriceBlink is a browser extension that automatically scans over 11,000 merchants to find the best prices for the products you’re viewing. It also provides coupon codes and notifies you of any available rebates.
3. Wikibuy: Wikibuy is a browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes at checkout, compares prices across retailers, and alerts you to better deals on other websites. It also offers a cashback program, allowing you to earn rewards on your purchases.
4. The Camelizer: The Camelizer is a browser extension that provides price history charts for products on Amazon, allowing you to determine the best time to buy and track price drops. It is a product of CamelCamelCamel.
5. Popcart: Popcart is a browser extension that compares prices for the products you’re viewing, ensuring that you always get the best deal. It also offers price drop alerts, allowing you to be notified when a product’s price decreases.

Section 7: Utilizing Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Savings

Mobile apps can provide easy access to cost-saving opportunities while you shop online from your smartphone or tablet. These apps offer a variety of features, from price comparison to coupon aggregation, ensuring you always find the best deals.

1. ShopSavvy: ShopSavvy is a mobile app that allows you to scan barcodes and compare prices across multiple retailers. It also provides product reviews and alerts you to local deals, making it a versatile tool for saving money.
2. Flipp: Flipp is a mobile app that aggregates weekly ads and circulars from hundreds of retailers. It also offers a shopping list feature and digital coupons, helping you plan your shopping trips and save money on the go.
3. Ibotta: Ibotta is a cashback mobile app that offers rebates on a wide range of products and services. By scanning your receipts or linking your store loyalty cards, you can earn cashback on your purchases and save money effortlessly.
4. Coupon Sherpa: Coupon Sherpa is a mobile app that provides digital coupons for thousands of retailers. With a simple search function and the ability to save your favorite coupons, it makes saving money on your online purchases a breeze.

Section 8: Saving with Seasonal Sales and Events

Seasonal sales and events offer excellent opportunities for cost savings on a wide range of products. By planning your purchases around these events and taking advantage of limited-time promotions, you can secure significant discounts and maximize your savings. Some of the most popular seasonal sales and events include:

1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These annual shopping events occur on the Friday and Monday following Thanksgiving in the United States. Many retailers offer deep discounts on a wide range of products during these events, making it an ideal time to shop for electronics, clothing, and more.
2. Amazon Prime Day: Amazon Prime Day is an annual event exclusive to Amazon Prime members, typically occurring in July. The event features substantial discounts on thousands of products across various categories, making it a great time to snag deals on items you’ve had your eye on.
3. End-of-season sales: Retailers often hold end-of-season sales to clear out inventory and make room for new products. These sales typically occur at the end of winter, spring, summer, and fall, and offer significant discounts on clothing, home goods, and other seasonal items.
4. Back-to-school sales: In the months leading up to the new school year, many retailers offer back-to-school sales on items such as electronics, clothing, and school supplies. These sales can provide substantial savings on items needed for the upcoming academic year.
5. Holiday sales: Major holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, often come with accompanying sales events. Retailers typically offer discounts on holiday-themed items and other popular gift options, making it a great time to shop for gifts or treat yourself.
6. Flash sales: Flash sales are limited-time promotions that offer significant discounts on select items or across an entire store. These sales can occur at any time and often have a short duration, so staying informed about upcoming flash sales can help you take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities.
7. Clearance events: Many retailers hold clearance events throughout the year to make room for new inventory. These events often feature steep discounts on a wide range of products, making them an excellent opportunity to save on items you’ve been waiting to purchase.

Section 9: Exploring Outlet and Discount Stores Online

Outlet and discount stores offer an excellent opportunity to find brand-name products at a fraction of the regular price. These online retailers specialize in offering overstock, clearance, and refurbished items at deeply discounted prices.

1. Overstock: Overstock is an online retailer that offers a wide range of discounted products, including furniture, home decor, and electronics. Daily deals and clearance sales make you find great savings on high-quality items.
2. 6pm: 6pm is an online discount store that specializes in discounted clothing, shoes, and accessories from popular brands. With daily deals and a wide range of products, it’s an excellent destination for fashion-conscious shoppers on a budget.
3. Amazon Outlet: Amazon Outlet is a section of the Amazon website that features discounted overstock and clearance items. You can find deals on a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and household items.
4. eBay: eBay is an online marketplace where you can find discounted new and used products from a variety of sellers. By exploring eBay’s Daily Deals and browsing the listings, you can find significant cost savings on a wide range of items, from electronics to clothing.

Section 10: Monitoring Price Drops and Setting Price Alerts

Monitoring price drops and setting price alerts can help you identify the best time to make a purchase and maximize your cost savings. These strategies ensure that you never miss out on a deal, even when prices fluctuate frequently.

1. Keepa: Keepa is a price tracking tool that monitors prices on Amazon and other major retailers. With its browser extension or mobile app, you can set up price alerts, view price history charts, and track deals on your favorite products.
2. DealNews: DealNews is a website that aggregates deals and discounts from various online retailers. By signing up for their email alerts, you can receive notifications about the best deals and price drops in your desired categories.
3. PriceSpy: PriceSpy is a price comparison website that allows you to track price changes and set up price alerts for specific products. By monitoring price fluctuations, you can ensure that you always get the best deal when you’re ready to buy.
4. Pricewatch: Pricewatch is a price comparison website that specializes in computer and technology products. It allows you to set up price alerts and compare prices across multiple retailers, ensuring that you get the best deal on your tech purchases.

Section 11: Utilizing Social Media and Online Communities for Cost Savings

Social media and online communities can be invaluable resources for finding cost savings opportunities, exclusive deals, and limited-time promotions. By following retailers, brands, and deal-focused accounts, you can stay up-to-date on the latest sales and discounts, ensuring that you never miss out on a great deal. Here are some tips for leveraging social media and online communities to maximize your savings:

1. Follow your favorite retailers and brands: Most retailers and brands maintain active social media accounts, where they often post about current sales, promotions, and exclusive discounts. By following these accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can stay informed about the latest deals.
2. Join deal-focused Facebook groups: Many Facebook groups are dedicated to sharing deals and cost-saving opportunities. By joining these groups, you can gain access to a community of like-minded shoppers who share information about the best deals available.
3. Subscribe to deal-focused subreddits: Reddit is home to numerous subreddits focused on sharing deals, discounts, and cost-saving tips. Some popular examples include r/Frugal, r/Deals, and r/Coupons. By subscribing to these subreddits, you can stay up-to-date on the latest deals and learn from the experiences of other savvy shoppers.
4. Sign up for brand and retailer newsletters: Many retailers and brands offer email newsletters that include information about upcoming sales, promotions, and exclusive discounts. By signing up for these newsletters, you can receive deal alerts directly in your inbox.
5. Participate in online forums and discussion boards: Online forums and discussion boards, such as Slickdeals or HotUKDeals, are excellent places to find and share information about the latest deals and cost-saving opportunities. By participating in these communities, you can learn from other experienced shoppers and contribute your insights.
6. Utilize deal-focused mobile apps: Many mobile apps, such as ShopSavvy or Flipp, are designed to help shoppers find the best deals and discounts. These apps often include features such as price comparison tools, deal alerts, and shopping lists, making them valuable resources for cost-conscious shoppers.

Section 12: Taking Advantage of Free Shipping and Returns

Free shipping and return policies can provide significant cost savings when shopping online. By carefully selecting retailers that offer these services, you can reduce or eliminate shipping fees and ensure a hassle-free return process if an item doesn’t meet your expectations. Here are some tips for making the most of free shipping and returns:

1. Shop at retailers with free shipping: Many online retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount or for specific products. By choosing to shop at these retailers, you can save on shipping fees and potentially lower the overall cost of your purchase.
2. Utilize free shipping codes: Some retailers offer coupon codes for free shipping on specific items or during certain promotions. By searching for these codes and applying them at checkout, you can further reduce your shipping costs.
3. Sign up for store loyalty programs: Many retailers offer loyalty programs that provide benefits such as free shipping, exclusive discounts, and early access to sales. By signing up for these programs, you can unlock additional cost-saving opportunities.
4. Take advantage of free in-store pickup: Some retailers offer the option to buy online and pick up your purchase in-store for free. This can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to paying for shipping, especially if you live near the store location.
5. Shop during free shipping promotions: Some retailers hold special promotions during which they offer free shipping on all orders, regardless of the order amount. By timing your purchases to coincide with these promotions, you can save on shipping costs.
6. Choose retailers with generous return policies: When shopping online, it’s essential to consider a retailer’s return policy. Choosing retailers that offer free returns can help ensure that you won’t incur additional costs if you need to send an item back.
7. Utilize online tools to find free shipping deals: Websites such as FreeShipping.org or Shippingsavings.com provide information about current free shipping deals and promotions from various retailers. By using these resources, you can quickly identify retailers offering free shipping and maximize your cost savings.

By strategically taking advantage of free shipping and return policies, you can minimize your overall expenses and enhance your online shopping experience.

Conclusion

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Finding Cost Savings Opportunities Online provides a comprehensive roadmap for maximizing your online savings. By utilizing price comparison tools, discount websites, cashback programs, social media, and newsletters, you can take full advantage of the countless cost-saving opportunities available to you in the digital age. Stay informed, be proactive, and watch your savings grow.