20 do’s and don’ts for saving money when shopping online

When you really want (or need) something now, waiting for shipping is a pain. Browse local resale groups on Facebook, apps like Mercari and OfferUp, and other online sales platforms for a deal that can be picked up same-day while saving on shipping costs. 

Keep it public. When you’re interacting with buyers online, it’s hard to discern whether or not they’re genuinely a good person or running a scam. Meet up with buyers from sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace in well-lit public places, like cafes and coffee shops. Some local police stations even offer “safe exchange zones” where buyers can complete transactions without worry. 

Sometimes, a seriously low price can actually be misleading. Once you’ve factored in shipping, taxes, and other fees, it may actually be worth spending a few bucks more on an item at the retailer that offers free shipping. Use tools like Google Shopping, which provides a snapshot of each retailer’s shipping and handling fees. 

There are countless online resources, including RetailMeNot and Coupons.com, packed with coupon codes for popular retailers of all kinds. Before hitting that “checkout” button, check the database of your favorite site to find codes that can save some extra cash. 

Once a retailer gets your contact information, the onslaught of marketing emails and texts can be seriously overwhelming. Keep the junk out of your inbox by creating a separate email account via a free provider like Gmail, just make sure to check the junk box occasionally for coupon codes and sales. 

Some retailers, like airlines, may use software called cookies to track shoppers’ movements online and adjust their prices accordingly. Put your browser in “incognito” mode, or switch to a different one altogether (like swapping Safari for Chrome) to see if the prices go down. 

There are tons of online tools intended to help shoppers get a good deal. Consider Kayak or Google Flights, which allow travelers to compare prices from a slew of different airlines, hotels, and car rental companies at the same time, or PriceBlink and Honey browser extensions that work to find the best coupon code at thousands of retailers. 

There are plenty of sites, like Rakuten, and Honey, that offer cashback to shoppers in exchange for commission payments from retailers. They’re typically in small amounts, sometimes 1% or 5%, but that cash can add up over time for people who shop online frequently. 

Loyalty programs, like Sephora’s Beauty Insider program, allow shoppers to rack up points in exchange for discounts and other perks like Nike.com's free shipping for members. Some retailers, like Nordstrom, hold members-only sales and offer cash-back incentives that can add up to a substantial discount. 

Sometimes, the things we buy online just don’t work out. Most retailers offer free returns, but some charge pricey “restocking” fees or make buyers pay to ship back items they’d like to return — make sure to note whether or not you’ll have to pay to return that dress you’re not quite sure will fit before clicking “check out.” 

It’s true that most retail credit cards stick shoppers with super-high interest rates that can exceed 20%. But if you’re financially responsible — and will actually pay off the balance on the store card before interest begins to accrue — it can be a way to save money via perks like Ulta’s double loyalty points offer for shoppers who purchase with a store credit card. 

If it seems like too good of a deal to be true, it almost certainly is. Online scammers have gotten increasingly sophisticated in recent years, so make sure that you’re shopping on authorized websites or using a payment platform like PayPal, which offers a purchase protection guarantee. 

Many retailers offer free shipping if a shopper spends a certain amount, like Sephora’s $50 minimum. If your cart is totaling up to $47.30, it might be worth browsing to see if there’s a low-priced item to add to your cart to make up the difference and save a couple of bucks on shipping fees. 

Everybody loves scoring something for free or at a steep discount, but sometimes that discount isn’t actually that great. Decide whether or not you need 5 of that item before taking advantage of a “buy four, get one free” offer,” and don’t get lured in by discounts that require minimum purchases that exceed what you actually need to spend. 

When you’re in search of the perfect dress or the best deal on a specific item, consider putting it in your shopping cart at a couple of different retailers and waiting a couple of days. Often, retailers will send a coupon code as a not-so-subtle nudge to customers looking to buy. 

Social media is a powerful marketing tool for companies, one that isn’t always great for consumers. That ad you saw on Instagram or Facebook might look like an excellent deal, but it’s always possible that there’s a better coupon code elsewhere — be sure to check. 

Many retailers are trying to encourage shoppers to download their mobile apps, and are using deals to incentivize those downloads. Before purchasing, check to see if there are any app-exclusive coupons. If not, no big deal — just delete it from your phone right after. 

Major credit card providers like Chase and American Express offer a wide variety of cashback and rewards options, and it’s important to choose a card with a cash-back program that best benefits your budget. Make purchases on credit cards to earn points, then promptly pay them off to avoid paying interest costs. 

Many folks tend to shop around big holidays like Black Friday and Memorial Day weekend, but those deals can sometimes be deceptive. If you’re looking to make a big purchase, monitor the price over the period of a couple of months to make sure that flat-screen TV is, in fact, a bargain. 

If you know you’re going to be shopping at certain retailers, be on the lookout for discounted gift cards. Often sold at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club and sites like Raise, discounted gift cards can save shoppers anywhere between 2% and 20%.