Over the past few decades, online shopping has taken off in popularity, with over 80% of the UK’s population having shopped online.
Everyone knows how good it feels to save money, and with online shopping it’s no different.
There are many ways you can save cash while shopping online. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks you can use to get the best deals online.
Voucher codes
A popular way of saving money when online shopping is by using voucher codes and discount codes. These codes can be found on websites like VoucherCodes and HotUkDeals, and can help you save money on a wide range of items. The codes might offer a percentage off your total order, free shipping or a specific discount for a particular product.
If you are a student you can access discounts and offers through student discount schemes, such as UniDays or StudentBeans. These schemes are usually free to sign up to, and offer discounts across a wide range of retailers. However, you can only access these schemes if you are in education and have a school/college/university email address.
Similarly, if you work for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces, you could be eligible for a Blue Light Card. Like student discounts, this card gives you access to both in-store and online discounts for multiple retailers. It is £4.99 to register, which gives you membership for 2 years.
When looking for voucher codes, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some codes may have an expiration date or may only be valid for certain products or categories. You should also make sure that the code is typed correctly at the checkout, bear in mind that some are case sensitive.
Cashback websites
Another way of saving money online is using cashback websites. Instead of going straight to an online store to buy something, you go through a link on a cashback website. The website will earn some commission from the retailer, and they pass a proportion of this back to you as cashback. The amount you get back varies upon the retailer and product.
Most of these sites are free to sign up to, two of the more popular ones being Quidco and TopCashback. These sites also offer a premium account where you pay money to receive higher rates of cashback.
The issue with this method is that not all retailers will be available through the cashback site, so you might not be able to find what you’re looking for.
Additionally, you have to leave a clear ‘cookie’ trail (a digital trail of your shopping journey) from the cashback website to the retailer, or else you may not receive any cashback.
Shopping during sales
One obvious way of saving money on your online shopping is by waiting for seasonal or flash sales. Often, most large brands will take part in Black Friday, Cyber Monday and January sales. This can be a great time to make a purchase as there could be a considerable percentage off the original price tag.
Additionally, many online retailers will offer flash sales, where items might be reduced for a smaller period of time. By keeping an eye on a brand’s social media accounts and email newsletters you can find out when these sales are on.
When shopping during sales, it’s important to plan ahead by making a list of items you want. This means that you are less likely to be distracted by other reduced products that you might not need. You should also compare prices across stores to ensure you are getting the best deal. Some stores may also offer free shipping or additional discounts during sales, so it's worth checking for these offers before making a purchase.
Subscribe to newsletters
By signing up to receive newsletters from your favourite stores, you can save money when shopping online. Many retailers will offer exclusive promotions to their subscribers, so if you don’t mind receiving a few emails this could be a good option.
When signing up for newsletters you should always check how the company will use your data because they may share your email address with third parties. It’s important to make sure that the company is reputable and you trust them with your data.
Buy second-hand
If you are looking for a way to save money on online shopping, it’s worth considering using second-hand options. Websites such as eBay, Depop and Gumtree offer a variety of second-hand items, such as electronics and clothes. Plus, if you are looking to shop more sustainably, buying second-hand is a great option as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill.
When buying second-hand you have to make sure that the item is in decent condition. Look at all of the photos the seller has provided and read their descriptions carefully.
It may also help to read the seller’s reviews to see if they are trustworthy. Some sellers may be trying to scam you, so if they have many negative reviews, you might want to avoid buying from them.
Use price comparison sites
Price comparison sites such as PriceSpy and Google Shopping can help you compare prices across different stores to make sure you get the best deal. These sites allow you to search for a specific product and compare prices across a variety of stores.
When using price comparison sites, it’s important to consider other factors besides price, such as shipping costs and delivery times. Some stores may offer free shipping or faster delivery, which can make up for a slightly higher price.
Avoid paying for shipping
Shipping costs can add up quickly, so it’s worth looking for stores that offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Some stores may also offer free shipping codes or promotional offers, helping you save money on shipping.
Some retailers offer annual subscriptions to receive free next-day delivery. If you regularly shop with a particular online store, it might be worth getting one of these subscriptions. Calculate how often you order from the store vs the cost of the subscription to see if it could help you save money.
If free shipping isn't available, it's worth considering if you can do an in-store pickup. Many stores offer this option, which allows you to order online and pick up the item in-store, avoiding shipping costs.
Summary
There are many ways that you can save money when online shopping. By using voucher codes, cashback websites and shopping during sales you can save money on your purchases. Consider second-hand options, use price comparison sites, and subscribe to newsletters for deals. You can also save money by looking for free delivery or in-store pickup options. By following these tips, you can make the most of your online shopping experience.
