How to Shop Online For Less

If you are an online shopper, you could be missing out on some great deals.  We’re going to share our tips for how to shop for less online.

1. Hit the clearance section. One of my favorite online stores is One Kings Lane, and I always go straight to their clearance section for wedding, birthday, baby, and other registry type gifts.  Plus, new members get $15 off a $30 purchase.  I also love the clearance section on Kohls.com for children’s clothes, housewares, and more.  You can often save up to 80% or more! When I shop Target.com, I also like to checkout with my Red Card, so I save 5% and get free shipping all the time. Let me clarify, I do not have a credit card. It is a debt card, so it comes out of my bank account immediately.
2. Free shipping days & free shipping thresholds.  Throughout the year, there are days where companies will offer free shipping.   These are the best days to shop because you can hit the clearance section of the website for deep discount items and have it shipped at no cost.  Sites like Zulilly offer free shipping for the entire day when you make a purchase, so you can go back in later in the day and keep shopping and still score free shipping. I purchased my son a super cheap pair of crocks this way about two months ago, and decided to go back in later and order a larger size as well!
3. Use cash-back sites. Ebates and ShopAtHome.com are my two favorite cash back sites! I have received over $200 from both of these sites because of online shopping cash back bonuses.  Simply go to their site first, search for your store, and then buy through that link and they track your purchases and pay you cash back.
4. Search for an online coupon code first. RetailMeNot is my favorite coupon code site. I even check the app on my phone before I go into a store or shop online.  However, please note that I recently went to Kohls, and in the store they would not allow me to use this app on my phone anymore. They want you to go directly to their site for coupons. Also, some retailers will allow you to stack online coupon codes, meaning you can use more than one at a time.

1. Look for a Rewards Program. Some online retailers offer reward programs to frequent buyers. Always be on the lookout for these types of benefits. As I said earlier, Target allows you to shop online with your Red Card and save 5% plus get free shipping year-round. Amazon Prime is another reward program, where you do have to pay an annual fee. However, I have found the rewards to be well worth it.
2. Sign-up for sale alerts. If it’s a store where you like to shop frequently, sign-up for their email newsletter. I purchase gifts for others at BathandBodyWords.com, and I love getting their email updates indicating sales so I know the best times to shop.  If you don’t want your email account junked up with spam, set up another email specifically for deals.  Also, if you sign-up with more than one email, you will get more than one coupon.
3. Use apps like Price Grabber. Sometimes it is cheaper to purchase something in the store. Apps like PriceGrabber can help you make the best decision on a purchase price.
4. Leave items in your cart.  Sometimes companies will offer you extra discounts if you are logged into your account and actively have items in your cart.

These are just some ways to save extra while you are shopping online. Let us know your tips by commenting below!