Shop smarter, not harder: A guide to help you save money online

Waiting in line is so old school. Nowadays, you can go straight to a retailer’s website — or even their app — and skip the waiting, with the ability to find the product you want and order it right away. No longer do you have to walk through the aisles of your favourite shop, scour the shelves, wait in checkout lines, or ask an employee to check for your size — you can do all that shopping without getting off the sofa.

This article includes tips, suggestions and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial and legal advice before making any important decision.

Whether you're a seasoned online shopper or just getting started, there are different ways to shop online and save money. From coupons to clever shopping tips, keep reading to discover how to buy what you need while potentially saving money.

Compare prices between retailers

Before you shop online, consider comparing product prices between different retailers. Search for the product name and style number to find a list of online stores selling the same product. Alternatively, you could use a browser extension like PayPal Honey to do the heavy lifting and search for and automatically apply the best price it can find for an eligible item.

By comparing prices, it’s possible to take advantage of discounts, promotions, and other limited time deals for the product you want to buy.

Check the price history

Not sure if you’re getting the best deal? Check the price history. By using price tracking tools or websites when you shop online, you can see how the price of a product has changed over time and whether the current price is higher or lower than usual.

Tracking the price history could also identify patterns in price fluctuations, such as seasonal sales or clearance events, helping you plan your purchases and potentially save money in the long run.

Use sales alerts

Setting up sales alerts can be a great way to get notified when the item you want goes on sale. There are different ways to set up sales alerts, including:

  • Using price tracking tools or websites
  • Signing up for the retailer's newsletter or following them on social media
  • Using the retailer's dedicated sales alert feature on their website or app

Use promo codes

Another way to potentially save money when you shop online is by using promo codes, retroactive discounts, and deals and offers.

Some retailers offer promo codes that can be applied at checkout to get a discount on a purchase. By using apps or online tools, such as PayPal Honey, you can find promo codes to help you save money.

Some retailers also offer retroactive discounts or price adjustments if the price of a product drops within a certain period after your purchase.

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