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E-commerce has become a very competitive sector. Online shopping sites offer enticing schemes to attract more and more shoppers. But as a buyer, you have to be cautious and strategize to save costs. Look at these top 10 tips to strike cheaper deals.
Timing is important
It is undoubtedly one of the best tips for online shopping. Yes, you have to get online at the right time and the right day. Also, take the type of products you want to buy into consideration. For example, laptops and desktops are at a discount if you order early in the week, preferably Tuesdays.
The branded companies offer special coupons to target customers. Books have better discounts on Saturdays, while the middle of the week is perfect for airline tickets. You get not only the best quality products but also fantastic deals on these days. This tactic is efficient in lowering the average item prices.
Dynamic pricing is a trap
Web merchants know how to utilize the latest technologies effectively. They collect customer data like location, browsing, and purchase patterns. They also factor in current demand while fixing a product’s price. As a result, the price points vary drastically from one customer to another.
The stores show different prices on different days too. You can beat this trick through some online shopping safety tips. Choose a different country location where the prices are much lower. Also, you can browse anonymously or rely on a localized version of the website. And make sure you log out of social media accounts and clear the browsing history and cookies daily.
Plan your coupon code purchases
Some customers are new to the ways of web stores and digital marketplaces. They are not careful about choosing a safer online shopping experience. They rush through with an order on spotting a discount sale or festive offer. They also fail to utilize the coupons and gift vouchers properly.
Do not make this mistake, and cleverly plan your checkout process. If you have promo codes and coupons, then apply the former first. Once the full price gets lowered, you can submit the discount coupon for further reduction in costs.
Capitalize on reward programs
Many retailers offer reward programs to attract their customers. They also use them to retain the loyalty of the buyers. You might have heard of redeeming points for discount coupons or lower prices at a later date. Be reassured about such bonuses and follow tips for safe online shopping.
Whether it is a gift card or discount price, nothing is for free. You will have to fill-in online survey forms or browse product catalogs. Sometimes, you have to watch a video or two to win the reward points. Participate in these programs and carefully apply the accumulated coupons or points.
Also, be sure about what you are getting in return. Sometimes the sites offer a lower price for early bird sales or free shipping. In comparison, other programs reward you for opening an account or clicking on likes and shares. Do not hesitate, be active with these online activities, and get good discounts on items.
Bargain for better prices
One of the best safe online shopping tips is good, old bargaining. Most websites have algorithms to indicate if you leave your shopping cart unpaid. Fill the cart and leave the page. The site will contact you, showing better deals and coupons related to the products in your abandoned cart.
Sometimes, you fail to redeem a reward or coupon on time. Please do not waste it, but contact the customer service for a deal. Inform them that you will place an immediate order if the discount gets honored. More often than not, the web sites will be flexible and let you avail of the special rates.
Also, chatting and inquiries are useful in winning more coupons. Yes, the retailers send special promo codes if you register the email address. They also award a discount coupon just for chatting with the bot regarding deals. Have a good chat and ask some relevant questions about products and prices too.
Demand price-drop refunds
One of the special tips for online shopping pertains to price changes. The cost of a product suddenly dips, one day after you make a purchase. Do not get disappointed, but take immediate action to remedy the situation. Make direct contact, and strongly demand a price-drop refund on the sale.
You can also save money by opting for special credit card services. They offer price protection and refund the difference in case of a price drop. However, they do so only if the decrease happens within a limited number of days after the purchase.
Price comparison is mandatory
There are a lot of smart apps and software tools to help customers. One of the easiest online shopping safety tips to implement is price comparison. You can get browser add-ons that automatically compare the prices on different websites. They also display a smart chart and mention coupon deals.
Smartphone apps, on the other hand, have multiple features. You can get additional information on bottom-line prices. They also deliver data on taxes, shipping expenses, and currency exchange rates. Besides, some apps can scan barcodes and promptly deliver authentic numbers.
Stock your cart as a member
Many sites allow you to buy products with or without registering. You can purchase as a guest or as a registered member. For a safer online shopping experience, always open an account. Members get better deals and also receive mail about current products under discounts. Moreover, many sites offer first-time discounts for the first purchase you make as a registered member.
Get more discount coupons
Outsmart the retailer with these innovative tips for safe online shopping. Register multiple accounts with the website. They will send discount coupons to different email addresses. Just sign-up for a newsletter, and they will add you to the special group of customers.
Communicate smartly
Finally, compulsive shoppers should be smart and rely on safe online shopping tips. They have to install email organizers and useful add-ons. These software tools and mobile apps improve communication with the shopping site. They also help you in managing multiple coupons, promo codes, and newsletters with greater accuracy.
