There’s no denying that e-commerce is here to stay. As more and more retailers turn their services into digital enterprises, consumers are enjoying the many benefits of window shopping on tablets, PC’s, laptops, and smartphones. Nowadays, shoppers can browse through clothing racks, home goods selections, and even grocery aisles all from the comfort of their own home.
However, because so many people are now shopping from their couch in pyjamas at all times of the day, it has become easier than ever before to spend copious amounts of money without batting an eyelash. If you’re a dedicated shopper who enjoys surfing the web for the products you love, it may be helpful to consider some helpful tips that will go a long way in helping you save on every purchase you make. Below we’ll take a look at some simple things all e-commerce shoppers can put into practice before pushing that “finalize order” button.
Product research before making a decision
The age of information has given consumers countless advantages that were previously inaccessible. For example, reading product reviews on various items that former virtual shoppers bought was never a thing before the internet. Similarly, with so much data on the web, consumers have the ability to conduct lengthy research on the items they want before adding them to their cart.
You may be wondering how this relates to saving money but comparing prices over various brands is one of the best ways to make an informed, budget-friendly shopping decision. For instance, if your top wish list item is a pair of brand-new Nike sneakers, why not compare every retailer who is offering the product in order to see the best deal. Surprisingly enough, the Nike store isn’t the only platform on the internet selling your dream shoes. In fact, often times you can find the exact product your desire for half the price if you just dedicate a little extra time to your search.
Taking the time to research items on your list by comparing prices across platforms is a great and easy way to save money long-term
Loyalty programs and unique opportunities for rewards
Many people are familiar with some of the most famous loyalty programs of today, from Starbucks points to Amazon rewards, companies worldwide are always looking for new ways to retain their existing audience while simultaneously attracting new buyers. For the enthusiastic e-commerce shopper, this is great news. One of the easiest ways to lower your total bill is by taking advantage of these services across the brands you love and interact with most frequently. These programs often reward customers with birthday gifts, free coupons, membership-only savings, and various incentives throughout the calendar year.
However, it’s not just the e-commerce retail industry that has stepped aboard the rewards trend. Brands in digital gaming and even online casinos have started to include gifts for new users that welcome them to the platform for the first time. Even live streaming giant, Twitch gives viewers an opportunity to rack up channel points for every video watched, allowing them to enjoy similar perks as subscribers without the extra cost. Industries across various sectors are beginning to make rewards more of a priority as they translate to increased profit and an ever-growing audience.
Follow your favorite brands on social
Let’s face it, social media isn’t going away anytime soon. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have largely taken over in terms of outreach marketing, as consumers are being persuaded to interact with new digital brands each day thanks to the success of these applications. As such, many of the sites you frequent most likely have mirrored landing pages on social media. In fact, maybe the companies utilize social more than their desktop site. For this reason, if you want to take advantage of discounts and offers, it’s vital that you follow along with your favorite brands on social.
Often times deals will be posted on Instagram stories or Twitter posts, and the consumers who already follow them will get the first look. Nowadays, things like influencer and blog giveaways are extremely popular and are great opportunities to interact with the products you prioritize. They are also ideal ways to discover more brands that align with your previous interests.
Make a calendar with important sales dates
Now that you know the wealth of opportunities for discounts on the web, it may be hard to remember each that you’ve signed up for. Why not organize yourself by making a quick list of the brands you love or the platforms you normally shop on. Afterwards, keep note of each company’s limited time deals and offers so you won’t forget to utilize them before it’s too late.
In addition, create a column for big shopping holidays like Black Friday or Cyber Monday and write down each brand’s offerings for that year. In this way, when the day finally rolls around, you won’t have to search through a dozen sites to begin your e-commerce spree. And you’ll be saving loads of money in the meantime!
Being in the know about important sales days like Black Friday can help you save big time on products you love
Check your e-mail regularly!
When you sign up for a reward program or take advantage of a certain offer online, you’ll most likely receive an e-mail confirming the action. Afterwards, these sites will use your address to send various promotions and discounts throughout the year. Sometimes these may not apply to you, but the majority of the time they may hold valuable opportunities to save money. If you glance over these offers without reading them fully, you may be missing out on a great chance to buy something for half the cost.
In addition, it may be helpful to organize your inbox with different tabs and colors that coordinate to the brands you frequently purchase from. This way you’ll have a digital planner of all the deals that are currently available and won’t have to search haphazardly through a load of insignificant junk mail.