10 Smart Ways to Save Money While Shopping Online
Last year I tracked every online purchase I made. The result: I spent $8,200 across 156 orders. After applying these strategies, I got $2,400 back through discounts, cashback, and price adjustments.
Here's exactly how to do it.
1. Install a Coupon Extension (2 Minutes)
This is the easiest win. A browser extension like SaveSmart checks for coupon codes at checkout automatically.
How it works: You shop normally. At checkout, it tests codes in the background. If one works, it applies the discount.
Real example: Last month I bought running shoes from Nike. The extension found code MEMBER20 that wasn't shown anywhere on the site. Saved $28.
Action step: Install SaveSmart and forget about it. It works in the background.
2. Abandon Your Cart on Purpose
This sounds weird, but it works. Add items to your cart, then close the tab. Wait 24 hours.
Why it works: Most retailers track abandoned carts. Many will email you a discount to complete your purchase - usually 10-15% off.
- Where it works best:
- Fashion retailers (especially Macy's, Nordstrom)
- Home goods stores
- Smaller direct-to-consumer brands
Where it doesn't work: Amazon, Walmart, Target (they're too big to care)
3. Check Price History Before Big Purchases
That "60% off" might be a lie. Retailers raise prices before sales to make discounts look bigger.
How to check: SaveSmart shows a 6-month price chart for most products. Look for the actual lowest price, not the inflated "original" price.
Real example: Saw a KitchenAid mixer "on sale" for $279 (originally $449). Price history showed it was $249 two months earlier. I waited and got it for $229 during Prime Day.
4. Stack Multiple Discounts
You can usually combine: 1. Store coupon codes 2. Cashback from Rakuten (3-10% back) 3. Credit card rewards (1-5% back)
- Example stack on a $100 purchase:
- 15% coupon code = $85
- 5% Rakuten cashback = $4.25 back
- 2% credit card = $1.70 back
- Final cost: $79.05
That's 21% off without hunting for deals.
5. Use the Welcome Discount Trick
Almost every retailer offers 10-20% off for email signups. Here's how to use it without filling your inbox with junk:
1. Create a dedicated email for shopping (shoppingdeals@gmail.com) 2. Sign up for the newsletter at checkout 3. Get your discount code immediately 4. Unsubscribe after your purchase
Pro tip: Some sites give you a better offer if you start signing up, then try to close the popup. They'll show a bigger discount to stop you from leaving.
6. Time Your Purchases Right
Different products go on sale at predictable times:
Wrong move: Buying a TV in October. You'll pay 20-30% more than waiting 4 weeks for Black Friday.
7. Check if Your Job Has Discounts
Many employers have discount programs you don't know about. Check your HR portal or benefits page.
- Common programs:
- Corporate perks sites (often 10-25% off major retailers)
- Cell phone discounts (AT&T, Verizon offer corporate rates)
- Software discounts (Microsoft, Adobe often 50%+ off)
Also check: student discounts (even if you graduated years ago - some still work), military discounts, teacher discounts.
8. Use the Right Credit Card
Match your card to your purchase:
Quick math: 5% back on $5,000 in annual online shopping = $250 free money.
9. Buy Refurbished (Especially for Apple)
Apple Certified Refurbished products are basically new with a fresh warranty. I've bought 3 MacBooks refurbished. All perfect.
- Typical savings:
- MacBooks: $150-300 off
- iPads: $50-100 off
- AirPods: $20-40 off
Other good refurbished sources: Amazon Renewed, Best Buy Open-Box, manufacturer outlet stores.
10. Set Price Alerts and Wait
Unless you need something today, set an alert and wait for a drop.
How to do it: 1. Open the product page 2. Click the SaveSmart extension 3. Set your target price 4. Get notified when it hits
Example: Wanted a Dyson vacuum ($549). Set alert for $399. Three weeks later, got the notification. Bought it. Saved $150 for clicking two buttons.
Put It Together
Here's my actual workflow:
1. Before shopping: Check if there's a sale coming up 2. At checkout: Let SaveSmart try coupon codes 3. For big purchases: Check price history first 4. Always: Go through Rakuten for cashback
This takes maybe 2 extra minutes per purchase. Last year that time was worth $2,400.
Start with the extension. That alone will save you money on your next purchase.