Smart Consumers Shop Online

The digital marketplace is a boon for consumers, though it can be daunting for those who aren’t used to navigating the waters of online retail. But with a little research, patience and a bit of strategy, shoppers can find amazing deals on everything from laptops to used cars. Here are a few tips on using the web to fatten up your wallet:

Comparison Shopping

Instead of spending hours casing the mall for the best deal, you can use the web to cross reference prices at countless retailers from the comfort of your living room sofa. All it takes is a little digging, and sites like Google Shopping, Price Grabber and NexTag make finding the lowest price even easier. For the best results, be sure to type in a detailed description of the product (including brand, color and style number) when searching.     

Flash Sale Sites

A relatively recent phenomenon, flash sale sites have transformed the face of e-tail. With these sites, users sign up to receive emails about daily sales, which last anywhere from a few hours to several days and offer significant discounts on brand name fashion, home goods and even travel. Some of our favorite flash sale sites include Gilt and Jack Threads.

Coupon Codes

It’s time to put down the scissors; coupons have officially made the leap to the digital realm. Many retailers offer coupon codes that consumers simply enter during the checkout process, automatically applying the discount to the order. Shoppers can also find printable coupons online that they can then redeem in-store. Browse our varied selection of coupons for everything from groceries to jewelry.

Free Shipping 

These days, more and more retailers are offering free shipping in order to incentivize consumers to buy online. Some companies, including Zappos, Nordstrom and Piperlime, even offer free shipping and free returns on all purchases. To boot, buying online with free shipping will save you money on gas since you won’t have to drive to the store.

Alternative E-Commerce

Shopping on sites like eBay and Craigslist is another way to find great deals on a variety of products, especially if you don’t mind purchasing slightly used goods. These websites are particularly useful when buying expensive items like instruments, furniture, cars and vintage handbags. Many auction and resale sites offer seller reviews and ratings to ensure quality and protect consumers from fraudulent transactions.