Best Tools and Tips to Optimize Your Shopping Experience
Navigating stores can be exhausting. You have to think about what you need, where it is located in the store, and then find a way to get there. With so much work involved, your shopping experience could easily turn sour. It’s no secret that finding the best deals and getting the most out of your shopping experience can be a challenge. With so many e-stores and websites to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled several tools and tips to help you find the perfect items while saving time and money!
Use Store Apps
Many retailers and stores have apps that you can download to your phone. These apps often offer exclusive deals and coupons that you can’t find anywhere else. They also make shopping at the store much easier. You can quickly look up product information, compare prices, and even order products for in-store pickup. The Walmart app, for example, offers a price check tool that allows you to scan the barcode and compare its price online and in-store. These apps also allow you to find stores near your location easily.
Store Comparison Tools
Websites and apps like ShopSavvy, Google Shopper, and PriceGrabber can compare the prices of multiple items from different sellers across all platforms. It makes it easy to identify the lowest price on any item they want! Not only do these websites/apps compare prices, but they also provide in-depth product descriptions and user reviews. They compare the product’s price on Amazon, eBay, Dell.com, and more! This way you get the best deal without having to spend hours searching the internet.
Download Coupon Apps
Most people use mobiles for shopping, so why not use them for savings? Coupon apps and sites like CouponGot and Key Ring let you save money on your favorite products. These apps help you find coupons for items you’re buying anyway, but they also allow users to submit their own! It means that if there’s a coupon out there for an item you want, there’s a pretty good chance you can find it online. Also, they are great for finding deals on local businesses. You can find great coupons for restaurants, shopping, and more! Coupons apps are a great way to save money while shopping!
Use Cashback Sites
Use cashback sites to save. These websites give you a percentage of your purchase price back in the form of cash or points. These points are redeemed for gift cards or other items. The two most popular cashback sites are Ebates and Swagbucks. They both have browser extensions that will notify you of available cashback deals, and they also have separate apps that make it easy to search for offers.
Use a Deal Finder
Many people are unaware of how much they can save when shopping online. By comparing prices on different sites, you could be saving up to 80% off your purchase! Plus, many stores have great coupon codes that can help even further with the price. There are certain tools made specifically for finding coupons and deals while shopping online, so next time you shop online, be sure to use a deal finder! Some of the best deal finders are Offers.com and Coupon Cabin. These sites have both store and manufacturer coupons and printable coupons for in-store use. They also offer coupon codes for online stores, which can save you even more money!
Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs
Many stores offer loyalty programs that give you discounts on future purchases when you sign up. Many of these reward programs are free to join! Stores with great loyalty programs include Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. Another way to get discounts while shopping is by using a rewards credit card. These cards give you points or cashback for every dollar you spend. These cards also offer sign-up bonuses, so you can earn free money or prizes just for signing up!
Use Gift Cards
Many retailers and stores offer gift cards. Use them to your advantage by purchasing these prepaid cards when they’re on sale! Not only will you save money, but many stores also offer additional discounts for using their gift card during the purchase process. Gift cards never expire. Save them and use them for future purchases. You can get great deals by purchasing discounted gift cards! Many websites sell these cards at a steep discount from their face value. You’ll be able to purchase the card of your choice at a much lower cost than if you were to buy it at the store! Now that’s what we call a deal.
Use Coupons & Promo Codes
Many stores offer coupons and promo codes, so be sure to check if your favorite retailer has any for you to use before making purchases. If no current deals or sales are going on when you’re shopping online, check out a few coupon websites to see if they have any promo codes for the store you’re buying from. You could save yourself some serious money just by using a promo code! These coupons and promo codes can also be used in stores, so you could even save on gas by driving to the store and still get a deal during your shopping experience.
Shop Local Retailers
Most of the time, shopping at local retailers will get you the best deals. Not only do you support your community by doing this, but also, the prices are usually better than what you’ll find at larger chain stores. It is especially true for unique items that aren’t found at every retailer. Check out some of your local shops, and you will be amazed by the amazing collection! Also, these local stores tend to offer better customer service than what you’ll find at the big guys.
Sign Up for Rewards
Retailers offer rewards for those that frequently shop or buy from them. For example, if you sign up to be a member at your favorite grocery store and regularly spend money there- make sure you’re taking advantage of any rewards they offer! Some stores will give you discounts on items simply for signing up, and others may even send offers via email periodically with coupons or other discounts. Save money on the things you purchase most frequently and add up over time!
On a Final Note
Shopping can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be frustrating if you’re not getting the best deals. By using some of the tips and tools outlined in this post, you should be able to optimize your shopping experience and save yourself some money in the process! If you have any other great tips or tools to share, please feel free to leave a comment below! Thank you for reading.
