8 ways to save online during the holidays |
|
|
The National Retail Federation launched its own site, CyberMonday.com, with promotions, price breaks and some exclusive deals from more than 550 retailers.
In addition, you can find bargain or shopping sites
that specialize in the category you're seeking, Mendelsohn says.
One site good for finding technology-related toys is TechBargains.com.
There are even bargain site aggregators, which will give you the top buys found at a host of different deal sites, like DealDump.com.
3. Shop the
clearance rack
Just because you're online doesn't mean you can't get buys on end-of-season
clearance closeouts. Try sites like Overstock.com,
or visit your favorite online site and look for the clearance page,
Miller says.
This can be a great strategy for people who don't need the latest model or who are interested in buying out-of-season merchandise. These kinds of bargains may not show up on your favorite shopping search engines.
4. Save green, shop greener
Debating between two bargains and want to know which is better for the global neighborhood? Look at BetterWorldShopper.org. With a simple A through F grading system, the site ranks popular products based on the manufacturers' track records in environmental and social stewardship.
You can also find sites that specialize in green and organic goods. One to try: Greenhome.com.
5. Get member deals
Are you a member of AAA, AARP or your local public broadcasting station? Or do you carry certain branded credit cards? Explore the organization's Web site for member-related shopping or travel discounts, Mendelsohn says. Many times, the groups also will offer deals through brick-and-mortar stores and local malls, she says.
Sometimes card companies will get a good buy on a hot item and offer it in limited quantities or for only a short time period on their Web sites, Dworsky says.
Member deals may even save you some money offline,
Mendelsohn says. "Sometimes you can print a coupon," she says. "It
just depends on the store."
Or you can start your own club. If you have a couple of retailers --online or off line -- that are particular favorites, you can register with them online to get coupons, special deals and advance notice of sales, Mendelsohn says.
6. Save on shipping
Seventy percent to 80 percent of online merchants will offer free
shipping at some point during this holiday season, Davis says.
In addition, the Web can offer other accommodations that can save time and money. Some retailers with real-world locations will let you order online and pick up your gifts at the store. You save money and days waiting for your gifts in the mail. It's great for those last-minute buys and purchases you plan to pack or deliver yourself.
Another way to save for gifts you plan to mail is
to order online and have them delivered directly to the recipient.
It's greener, because you're shipping once instead of twice. And
even if the store doesn't offer free shipping, you still save money.
7. Ask brick-and-mortar retailers to match online deals
Sometimes retail locations will match their online prices or even their competitors' deals. And, this year especially, stores want your business.
So if you want to buy at a brick-and-mortar store, you might be able to score the same deals. Just print out any price information you find and talk with the store manager about honoring the same deal.
8. Get extra discounts with coupon codes
You might not have to pay full price. Before you check out online, pull up your favorite search engine and put in the name of the retailer and either "coupon code" or "promotion code." Try to use the same language they use on the check-out page, Miller says.
Sometimes the coupons will net you free shipping or wrapping. Other times you'll get a discount on one item or your whole purchase. Some sites for coupon codes are RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com and CouponMountain.com.
Or investigate ReesyCakes.com
or DealIgg.com,
which have "hotel deals and all kinds of other stuff," Mendelsohn
says.
But the main thing about the online portion of your
shopping is to have fun with it. Says Mendelsohn, "This should be
a challenge and a treasure hunt for you."
|
