Shopping doesn’t have to break the bank if you know a few clever tricks to maximize savings. From using price-tracking tools to leveraging loyalty programs, here are some hidden shopping hacks that can help you save money every time you shop, whether it’s for groceries, clothes, or big-ticket items.
1. Use Price-Tracking Tools and Apps
Price-tracking tools help you monitor changes in the prices of items you want to buy, ensuring you don’t miss out on sales or discounts. By setting alerts, you can automatically be notified when the price drops on specific products, helping you make purchases at the best possible price.
Top Price-Tracking Tools:
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks prices on Amazon, showing price history and letting you set alerts.
- Honey: This browser extension automatically applies discount codes and tracks price drops on items.
- Google Shopping: Use Google to compare prices across multiple retailers and get alerts for changes.
Price trackers allow you to time your purchases for optimal savings and make it easy to see if a sale is actually worth it.
2. Add Items to Your Cart and Wait for Discounts
One of the easiest ways to get a discount is to add an item to your online shopping cart, then wait a few days without purchasing. Many retailers send a follow-up email offering a discount or free shipping to encourage you to complete your purchase.
How to Use This Hack:
- Log In Before Adding Items: Ensure you’re logged in to your account, as this helps stores track your activity.
- Be Patient: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before completing your purchase.
- Check Your Inbox: Keep an eye on your email for any special offers or reminders.
Retailers often send these “abandoned cart” discounts as a way to capture sales they might otherwise lose.
3. Stack Coupons with Cash-Back Apps
Stacking coupons with cash-back apps is a great way to double your savings, as cash-back apps often allow you to earn rewards on top of the discounts you get from coupons. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Checkout 51 offer rebates or rewards on various purchases.
How to Stack for Maximum Savings:
- Find Coupons First: Look for coupons on sites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.
- Activate Cash-Back Offers: Before shopping, activate any relevant offers on your cash-back app.
- Submit Your Receipt: After shopping, scan or submit your receipt to claim cash-back rewards.
Stacking discounts lets you get more for your money, with savings both in-store and online.
4. Shop with Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs reward you for making regular purchases and often provide exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and points that can be redeemed for cash or future purchases. Many retailers also offer personalized coupons or birthday rewards for members.
How to Make the Most of Loyalty Programs:
- Sign Up for Free Programs: Most loyalty programs are free, so it’s worth joining to access member-only perks.
- Use Your Points: Don’t let your points expire—redeem them on future purchases for extra savings.
- Stack Member Discounts: Combine loyalty program discounts with sales and coupons for added savings.
Loyalty programs are ideal for frequent shoppers who want to save money and enjoy special perks.
5. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Tools
Shipping costs can add up quickly, especially when shopping from multiple retailers. Free shipping tools like ShopRunner and certain credit card perks can help eliminate or reduce these costs.
Ways to Save on Shipping:
- Use Free Shipping Tools: ShopRunner offers free 2-day shipping at select stores when you sign up (often free through credit cards).
- Use Minimum Spend for Free Shipping: Many stores offer free shipping when you meet a minimum order value.
- Look for Free Pickup Options: Some stores let you order online and pick up items for free at a local location.
Cutting down on shipping fees means that more of your money goes toward what you’re actually buying.
6. Try Out Subscribe and Save Options
Subscribe and Save programs are available from retailers like Amazon and Target, offering a discount when you sign up for regular deliveries. These programs are ideal for essentials you buy consistently, such as household products, pet supplies, or groceries.
Benefits of Subscribe and Save:
- Automatic Discounts: Most programs offer a 5-15% discount on items when you subscribe.
- Free Shipping: Subscription items often ship for free, adding to your savings.
- Flexible Scheduling: You can customize delivery frequencies to suit your needs and avoid overstocking.
This hack is great for ongoing purchases, allowing you to save on items you need regularly without reordering manually.
7. Follow Brands and Stores on Social Media
Brands frequently announce flash sales, exclusive discounts, or giveaways on social media channels. Following your favorite stores or brands on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can help you stay informed about deals that might not be widely advertised.
Social Media Tips:
- Turn on Notifications: Get notified about new posts from your favorite brands to catch flash sales early.
- Look for Exclusive Promo Codes: Many brands share special codes only available to their social media followers.
- Join Groups and Forums: Some stores have Facebook groups where members share deals, hacks, and other exclusive offers.
Following brands on social media is a great way to get insider access to discounts, saving you money every time you shop.
8. Shop During End-of-Season Sales
End-of-season sales are an excellent opportunity to score deep discounts on clothing, furniture, and seasonal goods. Retailers often mark down last season’s items to make space for new stock, allowing you to get high-quality items at lower prices.
Best Times for Seasonal Sales:
- Winter Clearance: January-February for holiday decor, winter clothing, and outdoor furniture.
- Summer Clearance: August-September for summer clothing, patio furniture, and outdoor goods.
- After Holidays: Look for discounts on holiday decor, gift sets, and winter items right after major holidays.
Shopping at the end of the season gives you access to significant discounts on items you can save for next year.
9. Use Browser Extensions for Instant Discounts
Browser extensions like Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and Honey automatically apply discount codes at checkout, making it easy to save money without much effort. They also show you price comparisons and cash-back offers.
Top Browser Extensions:
- Rakuten: Earn cash back on purchases from partner stores, with seasonal bonus offers.
- Capital One Shopping: Automatically checks for lower prices from other retailers.
- Honey: Applies coupon codes and offers “Honey Gold” rewards that can be redeemed for gift cards.
Using these extensions means you never have to worry about missing out on a discount, as they search for deals and apply savings at checkout.
10. Use Price Matching Policies
Many major retailers have price matching policies, allowing you to request the lowest available price for an item if you find it cheaper elsewhere. This hack can save you time and effort by ensuring you get the best price on the spot.
How to Use Price Matching:
- Know the Policy: Familiarize yourself with stores’ price matching policies, as some apply to in-store and online prices.
- Present Proof: Show the lower price from a competitor (usually via smartphone or printout) to the cashier or customer service.
- Check for Post-Purchase Adjustments: Some stores will honor price adjustments if the item goes on sale within a set period after purchase.
Price matching is a great way to ensure you’re not overpaying and can often be done right at the store with minimal hassle.
11. Pay Attention to Flash Sale and Daily Deal Sites
Flash sale sites like Groupon, Zulily, and Woot offer heavily discounted products on a limited-time basis. These sites cover a variety of categories, including electronics, home goods, and clothing, providing steep discounts on high-quality items.
Tips for Shopping Flash Sales:
- Set Notifications: Sign up for notifications to stay updated on flash sales in your favorite categories.
- Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Make sure the item meets your expectations and check for additional fees.
- Act Quickly: Flash sales are usually only available for a few hours or days, so be ready to purchase when you find a great deal.
These sites allow you to score high-quality products at substantial discounts, as long as you’re ready to make a decision quickly.
12. Avoid Impulse Purchases with the 24-Hour Rule
The 24-hour rule is a powerful way to reduce impulse spending. If you find yourself wanting to buy something, wait 24 hours before making the purchase. This delay helps you determine if you truly need or want the item, often leading to more thoughtful decisions.
How to Use the 24-Hour Rule:
- Add to Cart and Wait: Put the item in your cart but don’t check out immediately.
- Reevaluate the Next Day: After 24 hours, assess whether the item is still worth buying.
- Reward Yourself for Saving: If you decide against the purchase, consider transferring the money you would have spent to your savings.
This hack helps you prioritize your spending, ultimately saving money by preventing unnecessary purchases.
By incorporating these hidden shopping hacks, you can make smarter purchases, maximize discounts, and reduce your overall spending. From using price-tracking tools and cash-back apps to following brands on social media and timing purchases with seasonal sales, these strategies help ensure you’re getting the best value every time you shop.
