Getting the Best Deal Shopping Online
A
little extra effort can result in amazing savings when shopping online. For
many purchases, comparing prices from site to site can help one find the best
overall deal. The additional effort to locate an online coupon code can turn a
deal into a steal. I’ve never found an online coupon code for Amazon.com,
Zappos.com or Nordtrom.com – but most online retailers do offer coupons for
free shipping or an occasional discount.
It is also critical to take into consideration shipping costs and sales
tax before completing a purchase.
It
does take time and patience to find a bargain; but persistence and creativity
can often rule the day. Sometimes the
same item will vary wildly in price from one site to another. For example, if I find a shoe or boot I like,
I will check Zappos.com, Shoebuy.com, Shoemall.com Nordstrom, Amazon.com, shoes.com, 6pm.com, onlineshoes.com, or any other site
that pops up when I Google the brand and style. Most of these retailers also
encourage customers to post feedback on fit, comfort, value and quality. If there is no feedback I will have to take a
chance, wait till there is feedback, or order only from a site that allows free
returns.
Then,
do a Google search for the retailer you are using for any potential coupon
codes, i.e. – “coupon codes for shoes.com”.
The result may bring up pages and pages of coupon compiling sites. Some
will show useless coupons. Some will say there are no current coupons. Some
will show expired coupons only. Some sites will have several that may or may
not apply. But it is worth checking several sites. I’ve found the elusive 50%
off coupon on my 11th page! Even if you have a coupon code from a
catalog, it often pays to go through this step because retailers will often
send different customers or potential customers different offers. Why? If you
are already a regular customer they don’t have to lure you to shop. If you
aren’t a regular customer – they want to reel you in. And while some coupons will say “one per
person” – many online retailers don’t keep track of anything but the expiration
dates.
And
of course – there is always eBay! Look for the sellers with high positive
feedback. The optimum score is, of course, 100%. Read the feedback or send an inquiry to the
seller if you have a question. And always use PayPal to pay. I’ve gone through the dispute process once
when some plants I bought arrived DOA and PayPal refunded the entire purchase
price. Todd & I even bought one of our cars on eBay. My favorite source for
top quality reproduction Victorian jewelry is an eBay seller in Tel Aviv!
So
if you’ve hesitated to shop online until now, try it! Amazon.com is the gold
standard; but there are countless sites offering deals that no brick and mortar
store can because of the overhead.
And
ALWAYS look for a coupon code. At least get the free shipping!
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