Whether you’re shopping online or
in-store, you can ensure you’re getting the most for your money with a little
extra planning.
These savvy
shopping tips can help you score the most savings and added benefits while
you’re at it.
Time
Your Purchase
Before any big purchase, spend time
researching the product and retailers to find potential upcoming sales or
promotions. Also be conscious of the calendar and holidays or gift-giving events
that might prompt special offers on an item you’re looking to buy. Another
smart strategy: shopping end-of-season sales when items are marked down to make
way for new inventory.
Use
Digital Shopping Tools
You may be leery of signing up for
promotional emails but remember – it’s only junk mail if it isn’t useful.
Putting your name on mailing lists of your favorite retailers and brands is a
good way to get early or exclusive access to special offers and coupons.
Downloadable browser extensions and plug-ins are other cost-saving tools that
are increasingly popular. When you’re shopping with one or more of these tools
installed, your browser automatically checks for coupons or price comparisons
that allow you to get the best available deal.
READ MORE: How to economize on groceries
Shop
Refurbished
Whether it be for savings or
sustainability (or both) refurbished products are a top choice among savvy
shoppers. An option like eBay Refurbished delivers quality, like-new products
at deep discounts from premium brands that are thoroughly vetted to meet high
performance standards. You can shop across multiple condition grades and a wide range of price
points within categories like tablets, smartwatches, laptops, desktops
and smartphones – giving you more choice and the reassurance of buying a product
that fits your specific needs and budget. Score big savings on trusted
refurbished products at eBay.com/eBayRefurbished.
Save
on Shipping
When you’re researching an online
purchase and comparing prices, be sure to factor shipping into your total cost.
Many retailers offer free shipping once you spend a certain amount, extend free
shipping to preferred shoppers or offer periodic shipping promotions, so it’s
worth exploring the options. Also beware that buying items on sale can drop you
below free shipping minimums, so ultimately you pay more than you would have by
paying full price. In some cases, you can also save money by having an item
shipped to the local brick-and-mortar store and picking it up there.
Take
Advantage of Benefits
Understanding the terms of your
purchase can help protect you if there’s a problem and may even allow you to
take advantage of special rewards. Before finalizing a transaction, check into
the warranty options. Even refurbished products can come with warranties for a
specified time. For example, all eBay Refurbished products are backed by one-
or two-year warranties. For new items, some retailers offer the option to
extend your warranty beyond what the manufacturer provides. In addition, some
retailers offer money back incentives on certain purchases or allow you to
accumulate rewards for discounts on future purchases.
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