How to Find Better Deals Online

Online shopping gives consumers access to thousands of retailers and millions of products. However, the first price you see is not necessarily the best deal. Different stores may sell the same product at different prices, while shipping charges, coupons, taxes, rewards and return policies can change the actual value of an offer.

The key to saving money is therefore to compare before you buy.

1. Start by Searching for the Exact Product

Before comparing prices, make sure you are comparing exactly the same product. Check the brand, model number, storage capacity, size, color, generation and other important specifications.

For example, a laptop with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD should not automatically be compared with another laptop that has 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage simply because they have similar names.

2. Compare Prices Across Multiple Stores

One of the easiest ways to find better deals is to check several retailers before purchasing.

3. Use Price Comparison Websites

Instead of opening several shopping websites individually, use price comparison tools to get a broader view of available offers.

Comparison shopping platforms can aggregate prices and product information from multiple retailers, making it easier to identify competitive offers.

4. Compare the Total Cost

A product that appears cheaper may become more expensive after shipping, taxes or other charges.

In this example, the product with the lowest advertised price is not the cheapest overall. Always compare the final cost before paying.

5. Look for Coupons and Promotional Codes

Before completing your purchase, check whether the retailer offers a coupon, promotional code, newsletter discount, seasonal promotion or other eligible saving.

A 10% coupon can sometimes make a slightly more expensive retailer cheaper than a competitor.

6. Check Price History

A product advertised as “50% off” is not necessarily a great bargain. The original reference price may not tell you what the product normally sells for.

When possible, check historical prices before deciding whether to buy immediately or wait for a better opportunity.

Tools such as CamelCamelCamel can be useful when researching historical Amazon prices.

Check Amazon price history with CamelCamelCamel →

7. Compare Different Versions of the Product

Sometimes the best deal is not the cheapest listing. A slightly more expensive model may include more storage, better accessories, a longer warranty or improved specifications.

For example, when shopping for a smartphone, compare:

• Storage capacity
• RAM
• Camera specifications
• Battery capacity
• Processor
• Warranty
• Included accessories

8. Check Brand and Retailer Websites

Marketplaces are not the only place to shop. Sometimes the manufacturer's website or an authorized retailer may have an exclusive promotion, bundle or warranty benefit.

9. Read Reviews Before Buying

A cheap product is not necessarily a good deal if it has poor quality or a high return rate.

Before purchasing, look at customer reviews and focus on recurring issues rather than relying only on the overall star rating.

• Look for verified customer reviews.
• Check recent reviews.
• Look for repeated complaints.
• Check whether reviews refer to the exact model.
• Investigate seller ratings when buying from a marketplace.

10. Check Shipping and Delivery

Delivery costs and delivery times can significantly affect the value of an online purchase.

Before ordering, check whether shipping is free, how long delivery will take and whether additional import duties or taxes could apply to an international purchase.

11. Check the Return and Warranty Policy

A good deal should also provide reasonable protection if the product arrives damaged, defective or different from what you expected.

Review the retailer's return period, warranty, refund conditions and return shipping requirements before purchasing expensive products.

12. Use a Simple Deal-Finding Process

Online Shopping Deal Checklist

• I compared the exact same product.
• I checked at least two or three retailers.
• I compared shipping costs.
• I checked available coupons.
• I reviewed the seller's reputation.
• I checked the return policy.
• I checked the warranty.
• I considered price history when available.
• I checked the final checkout price.