The internet is a vast place to shop. Not only are the prices generally lower, but the internet is chock-full of coupons and rebates. One of the good things about the Internet is the ability to use the super searching speed of servers to find deals on any products you may be looking for. By searching smartly, you'll be able to find exactly what you want at the best possible price.
Steps
- Identify the product you want to buy. Search with general and specific words or phrases.
- Try search sites specifically for shopping, such as Google Product Search. Some (such as Google) help assure efficiency by not accepting money for inclusion or emphasis.
- Search reviews and comparisons for alternative products, which are sometimes not much different but much cheaper (sometimes due simply to an unusual sale).
- Do further research. Product review sites offer additional information.
- Look for clearance items. Most sites have a discounted section of last year's products, over-stocked items or hard-to-sell products that need to be sold.
- Some search and listing sites emphasize various retailers' specials, such as Techbargains and eDealInfo.
- Look for further discounts:
- Look for possible discounts with membership or frequent flier programs.
- Look for big holiday Shop During Sales and Clearances, such as around Christmas, President's Day, Memorial Day or Labor Day.
- Look for end-of-the-season sales. Buy summer products at the end of summer and winter products at the end of winter.
- Be patient. Eventually any item may be on sale.
- Find up-to-date coupons for various internet retail stores.
- Compare and find the best available Look For Coupons.
- Some offers may ask for a coupon code, which can be obtained through a special link.
- Some coupons may quickly expire.
- Some coupons are only valid for the first 100 customers. This may be true with more expensive items, such as laptops, cell phones, gaming consoles, etc.
- Compare and include shipping and handling for the total cost of a product.
Warnings
- Be cautious with deals that seem too good to be true (caveat emptor), such as on an online auction site. Scams are everywhere.
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