10 Smart tips for online shoppers in 2021 that will not blow your budget
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The thrills and perils of shopping online. Whether you do it for speed, to save time, for convenience, or even as a sport, online shopping is the way to buy stuff of the 21st century. In just a few clicks, you can shop for everything you need and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Even though this convenience makes it possible for people who cannot leave the house to get whatever they need, it is also an easy avenue for overspending and impulse buying. Whether you are online shopping for clothes, video games, furniture, pet essentials, cleaning supplies, or anything in between, here are 10 smart tips that will help you enjoy this modern convenience without denting your finances.
Always make a shopping list.
Before you log onto your favorite online store, always write down the things you need to buy. With this list, you can check online for deals on the items to ensure you buy them for the most affordable rates. Once your list is created, you need to master the discipline to stick to the list and not buy anything more.
If you come across things you need that are not on the list, you can make a note to include them in your next list once you budget for it. This is one of the best ways to avoid overspending or impulse buying during online shopping.
Work with a shopping budget.
To be a smart shopper online requires having a preset budget for every item on your list. Your budget should be based on what you can afford and how long you expect this item to last. Numerous online resources can guide you on making a budget if you have never made one before.
Budgeting should not be restrictive or hard. It is meant to help you relax and only spend within your means, and save you time. For instance, when you know you have $200 to spend on clothes, you will not waste time online looking through designer items that are way above your budget.
Always compare prices and use coupons.
With so many e-commerce sites selling the same products, online shoppers have tens of comparisons they can make to find the best rates on different items. When shopping online, always compare prices from different vendors before making a purchase. Sites such as Google Shopping and PriceRunner will give you the price options available for similar products from different vendors.
Price comparison is one of the smartest ways to save money when shopping online. Whenever possible, also consider using e-coupons to save the most when shopping online.
Research and read reviews.
Regardless of where you shop or the product you are interested in buying, always run a little research and read user reviews. This is especially important when buying a new product. Reviews let you know what other users think of the product, whether it is worth investing in, and whether it is of good quality.
There are independent consumer review sites where you can go for reliable reviews from real people who have interacted with different brands.
Check the return policy.
Before you place an order online, always read, and understand the store’s return policy. Even though most online retailers have the best customer return policies, others can make it incredibly difficult for you to return an item. To avoid having an item you cannot use and spending more money getting the right item, ensure the store allows you to exchange or return the item.
Before submitting your order, ask the following questions:
Does the retailer allow returns or exchanges?
Do they charge more for returns?
How much grace period is given for returns?
Can you get a full refund for the returned item?
What is the return process?
Generally, the best return process should be client-friendly and flexible.
Secure your internet connection
Even as you look for the best discounts and rates when shopping online, smart shopping also involves remaining safe when shopping online. Using a VPN to secure connection is the best way to protect your banking details online. When you use a VPN, you can safely use public Wi-Fi networks to shop online.
A VPN will create a protective envelope over the data transmitted from your device to any site you visit. This makes it impossible for hackers to eavesdrop or track your online footprint. Using a secured internet connection is also a way to save money since you reduce the chances of falling victim to online financial fraud.
Check shipping costs
While you may get great discounts on products, shipping costs can run up your spending when shopping online. Just as you compare product prices, also take time to compare shipping costs. Shop on sites that offer free or discounted shipping for items or purchases over a certain amount when buying things in bulk. Also, shop on sites that allow you to use shipping coupon codes to cut on your shipping expenses.
Safeguard your personal information
Apart from using a VPN to protect your privacy when shopping online, you also need to check an online retailer's information policy before shopping with them. All reputable online retail stores should have a comprehensive privacy policy that explains what they do with customer data.
Stay away from sites that sell information to third parties, as you do not know where your information will end up. Avoid providing unnecessary information such as your social security number or identification details when filling out information on a site.
Use plastic to pay for purchases.
When you pay using a credit card, your transaction is protected under the Fair Credit billing Act. This gives you the legal leeway to pursue and dispute fraudulent charges made on your card when making payment online. If your credit or debit card is compromised and used to make unauthorized purchases, you are only liable for $50 in charges. This protection is the reason it is advisable to use your cards when shopping online.
Never email your financial information.
Email is not the most secure avenue for transmitting financial data, including your credit card details, social security number, or account number. If the retail site requires you to send any sensitive information through email, you should avoid shopping on this site. It is not safe to send out information through email. A reputable site should offer a safe and fast avenue to make payments.
Conclusion
While shopping online puts the whole world at your fingertips, the more significant danger of online shopping is the lack of barriers when it comes to spending money. Most people do not put much thought when adding items to their cart, which encourages impulse buying.
By planning and following the steps above, you can ensure you remain in control of your online shopping experience to save time and money.