Online shopping is huge these days and is making many brick-and-mortar retailers wonder how they can keep up with the competition. As competition continues to escalate, shoppers will continue to be able to find great deals from their favorite stores online.

However, rather than just sitting back and assuming that one is getting the best possible price for a desired product, use these five saving tips to find the biggest discounts and the greatest deals whether shopping for groceries, clothes, books or travel needs online.

 

• Always Check for Coupon Codes

 

Before clicking “finalize purchase,” one should always ensure that the greatest possible number of coupon codes are being utilized. Some sites only allow one code per purchase. Others allow customers to stack between two to four codes.

Be sure to stack coupon codes by using the highest discounts first for the maximum discount. There are many Websites that cull the most recent coupon codes and announce upcoming options that may be even better if you can wait.

 

• Sign up for Sale Alert Emails

 

Although most people are already inundated with an overwhelming number of emails to read daily, some are able to cash in on great deals on their favorite Websites by signing up for loyalty or sale alert emails. Consider setting up a separate email account that is only for favorite stores. There, individuals can be alerted to upcoming sales, promotions and markdowns.

 

• Sign up for Bargain Alerts

 

Bargain alerts are somewhat different from sale alerts in that they do not come directly from a favorite Website. Instead, these email alerts come for third-party companies, such as GroopDealz, that gather the best current deals and either list them on their Websites or apps until they are sold out or send a daily email with the best individualized options.

The key with these types of alerts is to jump on them as soon as possible because many of them sell out quickly. Check out GroopDealz reviews to get a sense of customer satisfaction rates.

 

• Earn Cash Back

 

Some companies offer cash back every time one shops at a favorite store. Browser add-ons are popular for triggering individuals to click through for a percentage of cash back. Other cash back programs are run through apps that require shoppers to upload their grocery receipts to earn cash back on certain products that have been featured for the week.

Cash back often accumulates on the site and can be requested several times per year as a check. Other companies prefer to reward cash back in the form of gift cards.

 

• Sign up for Rewards Programs

 

Many companies offer loyalty programs that reward shoppers with points every time they shop and give them huge discounts with their first purchases. Upon accumulation, these points can be traded in for free products or major discounts. Plus, loyalty programs often provide special discounts on one’s birthday month.

 

• Compare Prices

 

One should never finalize an online purchase without performing a basic price comparison. Simply typing the product name or USB into a search engine can show which stores offer the product the most cheaply. One may also want to try a browser add-on that automatically searches and lists the lowest prices across the Web for a desired product.

Depending on the company, individuals may be able to find more ways to save simply by talking to a customer service representative. For example, one may be able to ask for a price match guarantee or for a refund if the price drops within a week or two of completing the purchase. By strategically using apps, Website add-ons and emails, individuals can enjoy steep discounts from all of their favorite retailers even when shopping from the comfort of their own homes.