We can agree that the feeling of excitement never gets old when we shop! It doesn’t matter if we’re purchasing clothes online or going into stores to test out the latest iPhone or gaming console. We just love shopping!
The boost in consumerism also poses the question, “Is it possible to save while you shop?” Surprisingly, it is! Let’s dive into some tips on how to shop smarter and score better deals on your shopping.
Shopping Online
The internet penetration has reported a massive leap at an increase of 58% in 2020, fueling e-commerce players like Khmer24 and TinhTinh. With this newfound convenience, Cambodians seem to be shopping online more frequently. Thanks to the internet, we can now buy anything and everything we want from the comfort of our own home.This means no more crowded atmospheres and no more dreaded long queues at the cashier! We can even compare prices on various websites to pick the best deals! While it’s great to be able to enjoy all we’ve just mentioned, are comparison sites the only way of saving while shopping online? Absolutely not! Here are more ways you can save an extra dollar or two while shopping online!
Tips 1 : Save with online-exclusive promos
Before you make an impulse purchase at a physical store, do a quick check on the store’s website or social media pages and look out for online-exclusive promos. Some stores run campaigns on their website to cater to their online customers. You don’t want to be losing out on a couple of dollars you can save to buy your second purchase. Remember, your goal here is to get what you want and at the same time, save!
Tip 2: Always use coupons or vouchers
The only way you can receive exclusive vouchers during big celebrations or on your birthday month is via email. So, make a list of all your favourite brands and sign yourself up for their newsletters in order to get first dips on the latest updates and promos. Some websites even offer you a first-time-purchase discounted price off any item! Don’t underestimate what these coupons can do. For instance, if a pair of jeans is retailed at $100 and you get a 20% off your first purchase, you’ll only have to pay $80! You’ve saved $20!
Tip 3: Choose standard shipping
This tip is going to test your patience. Question is, do you really need your package to arrive the next day? Patience can save you a whole lot of money, especially if you’re ordering cross-border packages. Think of it this way, whether it’s express or standard shipping, your item is going to arrive either way. The difference with standard shipping is, getting to keep that extra money in the bank. Honestly, it’s a win-win if you ask us!
Tip 4: Compare prices
In this digital age, information is at your disposal. There’s no space for complaints if you don’t make your own comparison online. If the items that you are looking for are listed on other e-commerce websites, remember to check them out to avoid buying the same item for more. Remember, the goal here is to shop and save!
E-Wallet, Debit and Credit Card Discounts
Who doesn’t love cashback and rewards – because we do! As the reward system continues to gain its popularity, more and more merchants are jumping on the bandwagon. That’s why you’ll begin to see some stores in collaboration with banks offering their customers exclusive promotions and offers. Depending on the type of your debit or credit card, you’ll get to enjoy different perks such as birthday promotions, discounts, free gifts, and many others. It doesn’t matter if you’re an online shopper or an in-store one. Either way you’re still eligible for these benefits as long as your card offers you these exciting perks!
Tip: If you’re shopping at a mall or dining at a restaurant, it’s always a good idea to ask the staff if there are any collaboration promos just in case the promo is not publicly displayed.
Seasonal Sales & Flash Sales
As long as there’s a ‘sales’ banner, you can count us in! Unlike the unpredictable flash sales, seasonal sales tend to occur around the same time every year. Retailers often offer discounts on past-season items to make room for new designs. To take full advantage of seasonal sales, you need to plan. One bargain-shopping tip you should always keep in mind is that when the demand is high, prices are high, and when the demand is low, prices are low. For instance, if you’re planning for a wardrobe change, aim to shop during the mid-year sales. Not only would you get items you can wear on daily for less, but you can also grab an extra one or two accessories because you can afford to. Not too bad, right?
Flash sales happen more frequently and in shorter bursts on e-commerce sites to keep customers on their toes. While it is harder to track, bigger sales like 11.11 or 12:12 seem to be a permanent sale event annually. In any case, stay subscribed to an e-commerce site’s newsletter or follow their social media to keep up to date with their latest updates!
Tip: If you prefer to shop at a physical store, aim to always go in the morning when clothes are properly displayed on the racks. Not only do you avoid the afternoon crowd, but you might also even find a gem that you absolutely love! All for a lower price.
While shopping is fun — especially if you’re getting your favourite items at a bargain, it is always a good practice to track your spending. Keep an eye on your expenses and remember to allocate money into your savings. When your budgeting is done right, you can enjoy shopping guilt-free, knowing that you are not breaking the bank. With the tips we have shared, you can now enjoy shopping for less!
