In today’s digital age, shopping online has become second nature—especially for those of us who appreciate the convenience of a cozy couch over crowded malls. Still, shopping online doesn’t always mean getting the best deal. But here’s the hack: with a little help from platforms like Coupora, you can snag serious savings without putting in much effort.
The Art of Playing Hard-to-Get with Retailers
In this turbo-capitalistic landscape, playing hard-to-get with online retailers can work in our favor. Becoming a savvy cart abandoner could unlock unexpected savings.
This seemingly bizarre strategy works on simple psychology. As you shop online, toss items into your cart with the enthusiasm of a child in a candy store. But instead of clicking ‘Purchase Now,’ walk away—or more aptly, close the tab.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of Coupora, explains, “In a desperate plea for your return, the retailer might email you a discount code to coax you into completing the purchase. It’s an approach that triggers our fear of missing out.
Nobody wants their cherished items snatched up by another shopper, right?” So, we’re pressured to hit ‘checkout’ faster than you can say ‘one-click order.’
However, timing is key. While not every retailer plays this game, those that do usually send an email within 24 to 48 hours of cart abandonment. A little patience goes a long way with this tactic.
Remember, all’s fair in love, war, and online shopping. If retailers want to play mind games, why stop them from offering a sweet deal? Unleash your inner cart abandoner and let the savings commence.
Timing Is Everything
Having the luxury of time is one of the best things about online shopping. Unlike rummaging through bargain bins in physical stores, online you can keep track of sales cycles discreetly and comfortably.
- Flash Sales and Discounts: These online miracles appear unheralded and disappear without a trace. But for those in the know—like you after reading this guide—timing purchases around these flash sales can lead to savings as dramatic as the sales are brief. Many online retailers schedule these sales predictably, think “Happy Hour” sales or “Mid-week Madness”. Identify these rhythms and you could save a pretty penny.
- Holiday Sales: It’s not just on holidays though; remember those especially juicy sales periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season clearances. During these occasions, the discount percentages ascend to dizzying heights, making it an ideal time to strike. Mark your online shopping calendar for these key events, then kick back and wait for the markdown magic to happen.
Laid back? Yes. Out of the loop? No way. Even the master of the lazy life can appreciate the joy of getting there just in the nick of time. By focusing on later, you’ll end up paying less—now that’s a bargain.
Utilize Email Subscriptions
Sure, we all dread the onslaught of emails, dinging, and causing your phone to vibrate when you’re just about to beat the final boss in your favourite game. But signing up for email newsletters from your top-of-the-list retailers? That’s a winning move, champ.
The game starts as soon as you hit ‘Subscribe’. In the lucrative world of online retail, each customer is worth their weight in gold.
And for welcoming their sales pitches into your sacred inbox, many retailers offer an immediate discount as a token of appreciation. It’s an effortless way to get a sweet deal.
But wait, there’s more. This isn’t just about the one-off discounts. Oh no. Birthdays might be reminders of our relentless march towards the grand void, but they’re also great days to scoop up deals. As a valued subscriber, many retailers will toss you a celebratory discount your way, making growing older a touch more rewarding.
Don’t forget to watch out for loyalty programs rolled out through email subscriptions. These can provide even further savings or special opportunities to score items at a reduced price.
In short, signing up for email newsletters automatically puts you in a position where businesses are vying for your attention and are willing to offer you the best of deals – it’s like being the belle of the ball, without needing to leave your couch.
Make that email work, buddy. Don’t just let it be filled with bill reminders and notes from grandma. Cash in on those subscriptions and get that lazy person’s high score.
Compare Before You Buy
In the fast-paced realm of online shopping, the quick ‘add to cart’ and check-out may seem most appealing, but hold onto your credit cards for a sec. Doing some easy comparisons before you buy can yield major cost savings.
- Price Comparison Tools: The internet is ridden with more products than you can count. But, don’t worry. There’s a hack for that. Take a delve into the world of price comparison tools. These handy online tools quickly scan and compare the prices of your desired product across an array of retailers. Just type in the product you’re gnawing at the bit for, and voilà, you have a list of places you can buy it from—ranked from the lowest price to the highest. It ensures you’re not impulsively clicking ‘buy’ on an overpriced item. You get the same stuff, just you pay less.
- Reviews and Recommendations: It’s not always about the price tag, though. Sometimes, the lowest-cost item isn’t the best deal either. Before you throw your caution—and dollars—to the wind, double-check the product through customer reviews. Gauge people’s real-life experience with the item and see if it matches up with the seller’s promises.
Also, many price comparison tools offer the feature of reading reviews directly from their portal. Look beyond just the star rating and go through a good number of reviews.
What are people talking about? The product’s quality, its durability, any common issues? It builds a sound picture in your head, enabling you to strike that perfect balance between price and value.
So, put that itchy ‘buy now’ finger at rest and do a little (really, just a little) legwork—uh, we mean finger work. In just a couple of more clicks or scrolls, you could be saving loads and scoring yourself better value for your spend. It’s a lazy person’s dream!
Leverage Social Media
We’re living in a socially networked era, making it easier than ever before to save just by tapping and scrolling. Brands have caught on to this digital savviness, and they regularly use their social media platforms to dish out exclusive deals and sneak peeks that only their followers can access.
First, be sure to Follow Brands. This doesn’t mean aimlessly following every brand under the sun—aim for smart laziness. Focus on your favorite retailers, ones that align with your style and budget.
They frequently announce flash sales, promotional codes, or exclusive discounts on their feeds, especially on Instagram and Facebook. Use notifications wisely to avoid missing out; it entails a mere tap, and voila! Savings are at your fingertips.
Secondly, don’t underestimate the power of Engage and Win. Engaging with brands on social media isn’t just for fun; it can lead to savings.
Many brands host contests and giveaways that you can enter just by liking, sharing, commenting, or posting a brand-related photo or hashtag. Sure, there’s no guarantee of winning, but when you do, the rewards could be a lucrative blend of free or massively discounted products.
So, don’t just scroll and double-tap—be smart about it. Your digital presence is a currency in its own right, and you’d be amazed at how much you can save just by being a little bit social savvy. Whether you’re in line for a coffee or mindlessly browsing in bed, don’t view social media as a time-waster—it’s a money saver!
