You want to support the local Mom and Pop shop, but it’s hard when everything’s cheaper online. Competitors race to the (pricing) bottom to earn your business.

It’s surprising but not everyone knows how to buy things online efficiently.

They’ll take the “deal” at face value when the reality is its no deal at all! This article goes out to all those newbie shoppers.

How to Buy Things Online for Incredibly Low Prices: 8 Tricks You Need to Try

You ever scored a deal so great it was dizzying? The thrill when a company had a pricing mistake but you nicked it in time. Or, knowing the best times and price history to score deals better than what you’d find on Black Friday?

Online shopping can be like that if you know what to do. Here are those tricks to try on your next e-shopping adventure:

1. Know the Price History

Online retailers are notorious for jacking up prices right before a seasonal sale. The increase lets them display a bigger discount. Shoppers think they’re getting a deal but it’s actually sold at its normal, off-season price.

Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to track price history. This tool will help you know whether you’re getting a real steal of a deal.

2. Know the Model

Those doorbusters during Black Friday and Cyber Monday? The products are usually made for those sales with cheaper parts with fewer features.

Look at the model number on other shopping and review sites. This reveals if you’re getting a true deal or a subpar product disguised as a huge discount.

3. Always Check for Coupons

Make it a habit to check coupon websites for a discount code.

Other places to find coupons include:

• Deals forums
• Deals newsletters

Monitoring social media for the product/brand could reveal a deal, too.

4. Or, Get Coupons by Being Lazy

Some online retailers send automated emails if you abandoned the cart. These messages typically contain a “come back” message with a coupon code. Your patience could score an extra 10% off!

5. Ask

Most online stores regularly run promotional campaigns. They’ll withhold coupons between sales events but they’re still usually in the system.

Try asking for coupons:

• Call
• Email
• Direct message

It’s better to land a sale then having you go elsewhere meaning many send a coupon code if they think you’re ready to buy.

6. Outsource It

Pay someone to find the best deals with help from a virtual assistant. Sounds crazy but you can find VAs for a few bucks an hour. You could task them with finding deals, ultimately saving more than what you’re paying.

7. Pitch Brands

Got some social clout or a website? Leverage your influence and pitch brands asking for products you could review. You’ll get to keep the products afterward.

8. Time It

Show patience and wait for the best time to buy things:

• Spring: holiday stuff, computers, and home goods
• Summer: vacation itinerary, jewelry, and outdoor items
• Fall: toys, clothing, and flights
• Winter: TVs, gadgets, and gear

Use price tracking and coupons during these holiday sales for more savings.

Get More Shopping Tips and Tricks

Feel like you’ve got this whole ‘how to buy things online’ thing down? Itching to find more online shopping deals? Keep an eye on our online shopping guides!

We can’t guarantee you’ll find an awesome deal each time, but least you have the skills and tricks. Good luck on your next online shopping trip!