If you’re planning a shopping trip this weekend, whether it’s to the supermarket, clothes store or online, before you do anything else make sure you read these quick tips to help you save some pennies when you’re next out shopping.
Below we share with you our top four tips to help you cut the cost of shopping:
Quickly compare prices
Whether you’re shopping online or doing it in store, it’s easy to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
If you’re online head over to a comparison site such as PriceRunner, enter the name of the product you’re about to buy and let it search for the same item at a cheaper price.
You can also do this if you’re in a store with your smartphone. There are hundreds of apps available that allow you to scan the barcode of a product you’re about to buy and then see if it’s cheaper online.
Get cash-back
If you’re shopping online the chances are you’re already using a service such as Quidco to claim cashback on your purchases.
But did you know that you can also receive cashback for shopping in physical stores? Simply register your card with the cashback site at they will do the rest. At the time of writing you could earn 2% back at Debenhams, 3.6% at Vodafone and 4.8% at H Samuel.
Try haggling
Although we Brits are reluctant to try this, haggling is a great way to knock pounds off items, but it’s easier said than done in some stores.
For instance, many subscription based services such as Sky TV, AA Breakdown services and insurance firms are more than happy to reduce the price as long as you agree to sign up to a long contract. However, try doing this in your local Apple Store and the chances are you’ll be laughed out of the shop.
However, there is another way, a new website called Flubit will do the haggling for you. Simply enter the URL of the item you’re wanting and they will try and get it at a lower price for you.
Look out for vouchers
Another simple way to save on your shopping is to use vouchers wherever possible. Most online stores send out regular money off coupons via email or on Twitter and Facebook, so be sure to follow your favourite brands closely.
The same goes for shopping in stores. Before you go have a quick look online to see if there are any vouchers available and use apps like MyVoucherCodes while you’re out and about to find additional coupons.
How do you save money online? Let us know in the comments below.
Image credit: Indiana Stan