There are a lot of reasons to love online shopping. First, it’s extremely convenient. You can do all your shopping in the comfort of your own home, using only your computer or smartphone. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying groceries or gadgets—you can easily find everything you need online.
Second, online shopping is safe in more ways than one. With a few good habits, you can easily avoid scams and protect sensitive information such as your financial details. It’s also better for your health, since you won’t be in contact with a lot of people and won’t be exposed to pollutants or allergens.
Finally, if you want to save money, online shopping is the way to go. Not only will you not spend on gas and parking fees, but you’ll also find that there are a lot of ways to get the most bang for your buck. For some examples of these money-saving tips, take a look at the list below:
Buy from Trusted, High-Quality Brands
When some people think of “value for money,” they immediately imagine affordable, non-branded goods. Of course, this way of thinking isn’t entirely wrong. However, there are times when it’s best to buy a more premium item because it will last longer.
For example, a mattress from Mandaue Foam (one of Maya’s many partner merchants) may be a little more expensive but you won’t have to replace it every few years. A high-quality mattress will likely also be more comfortable, so you’ll get better sleep. Buying from trusted companies also means you’ll receive more comprehensive warranties.
All in all, it’s better to invest in quality brands than to buy cheaper alternatives that will break or lose their good quality after a few months. This goes for a lot of different products, including appliances and gadgets. It’s even more important to choose products made by reliable companies if you’re buying second-hand.
Do Your Research
Before you click that “Add to Cart” button, make sure to do your research first. There are a lot of great deals online, and it takes a bit of patience to find those that suit your needs. For example, if you’re buying personal hygiene needs, you’ll likely get more value with a buy one, get one deal instead of a percentage discount. You should also take note of when the sales are happening, so you can prepare your schedule and budget (you can use your Maya Virtual Card to shop online).
An important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Again, find promos and deals that suit your needs or at least those for products that you’ve been saving up for (such as a new smartphone). If you buy everything that’s on sale even if you don’t need them, then you aren’t getting the most value for money at all.
Don’t Be Shy to Use Promo Codes
For many online shopping pros, promo codes are “life.” The most common one you’ll find is free shipping; most sellers offer this with a minimum purchase amount, although there are also those who allow shoppers to use these vouchers at any time.
There are also promos that offer cashback rewards if you use a friend’s sign-up code, freebie codes, and discount codes. With strategic usage, you can get bigger savings with multiple promo codes. Be considerate, however, especially if you’re buying from independent sellers.
Buy in Bulk
You can save a lot of money when you buy in bulk, whether it’s online or in-store. For online shopping, it’s even better because you’ll only be paying for the shipping fee once.
It’s a good idea to buy in bulk those supplies that you’re sure you’re going to use. These include personal care items like soap, shampoo, conditioner; dishwashing soap, tissues and paper towels, as well as pet food.
When it comes to food, consider buying healthy snacks. Oatmeal and whole-grain cereals are also perfect for bulk purchase. Just make sure that the items you buy have long enough shelf life to prevent spoilage.
Buy Off-Season Items
Another great way to save money when shopping online is to buy during the off-season. For example, purchase your decorations in January or February instead of including them in your usual Christmas shopping rush. If you want to buy inflatable pools or new swimwear, don’t buy them during the summer months. Instead, get them at the height of the rainy season.
The key here is to not shop when there’s high demand, because the prices will most definitely be higher. It’s best to wait, especially if there’s no urgent need for the things you want to buy.
Wait for New Models (Then Buy the Old Ones)
When it comes to electronics shopping, it’s a good idea to wait for the release or the announcement of the newest models. Then, get the previous year’s release which usually gets a huge price cut. This applies not just for gadgets, but also for appliances like TVs.
Of course, before buying gadgets, do your research first to see if the product you’re eyeing actually meets your usage requirements.
For many Filipinos, shopping online is already second-nature. That’s why there are many who also forget to stop for a moment to make sure they’re actually getting the best deals. With these tips, you can hopefully make the most of every online purchase.
