Savvy Online Shopping Basics

To say that I love online shopping is an understatement.  Everyone who knows me well knows I am always looking for the best deals on the internet.  And I order everything and anything online ... nothing is too large or too small. 


One Saturday I got home from running errands and Jim and the kids were gone.  I called him to see where they were and he told me at Best Buy to buy a new TV for his music/exercise room.  I almost had a heart attack!  Stop and exit the store immediately.  Do not buy anything.  You can save so much online with almost everything, as the items are usually discounted from in-store prices, then add coupons, free shipping, no tax and it's too good to pass up.


There are three websites I am going to tell you about today that are essential for every online shopping experience.

• Ebates.  When you shop through ebates, you get cash back every time you shop.  There are no strings attached and no costs; you go to their website and click on the store you want to shop at.  They take you to that store's website, you shop, and you get anywhere from 1-12%+ of the total purchase amount in your account.  Then every quarter they send you a check.  I have been a member since 2004 and have received cash back of over $820!  The stores that participate in this are stores I know you have shopped at:  Shutterfly, Gap, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Land's End, Endless, and the list goes on.  They have coupons for stores too.  To sign up, click here http://www.ebates.com/.  You'll get $5 for signing up and making a qualified purchase.
• RetailMeNot.  This is my favorite website for online coupon codes.  I like them because they are the most inclusive I have found, and people rate whether the coupon worked for them or not, so you don't waste your time.  http://www.retailmenot.com/
  
• CouponConnector.  Another great site for online coupons, but what I really love about them is they put the actual e-mail on their website.  Now you don't have to subscribe to a bunch of different store e-mail newsletters and clog up your inbox.  Stores often e-mail coupons to their subscribers with in-store coupons as well as online ones, so next time you go shopping, check on this site and print out coupons from whatever store you plan on going to.  http://www.couponconnector.com/

I know what you're thinking ... this is too much to remember every time I shop online.  It's simply getting into the habit of remembering before you click on the Checkout button ... check if the store is on Ebates and if it has a coupon code on RetailMeNot or CouponConnector.  I promise that 90% of the time you will save money.


This morning I ordered hay and bedding for our guinea pig Harriett from Petco.  They were having an internet sale, so the online prices were cheaper than in-store prices.  I found a 10% off plus free shipping coupon on RetailMeNot and Petco gives 6% cash back on Ebates.  Plus, I was in my pajamas drinking my coffee.  Perfection!