So in the spirit of frugality, I figured I'd have some fun putting together some of my tried and tested, fuss-free ways to incorporate savings the next time you add something to that virtual shopping cart :)
1) Signing up for the newsletters and mailing lists of favorite shops
More than just spam, being on a mailing list means you are informed firsthand for any flash sales, or special discounts that are extended only to mailing listees. This helps to become one of the fastest fingers first to score that incredible buy. Also, subscribing as a member for some sites entitle you perks such as free postage, reduced prices and free gifts!
2) Be part of groupbuys such as Alldealsasia, Groupon and Voucherlicious
The theory is simple: By combining the mass buying power, business are able to give a wholesale/vendor pricing, meaning you are able to buy products and services (like massages and facials, even holidays) at a significantly lower price. It's relatively fuss-free: just sign up for an account, add the offer to cart and make payment. The e-voucher is usually then emailed for you to print out for use at the establishment.
One thing to note, these tend to be time sensitive or in under a limited quantity so again, best to be on their mailing list to stay on top of your game.
3) Buying from alternative shopping portals such as Qoo10, Redmart, TaoBao and Rakuten
Everything you wanted to shop all at the click of a mouse button? Heck yes! Vendors exist on these channels for a variety of reasons: aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to break into the market with minimal capital splashed on a brick & motar store, wholesalers who wish to sell without the middleman cut, etc. Hence, products tend to be on a significantly cheaper side...which is great news for us consumers!
The downside however, is that sometimes the things that you order may look vastly different from what you expected. Especially in cases like Taobao, where things are mass-produced hence there is a wider margin for defects and counterfeit products. So do read the Terms and Conditions carefully, and take time to check the buyer reviews before making any purchases.
4) Check out with discount e-coupon sites like Cuponation and Iprice!
A relatively new concept, sites like Iprice and Cuponation feature coupon and promotional codes for a massive variety of brands and business, ranging everything to luxury fashion such as Kate Spade, overseas multi-label store ASOS to even flight travel sites like Expedia! They certainly have got all grounds covered and catergorized for easy navigation.
For example, Cuponation collaborates with highly-popular E-stores such as Zalora and ASOS to allow for e-coupon codes to be entered upon checkout. Plus, it also lists promotions happening in real time at establishments such as Takashimaya shopping mall and Pizza Hut restaurant, where a code is not needed. The convenience of having a plethora of saving measures, collated under a single roof.
And there you have it, my 4 ways in saving money when shopping online!
What are your tried and tested ways to getting that unbelievable bargain? Do share your thoughts with me in the comment's sections below!
