The Savvy Shopper's Guide to Finding the Best Deals
When shopping online, I like to scout whatever platform I choose for deals. It’s why I got a vision board for N12,000 less than the prices I saw initially, my belly trimmer for N5000 instead of N10,000, and my reading table for less than what the carpenter called for me.
If you are tired of paying full price when shopping and sick of feeling like you're missing out on hidden discounts, it's time to level up your shopping game and become a savvy shopper extraordinaire.
Imagine effortlessly snagging designer clothes for a fraction of the cost, getting top-notch electronics without breaking the bank, and furnishing your home with stylish finds that won't feel like you broke your entire savings to get them. You don't have to imagine too much, as you can open a world of incredible deals with a little bit of know-how and a sprinkle of strategy.
In this savvy shopper's guide, we will explore tips and tricks, strategies and websites where you can find the best deals on anything you want. Ready to shop smart and save money? Let’s dive in.
Pre-Shopping Preparation
Create a Shopping List
One thing I have to constantly fight off when shipping is getting distracted by flashy sales and attractive items. It turns out I’m not the only one, as 41% of people surveyed by Haslam College of Business buy more items when distracted. To avoid being distracted or buying things you don’t need, it is important to create a shopping list.
Are you looking to buy a washing machine, sunscreen, or a gift for an upcoming birthday? Write it all down. Also, it’s important to be very specific when writing. Instead of writing “skincare” on your list, write “sunscreen” or “moisturiser.”
Creating a shopping list will help you:
Avoid Impulse Buys:
We have all been there. You see a flash sale or a limited-time offer, and suddenly, you're clicking "add to cart" for something you never even knew you wanted. A list helps you resist these impulsive urges, reminding you of what you set out to buy in the first place.
Shop with Intention:
By knowing your needs beforehand, you shop with intention. You know exactly what you are looking for and go straight hunting for it instead of prancing to find what you need to buy.
Prioritisation:
If your budget is tight, a list helps you prioritise. You can decide which items are essential and which ones can wait. This prevents you from overspending and ending up with stuff you don't need.
Pro tip:
Use the 24-hour rule when shopping. If you see something you want but aren't sure you need it, give yourself 24 hours to think about it. If you still want it after a day, it might be worth considering. But if you've forgotten about it, it's a good sign that it wasn't necessary.
Set a Budget
One of the things being a Nigerian university student taught me is the importance of having a budget. This helped me manage my monthly allowance and every other gift I got. Before you start shopping, you need to take a moment to decide how much money you're okay with spending.
Why is this important? It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding great deals and buy more than you need or can afford. Setting a budget helps you stay grounded and focused on what you want to buy.
Here's how you can budget effectively:
Figure out your total spending limit:
How much money do you have available for shopping this month or this particular purchase?
Break it down into categories:
If you're shopping for multiple items (such as clothes, electronics, and household items), divide your budget into smaller chunks for each category.
Stick to the plan:
Once you've set your limits, try your best not to exceed them. This might mean saying no to some tempting deals, but remember, it's all about staying within your means.
Tips and Tricks for Finding Deals Online
Use Price Comparison Tools
Before you click "Buy Now," it's a savvy shopper thing to check if you can get the same thing for less somewhere else. Price comparison tools make this easy and can save you a lot of money.
Popular Price Comparison Websites and Apps
Google Shopping:
This tool allows you to search for products and compare prices from online stores. Simply enter the product name, and Google Shopping will display a list of options with prices from different retailers.
PriceGrabber:
PriceGrabber provides a comprehensive list of prices for a wide range of products. You can filter results by price, retailer, and even customer ratings.
Shopzilla:
Shopzilla compares prices from thousands of online stores. It also offers product reviews and ratings to help you make informed decisions.
CamelCamelCamel:
This website is specifically for Amazon shoppers. It tracks price changes on Amazon and alerts you when prices drop.
Honey:
Honey is a browser extension that compares prices and automatically applies the best coupon codes at checkout.
Related: Top 15 Websites for Discount Designer Clothing
How to Effectively Use These Tools
While these tools are quite easy to use, here are some tips to ensure you can use them effectively.
Search Smartly:
Type in the exact name of the product or its model number for the most accurate results.
Check All the Details:
Look beyond the price tag. Consider shipping costs, taxes, and return policies. Sometimes, a "lower" price isn't great after adding those extras.
Look for Coupons:
Many price comparison tools also show you available coupons or promo codes so that you can save even more.
Set Price Alerts:
Some tools let you track prices and will send you an alert when an item you want drops. This is perfect for big purchases.
Read Reviews:
Don't just focus on price. See what other shoppers say about the product and the store before you buy.
Compare Carefully:
Look at more than just one price comparison site. Different sites might have different stores listed so that you might find a better deal on one site than another.
Utilise Coupon and Cashback Websites
Coupon and cashback websites are excellent tools to save money while shopping online. Coupons provide instant discounts, while cashback sites offer a percentage of your purchase as cash or rewards.
Popular Coupon Sites
RetailMeNot:
One of the largest coupon websites, RetailMeNot, offers coupons for various online stores. You can find discount codes, printable coupons, and cashback offers.
Coupons.com:
Coupons.com provides digital coupons you can use online or print out for in-store use. It covers various categories, including groceries, clothing, and electronics.
Groupon:
Groupon offers deals on activities, dining, travel, and more. It’s a great place to find discounts on services and experiences.
Slickdeals:
Slickdeals is a community-driven site where users share and vote on the best deals. It includes coupons, promo codes, and sales from various retailers.
Honey:
Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes at checkout. It also tracks price history and can notify you of price drops.
How Coupon Sites Work
Search for Coupons:
Visit a coupon site like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com. Use the search bar to find specific stores or products. You can also browse categories to find relevant coupons. For example, a search for PrettyLittleThing on RetailMeNot shows all the coupons and promo codes available for the platform.
Find and Select Coupons:
Browse the list of available coupons. Each coupon shows details like the discount amount, restrictions, and expiration date. Select the coupon that best suits your needs.
Copy the Coupon Code:
For online shopping, click on the coupon to reveal a code. Copy this code to use at checkout. Some sites may offer direct links that automatically apply the code.
Apply the Coupon:
When you’re ready to check out, paste the coupon code into the designated box on the retailer’s checkout page. Make sure the discount is applied before completing your purchase.
Print Coupons for In-Store Use:
Some sites offer printable coupons for physical store shoppers. Print the coupon and present it to the cashier when checking out.
How Cashback Sites Work
Sign Up for an Account:
First, create an account on a cashback site. Some popular cashback sites include Rakuten, Swagbucks, and TopCashback.
Browse Retailers:
Once you have an account, browse the list of participating retailers on the cashback site. These sites partner with various stores to offer cashback on your purchases.
Click Through the Cashback Site:
To earn cashback, click on the retailer’s link from the cashback site. This ensures your purchase is tracked, and you receive the cashback reward.
Shop as Usual:
After clicking through the cashback site, shop as you normally would on the retailer’s website. Add items to your cart and complete your purchase.
Earn Cashback:
Once your purchase is confirmed, the cashback site will credit your account with a percentage of your purchase amount. Depending on the retailer and promotion, this can range from a few percent to as much as 20% or more.
Withdraw Your Cashback:
After accumulating a certain amount of cashback, you can withdraw your earnings. Most sites offer payout options like direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards.
Tips for Maximizing Savings with Coupons and Cashback Sites
Combine Coupons and Cashback:
Use coupons and cashback offers together for maximum savings. For example, find a discount coupon code and click through a cashback site to get a percentage back.
Check Multiple Sources:
Look for coupons on several sites to ensure you get the best deal. Sometimes, one site has a better offer than another.
Use Browser Extensions:
Install browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten. These extensions automatically find and apply coupons and activate cashback when you shop online.
Stay Updated on Offers:
Sign up for newsletters from coupon and cashback sites to receive notifications about new deals and exclusive offers.
Plan Purchases Around Promotions:
Cashback sites offer increased rates during special promotions, holidays, and sales events. Plan your purchases to take advantage of these times.
Read the Terms and Conditions:
Read the terms and conditions of cashback offers. Some purchases might not qualify, or you may need to follow specific steps to earn the cashback.
Track Your Earnings:
Regularly check your cashback account to ensure your purchases are tracked correctly. If you notice any discrepancies, contact customer service promptly.
Timing Your Purchases
Timing your purchases can help you maximise the best sales and discounts. By shopping during certain times of the year, you can find huge savings on a wide range of products.
Best Times of the Year to Shop
Black Friday and Cyber Monday:
These are the biggest shopping days of the year, with massive discounts on electronics, clothing, and more. Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday is the following Monday.
End-of-Season Sales:
Retailers often clear out seasonal inventory at the end of each season. For example, you can find great deals on end-of-year, winter, or summer sales.
Amazon Prime Day:
This special sales event for Amazon Prime members is usually held in July. It offers huge discounts on a wide variety of products.
Holiday Sales:
Major holidays like Valentine’s, Christmas, and New Year’s often come with big sales. Look for discounts in the weeks leading up to these holidays.
Anniversary Sales:
Many retailers have annual sales to celebrate their store anniversaries.
How to Track Sales and Discounts
Sign Up for Newsletters:
Subscribe to newsletters from your favourite retailers. They often send out emails about upcoming sales, special promotions, and exclusive discounts.
Follow Retailers on Social Media:
Retailers frequently post about sales and discounts on their social media pages. To stay updated, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Use Deal Websites and Apps:
Websites like Slickdeals, DealNews, and Brad’s Deals aggregate sales and discounts from various retailers. You can also use apps like Honey and ShopSavvy to find deals and apply coupons automatically.
Set Up Price Alerts:
Use tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or Google Shopping to set price alerts for specific products. These tools notify you when the price drops to your desired level.
Check Retailer Websites Regularly:
Visit retailer websites to check for ongoing promotions and sales. Many stores have a “Sale” or “Clearance” section listing discounted items.
Join Loyalty Programs:
Many retailers offer loyalty programs that provide early access to sales, special discounts, and rewards points. Sign up to get these benefits.
Read Online Forums and Communities:
Join forums and online communities where members share current deals and sales information. Subreddits like r/frugal or r/deals can be goldmines.
Abandon Your Cart
Online retailers want to close sales and avoid losing customers. Leaving items in your shopping cart without checking out signals to the retailer that you are interested but hesitant. Some retailers will send you a discount code or special offer to encourage you to complete your purchase. This strategy can save you money and make your shopping experience even better.
Top Websites for Finding the Best Deals
Amazon
Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces globally, offering many products at competitive prices.
How to Navigate Amazon for Deals
Browse Today’s Deals:
Visit Amazon's "Today’s Deals" page. You'll find limited-time offers, lightning deals, and discounts across various categories here. Check back frequently, as deals change daily.
Use Filters and Sort Options:
When searching for a specific product, use the filters and sort options on the left-hand side of the search results page. You can filter by price, brand, customer ratings, and more to narrow your options and find the best deals.
Look for Prime Exclusive Deals:
If you’re a Prime member, take advantage of Prime exclusive deals. These offers are available only to Prime members and often include discounts and free shipping.
Check Out Lightning Deals:
Lightning deals are limited-time offers with a limited quantity available. They often offer discounts but sell out quickly. Keep an eye on upcoming lightning deals and set alerts to be notified when they go live.
Utilise Amazon Coupons:
Amazon offers digital coupons that can be clipped and applied to eligible products at checkout. Browse the "Coupons" section to find discounts on items.
Shop in Seasonal Sales Events:
Amazon hosts several annual sales events, including Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. During these events, you'll find a wide range of discounted products and exclusive deals for Prime members.
Read Customer Reviews:
Before purchasing, take the time to read customer reviews and ratings. Reviews provide valuable insights into a product's quality, performance, and reliability, helping you make informed purchasing decisions.
Related: How To Find Products To Sell On Amazon
eBay
eBay is a popular online marketplace for various products, from electronics to clothing to collectables. It’s known for its auctions, where you can bid on items, often getting them at a lower price than retail.
Tips for Bidding and Buying on eBay
Search for Specific Items:
Use eBay’s search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for. Be as specific as possible to narrow down the results.
Filter Your Results:
Use filters to sort by price, condition (new or used), auction or "Buy It Now," and location. This helps you find the best deals faster.
Set a Maximum Bid:
Decide the highest amount you’re willing to pay for an item before you start bidding. Enter your maximum bid to let eBay automatically bid for you up to that amount. This prevents you from overspending.
Watch Items:
If you’re not ready to bid, add items to your watch list. This allows you to monitor the auction immediately without committing to a bid.
Use "Buy It Now":
If you don’t want to wait for an auction to end, look for items with a "Buy It Now" option. This allows you to purchase the item immediately at a set price.
Check Shipping Costs:
Always check the shipping costs before bidding or buying. Some sellers may offer low prices but charge high shipping fees.
Related: A Comprehensive Guide to Shopping on eBay and Shipping to Nigeria
Walmart
Walmart is one of the best websites for finding great deals on various products. Whether you're shopping for groceries, electronics, clothing, or home goods, Walmart offers competitive prices and frequent discounts. Here’s how to maximise Walmart’s online deals and membership advantages.
Online Deals and Rollback Prices
Rollback Prices:
Rollbacks are special discounts where Walmart temporarily lowers the price of a product. These deals are prominently displayed on the website. Look for the “Rollback” label on product listings to find rollbacks. You can also search for “rollback” in the search bar to see all current Rollback deals. An example of a Rollback is when a TV that normally costs $400 might be on Rollback for $350.
Special Sales and Promotions
Seasonal Sales:
Walmart offers significant discounts during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales.
Clearance Items:
Walmart’s website’s clearance section has products marked down to clear out inventory. These items are often heavily discounted.
Flash Deals:
These limited-time offers provide substantial savings on select items. Flash deals are time-sensitive, so act quickly when you see one.
Walmart’s Savings Center
Visit Walmart’s Savings Center on their website to find all the current deals in one place. This section includes Rollbacks, clearance items, and special promotions. You can browse deals by category, such as electronics, home, fashion, and more. This makes it easier to find discounts on the products you need.
Target
Target is a popular retail store known for offering products from groceries and household items to clothing and electronics. Target often has competitive prices and frequent sales, making it a great place to find deals. Here’s how you can maximise your savings when shopping at Target.
Target Circle Offers and Discounts
Target Circle is a free loyalty program that provides members with exclusive deals and discounts.
Sign Up for Target Circle:
You can create a free account on Target’s website or app by providing basic information, such as your name and email address.
Browse Offers:
Once signed up, you can browse Target Circle offers. These include discounts on specific products, percentage-off deals, and special promotions. You can find offers on the Target app or website.
Add Offers to Your Account:
When you see an offer you like, click “save” to add it to your account. You can save multiple offers at once.
Use Offers at Checkout:
When you’re ready to make a purchase, provide your Target Circle account information at checkout. For online purchases, make sure you’re logged in to your account. You can use your phone number or the Target app at the register for in-store purchases.
Earn Rewards:
With Target Circle, you earn 1% back on every purchase, which you can use for future Target purchases.
Target’s Price Match Policy
Target price match policy allows you to get the best price available. Here’s how it works:
Find a Lower Price:
You can request a price match if you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor’s store or Target’s website.
Show Proof of the Lower Price:
Bring proof of the lower price to a Target store. This can be a print advertisement, a screenshot, or a link to the competitor’s website. For online price matches, you can also contact Target customer service.
Request the Price Match:
At the customer service desk or checkout, show the proof of the lower price and request a price match. The Target employee will verify the lower price and adjust the price for you.
Understand the Rules:
The price match policy has some rules. The item must be identical in brand, size, weight, colour, quantity, and model number. The lower price must be current and available to the general public. Clearance, closeout, and liquidation sales are usually not eligible for price matching.
Other websites you can find top deals on include:
SHEIN
AliExpress
Bestbuy
Etsy
Jumia
PrettyLittleThing
Jiji
Related: Top 30 Affordable U.K. Online Stores For Nigerian Shoppers
How to Identify Reputable Sellers
Some sellers can be shady, and it's best to verify a seller before purchasing from them. Here are some tips to guide you:
Check Seller Ratings:
Look at the seller’s feedback score and read reviews from previous buyers. A high feedback score and positive reviews indicate a trustworthy seller.
Read Detailed Seller Ratings:
In addition to the overall feedback score, most platforms provide detailed seller ratings on item description accuracy, communication, shipping time, and shipping charges. High ratings in these areas suggest a reliable seller.
Look for Top-Rated Sellers:
Some platforms highlight top-rated sellers with a badge. These sellers have a proven track record of excellent customer service and reliable transactions.
Review the Seller’s Return Policy:
A good return policy is a sign of a reputable seller. Check if the seller accepts returns and what the conditions are.
Contact the Seller:
If you have questions about the item, contact the seller before bidding or buying. Prompt and clear responses are a good indicator of a reliable seller.
Avoid Sellers with Numerous Negative Reviews:
While no seller is perfect, be cautious if a seller has multiple recent negative reviews. This could indicate ongoing issues.
Getting your Items Delivered
you’ve gotten the tips and tricks to score good deals on various eCommerce platforms, you’ve gone ahead to shop to your heart’s content, and and you have to get your items delivered. Some platforms offer shipping options to Nigeria, but you want to get your items faster and cheaper. The number one way to do this is using Heroshe.
For over five years, Heroshe has been facilitating commerce, helping over 40,000 individuals and businesses ship items from the US, UK, and China to Nigeria. You might wonder, “Why Heroshe?” the answer is, “Why not Heroshe?” Here’s why the people we’ve serviced trust us to deliver:
Affordable Shipping Rates:
Our shipping rates at $8 per pound are affordable, saving you money on delivery costs. When you think about the premium service you are going to receive? In the words of one of our customers, “It is worth it.”
Speedy Delivery:
The flash has nothing on our delivery speed, as you are guaranteed delivery within 10-14 days (most times even less). A recent survey showed that over 70% of our customers are awed by our delivery speed and classify it as one of the reasons they use Heroshe and refer us to their friends and family.
Reliable Service:
You can always count on our reliability. With a proven track record of reliable delivery, your package will be one of the ones we can’t wait to handle with care and deliver to you without issues.
Easy Tracking:
You can track the progress of your shipment on our dashboard, and our constant update keeps you informed about its status at all times.
Excellent Customer Support:
Our customer support team and the entire Heroshe are keen on providing outstanding customer service, and delighting you is one of our goals. If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, our support team will assist you promptly and efficiently.
Customs Handling:
Navigating customs can be complicated, and you don’t have to endure the stress. We simplify the process by handling customs clearance for you. This ensures your items pass through customs smoothly and reach you without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Finding the best deals online can be a game-changer for your wallet. By knowing your needs, setting a budget, utilising price comparison tools, and taking advantage of coupon and cashback websites, you can maximise your savings and get the most value from your purchases.
However, scoring great deals is just the beginning. Getting your items delivered quickly and affordably is equally important. This is where Heroshe comes in. With affordable shipping rates, speedy delivery, and reliable service, we ensure your delivery experience is smooth.
Ready to make the most of your online shopping? Sign up on Heroshe today and start experiencing love and swift delivery. Happy shopping!
