How to Make the Most of Online Sales and Discounts

The allure of online sales and discounts is undeniable. Whether it’s seasonal promotions, flash sales, or exclusive offers, online shopping provides endless opportunities to snag products at a fraction of the cost. However, with so many deals available, it can be challenging to navigate the vast online marketplace to find the best discounts and make the most out of your shopping experience.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of online sales and discounts, ensuring you save money without missing out on high-quality products.

1. Understand the Types of Online Sales and Discounts

Before diving into the world of online sales, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the common types of deals. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Seasonal Sales: These are held during specific times of the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, or New Year sales. Retailers offer significant discounts on various products, and it’s an excellent time to stock up on essentials or invest in bigger-ticket items.

Flash Sales: These sales are time-limited, often lasting only a few hours or a day. They feature significant discounts on select items, and products sell out quickly. Flash sales can be a great way to grab bargains if you’re ready to act fast.

Clearance Sales: When retailers need to clear out old stock to make room for new inventory, they offer clearance sales. You can score great discounts on older products that are still in excellent condition.

Coupons and Promo Codes: These are codes that you can apply during checkout to receive discounts on your order. Promo codes can be found on retailer websites, social media, or third-party coupon sites.

Buy One, Get One (BOGO) Deals: Retailers often run promotions where you get a second item for free or at a discounted price when purchasing one at full price. These deals are ideal for buying multiples of products you need.

Free Shipping Offers: Many online retailers provide free shipping during sales events or on orders over a certain value. Free shipping can add up to significant savings, particularly when buying bulky or heavy items.

2. Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of the best online sales is to sign up for newsletters and alerts from your favorite retailers. Most brands and e-commerce platforms offer email subscriptions, which deliver information about upcoming sales, limited-time offers, exclusive discounts, and new product launches.

In addition to brand newsletters, you can sign up for deal aggregation websites or apps that curate sales from various retailers. Websites like Jumia, Jumimatt, Ali Express, or  Alibaba provide tools to track price drops and alert you to discounts.

Pro Tip: Many retailers give new subscribers an immediate discount or free shipping offer, so take advantage of these incentives when signing up.

3. Make Use of Loyalty Programs

Many online retailers have loyalty programs that reward customers for making frequent purchases. These programs often offer points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or exclusive access to sales. Some programs also provide early access to sales events, giving you a head start on grabbing the best deals.

If a retailer you love offers a loyalty program, signing up is a smart way to maximize savings on future purchases. Additionally, some loyalty programs send personalized offers or birthday discounts, which can further stretch your budget.

4. Use Price Comparison Tools

One of the keys to getting the best online discounts is ensuring that you’re truly getting the lowest price available. Price comparison tools and browser extensions can help you compare prices across multiple websites, saving you time and money.

For example, tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or the Honey extension can automatically compare prices of products across different online stores. They also often notify you if a better deal is available or if a product is on sale, ensuring that you’re always in the loop.

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for tech gadgets, electronics, or high-ticket items, consider using tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon. These tools show historical pricing data, allowing you to determine if a current deal is truly a bargain.

5. Create a Shopping List and Stick to It

Online sales can be tempting, and it’s easy to get carried away and purchase items you don’t need. To avoid overspending, make a shopping list before browsing, and stick to it. Planning your purchases helps you stay focused on buying only what’s necessary and ensures that you don’t end up buying impulse items that may not offer the best value.

Pro Tip: Many online retailers have wish lists or save-for-later options. Use these features to keep track of items you’re interested in, and wait for sales to bring the prices down before making a purchase.

6. Watch for Price Drops and Set Alerts

Many online retailers frequently adjust their prices. A product you’re interested in may go on sale shortly after you’ve added it to your cart. To avoid paying full price, you can monitor the price of items and set alerts for when the price drops.

Some websites and apps, such as Honey or Keepa (for Amazon), allow you to track price changes and notify you when a discount is applied to the items you want. This is particularly useful for products that you may not need immediately but are planning to purchase in the near future.

7. Shop at the Right Time

Timing plays a crucial role in making the most of online sales. Certain times of the year or day are better for scoring discounts:

Shop During Big Sales Events: As mentioned earlier, events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Black Friday offer some of the biggest discounts. If you can wait for these major sales, you’re likely to find excellent deals on a variety of products.

Time of Day Matters: Prices and stock availability can change throughout the day. Shopping in the early morning or late at night might give you access to deals before they run out. Flash sales often start at specific times, so being there at the right moment is crucial.

End-of-Season Sales: Many retailers offer significant discounts at the end of each season to clear out stock in preparation for the next. This is a perfect opportunity to grab seasonal items at a fraction of the price.

8. Use Credit Card Rewards and Cashback Offers

Credit cards can be powerful tools when it comes to saving money on online sales. Many credit cards offer rewards or cashback for online purchases. Some cards even have partnerships with specific retailers to offer bonus rewards, or additional discounts on their sales events.

If you’re planning to make a significant purchase, check if your credit card offers cashback or rewards points for the transaction. Additionally, cashback platforms like Rakuten or TopCashback can offer extra savings by giving you a percentage of your purchase price back after completing the transaction.

9. Review Return Policies and Be Mindful of Hidden Fees

While sales and discounts are great, it’s important to consider return policies and potential hidden fees. Some sales may come with restocking fees, non-refundable items, or complicated return processes. Before purchasing, make sure you’re familiar with the return policy, especially if you’re shopping for products you’re unsure about.

Additionally, some retailers charge shipping or handling fees, so it’s essential to factor those into the total cost of your purchase. A great deal on a product may not seem as appealing once you add extra costs.

10. Check for Product Bundles and Cross-Promotions

Many online retailers offer product bundles or cross-promotions during sales events. A bundle is often a collection of related items sold together at a discounted price. For example, you might find a skincare set that includes a moisturizer, serum, and cleanser for a lower price than buying each item separately.

Take advantage of these bundles when shopping for everyday essentials or larger items. These deals allow you to maximize value and get more for your money.

Conclusion

Making the most of online sales and discounts requires strategy and awareness. By understanding the types of sales available, signing up for alerts, comparing prices, and using the right tools, you can navigate online shopping like a pro. Keep an eye out for price drops, use loyalty programs, and ensure you’re shopping at the right time to get the best deals. With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your savings, make informed purchases, and shop smarter for all your needs.

About the Author

Dr. David Onguka brings more than 26 years of expertise in finance, tax, audit, and management to his role as Managing Partner at David & Associates – Certified Public Accountants. His extensive experience includes serving as General Manager and Group Chief Financial Officer at Ainushamsi Energy Limited for 6 years, as well as holding similar positions at Jaguar Petroleum Limited for five years. He began his career as an Audit Senior at PKF Kenya and was Finance Manager at Gapco Kenya Limited for seven years. He holds PhD in Finance from University of Nairobi (UON), MBA in Finance, CPA(K) and CPS(K). He is also a researcher, author, publisher and practicing member of ICPAK and Institute of Certified Secretary (ICS).

 For inquiries, you can reach him at david@davidandassociates.co.ke or link to our website: www.davidandassociates.co.ke or visit at West Park Towers, 2^nd floor, Mpesi Lane off Muthithi Road, Westlands.