The web can be a gift or a curse when it comes to shopping. There are so many websites selling the same products at different prices with and without shipping, sales, rebates...you can spend hours and hours trying to find the best price. What are we to do?
How do I find the best prices on the web?
The way I look at pricing on the web is not simply the sales price. Here is what price really means
Price of item + sales tax + shipping - rebates = the real price
But that is not all. Here are some other challenges
Shipping:
1. Some websites do not tell you the shipping cost until you fill in your complete address and are registerd. Other sites have a convenient calculator using your zip code.
2. How fast do you need the item. Shipping cost especially at expedited rates may be different. Also, some sites may take longer to even get the product out the door.
3. Lastly, there is the FREE SHIPPING on orders over $$...this is a great deal if you were planning to spend that amount. If you end up buying things just to get over that limit, think whether you are really saving money.
Sales Tax
This used to be a controversial issue because many internet sales had no sales tax added to them....even today it seems that is the case. I am not an expert in this area, but my understanding is that websites that have a physical presence in the state you live in charge you sales tax. So, I believe many of the chain retail stores that we all know that also have a web presence add sales tax to your online purchases. This can add up. But don't rely on me, I am not an expert on sales tax.
Rebates and Coupons
Music to my ears. I have to admit I get rather mad when I buy something and then find a coupon or rebate. Many times when I chek out online I see that box that says "enter coupon or discount code." I always think that someone is getting a better deal than me.
There are many ways to pay less.
One way that sites offer rebates is offering you a coupon or rebate on your next purchase if you spend a certain amount in a particular department. Often these rebates are not that obvious, but they are not hidden. Also, the rebates may be emailed to you so if you are spammed as much as I am then you just may miss it. And then they also expire. On some sites like Amazon.com you need to read the instructions under the product to ensure you get the rebate or coupon.
Another way to quickly check for rebates is to simply go to Google...type in the website you are shopping at and add "coupons". Google will find a bunch of rebate consolidators. Click on one of them and see what the rebate deals are. These sites sometimes make money because they are affiliates of these companies and they get a percentage of the sale.
When you check out make sure you get the rebate. Some of these links may be old so the rebate is no longer valid. In any case this is a quick way to save a few bucks...it definitely is worth the time.
This is a pretty easy thing to do.
Price Consolidators
There are also price consolidators that list prices of products you search for. Google has a version of this which is not too bad. I have also heard of Pricezilla, Nextag and others. One way to find these price search engines is to go to a search engine like Yahoo or Google and type in the product name. Usually you will see a couple price consolidators appear in the results. Try it now...don't worry, your search will open in a new window.
Bargain Websites
Last but not least some websites just seem to have good deals. Sometimes the deals are on particular products, others are just generally lower. It is usually the former that is the case. These websites are good if you are buying generic items like toys you could give as a future gift etc. I have found websites that have great bargains on some toys and would make great gifts for any kid.
Just be careful of some sites that try to present themselves as low price sites. You can often find that their prices are easily matched by other sites in many cases. Not that these sites are bad, but they do not always have the best deal.
Also, some sites just charge more than others. The mark up on stuff over wholesale is high to start. Some sites just mark it up a little more.
Closing Advice
The web is a blessing and curse. I have spent hours on the web trying to save a few bucks. Is that really worth my time? I guess maybe. Now with a few strategic searches and clicks I can quickly grab a rebate and make sure I am not paying way too much.
I have found some great sites out there. Perhaps we'll add a section for our readers. Money is a terrible thing to waste, but then so again is time. With a little practice the web can save you both.
I have to admit, I usually end up buying from Amazon. I often can get free shipping, they have a good selection and I have a good history with them which matters to me. (Saves me time).
Happy Shopping
Published with permission of SeaofMoney.com. Saving people money one site at a time.
