15 Genius Online Shopping Hacks You’re Not Using (But Should!)

Online shopping is convenient and easy, but it can also get expensive if you’re not careful. While many people know the common tips, like using coupons or waiting for sales, there are plenty of lesser-known, creative ways to save big. In this article, we’ll share how to save money while shopping online, 15 smart hacks that most people don’t use, but should. These tricks will help you spend smarter and get more for your money.

1. Use Virtual Shopping Assistants

Some websites and apps feature AI-powered shopping assistants that help you find better deals or suggest more affordable alternatives. Lyst and ShopLook are examples of how AI can help find the best price for the same item on multiple stores.

2. Sign Up for Flash Sale Alerts

Flash sales are quick, surprise discounts that happen for a limited time. Use apps like Gilt or Woot to get instant notifications about flash sales on your favorite items before everyone else.

3. Use Your Shopping Cart as a Negotiation Tool

If you’ve filled your cart and are ready to leave, try reaching out to customer service. Many stores will offer an additional discount to keep you from abandoning your cart. It works especially well for higher-priced items!

4. Activate Price Alerts on Niche Sites

Rather than only using major platforms, try using websites like Honey’s Droplist or PriceBlink to set up alerts for specific products on niche retailers’ websites. These alerts will notify you when the price drops.

5. Look for “Bundling” Deals

Instead of buying items separately, search for bundles or kits that group similar products together at a lower price. For example, beauty brands often sell bundles for hair care or skincare items, giving you a better price than if you bought them individually.

6. Use Google Images for Price Matching

If you find a product you like but it’s too expensive, take a screenshot or search for the product image on Google Images to find stores that sell it for a lower price. This can sometimes reveal hidden deals on lesser-known websites.

7. Consider Buying Refurbished or Open-Box Items

Websites like Best Buy and Amazon offer refurbished or open-box items that are like new but cost significantly less. It’s a great way to save on electronics, furniture, or home goods without compromising on quality.

8. Check Smaller, Local Online Stores

Often, local online stores or small businesses have better prices than major retailers. Websites like Etsy, Made in USA, and Big Cartel feature unique items that may be cheaper or offer better deals than big box stores.

9. Follow Product Drops for Limited-Edition Discounts

Some brands, especially in fashion or tech, drop new products in limited quantities with discounts attached. Sign up for product release notifications or follow them on Instagram or Twitter to get first access to these deals.

10. Use Old Store Coupons You’ve Saved Up

Don’t throw away old coupon codes or flyers. Some websites still accept expired coupons, especially if you contact their customer service. You’d be surprised how often they’ll let it slide!

11. Take Advantage of Student Discount Websites

Beyond your usual student discount, look for niche student-focused discount websites like Unidays or Student Beans. These offer hidden discounts that you can stack with other promotions, so they can really add up.

12. Join Online Groups or Forums for Special Codes

Sometimes, the best deals aren’t found in the mainstream. Join online communities like Reddit’s r/Frugal or r/Deals, where users share limited-time promo codes, secret sales, or flash sales. Some deals are only shared within these groups!

13. Stack Multiple Offers Using Gift Cards and Promotions

Look for stackable promotions that allow you to use multiple discount codes together (e.g., 20% off + free shipping + a 10% discount for using a gift card). Not all stores advertise this, but it’s often allowed.

14. Sign Up for Free Trials and Cancel After You Buy

Many subscription services or premium sites offer a first-month-free deal. If you're buying something that offers a membership or subscription (like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or a store-specific membership), use the free trial to get discounts or special deals and cancel before the trial ends.

15. Use Return Policies to Your Advantage

While this tip is a bit cheeky, some stores give you a "price drop guarantee" within a certain period. If you buy something and the price drops within a week or two, you can contact customer service to get a refund for the price difference.

Conclusion

These 15 genius hacks are easy to use but can make a huge difference in your online shopping experience. By using some of these lesser-known tricks, you can save big and avoid spending more than you need to. Start using these tips today, and watch your savings add up!