Author: Paul Michael / Source: Wise Bread
So, you don’t want to pay full price for anything you buy? That’s smart. And why should you? These days, you have so many ways to get around that pesky price on the tag, and with the latest apps and websites on your side, you can save big with very little effort.
Here are 28 ways to get out of paying what’s on the sticker. (See also: How to Master These 10 Shopping Skills Before You Hit 30)1. Comparison shop
You might find the cost of the item you want varies significantly from store to store. Never buy anything without first doing a little research. Google will show you multiple prices from different stores, and an app like ShopSavvy makes it easy on the go.
2. Get price-drop refunds
Many credit cards now offer price protection. That means if the price you pay for something drops in the 90 days after you bought it, you can get the difference back. An app like Earny automates the whole process for you. Just wait and cash in. (See also: 14 Awesome Credit Card Perks You Didn’t Know About)
3. Use cash-back credit cards
Many credit cards offer cash-back incentives. You’ll find that 1-2 percent cash back is standard, although sometimes it’s higher on items like gas and airfare. As long as you pay off the balance in full each month, you’re instantly cashing in every time you swipe.
4. Subscribe to deal newsletters and apps
Sites and apps like DealNews and SlickDeals make it easy to find the items you want for less. Just do a search for what you need, and you’ll be given a range of items that are currently on sale or clearance, and which retailers are offering the lowest price.
(See also: These Apps and Extensions Find Online Deals for You — Automatically)5. Clip coupons
With many coupons going digital, there’s not a pressing need to actually ‘clip’ anything, but get into the habit of looking through coupon apps and circulars before you shop. You may find that you can use the coupons so effectively you’re barely paying for anything in your shopping cart. (See also: The 10 Best Couponing Apps)
6. Abandon your online cart
Pick out everything you want, put it in your cart, and then skip the final process. Many sites will encourage you to come back and check out with a discount. Just check your email (you may even get an offer code as you attempt to leave the site). After all, offering you 10 percent off is better for them than you not spending any money at all.
7. Look for refurbished items
Most manufacturer refurbished items are as close to new as you can get without actually being brand-new, and they are significantly cheaper. They’ve also been rigorously tested. And if you see “new (other)” in the item’s description, it’s probably just missing a price tag or a small accessory, but the lower price is well worth it. (See also: This Is the Secret to Buying Electronics for Cheap)
8. Buy offseason
Shopping offseason can save you big bucks. Base all your shopping on the sales cycles of the stores you frequent. Plan ahead. Buy a winter coat when the warm weather hits. Buy swimsuits as the winter draws in. You’ll pay way less for everything. (See also: These 6 Shopping Challenges Will Keep You Stylish Without Breaking Your Budget)
9. Shop warehouses and outlets
Warehouse clubs. Outlet and factory stores. These are places where the emphasis is on getting the most value for your money — not paying the full retail price. You’ll be getting the same items, only in bulk or off season. It’s great if you don’t care about wearing the very latest fashions.
10. Shop in thrift stores
There’s no shame in buying secondhand items or donated goods. Often, you can find items in excellent condition at 75 percent less than the retail price. In some cases, you can get clothing for just $1, including jackets and jeans — just wash and wear. (See also: 7 Money Lessons I Learned From Thrift-Shopping)
11. Set up automatic shipments
Amazon has a feature called “subscribe and save” that gives you big discounts when you get items delivered regularly, but they aren’t the only retailer…
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