How to make the most of store deals on the internet.

Saving money is always a good idea. One way to save money is to shop online, but if you are not looking for store deals, then you are not getting the most return for your money. There are many ways to take advantage of these store deals in order to spend less than your typical consumer. 


Cash-back Websites

Some websites will actually pay you a portion of what you spend online. In this case, you would sign up for the cash back website, and then usually they will have you click on a link to where you want to shop. From there, you can use whatever store deals you can find and a percentage of the amount you spend will come back to you.

One Day Store Deals

The most popular store deals on the net right now are ones that are only good for a day. Some of these sites have a specific niche, or specialty (such as clothes or kids toys only); while some of the sites will have a wide range of store deals (kids toys, clothing and electronics). The way to get the most out of these sites is to keep an eye out for their big marketing push. Usually during these times, the store deals are a credit in exchange for signing up with their site. The site will give you a set amount of money to put towards future purchases. Some of these balances have a spending limit ($20 credit if you spend $50) while others will not. In the latter case, you can sometimes get your store deals for free. For example, if you get a $20 credit and then an item is on sale for $20, it's free. Sometimes they will even let you use the credit towards your shipping costs which leads to the possibility of getting your store deals and the shipping both for free. Also look for referral bonuses which also give you credits towards future store deals.

Coupon Codes

Another key way to save money on store deals is to use coupon codes. Coupon codes are a set of letters and/or numbers that can be typed into a specified entry field in order to get some sort of discount. Some stores will have them available and others will not. Usually these (as well as information about the credits mentioned previously) will be posted on deal blogs. A simple internet search will usually bring up coupon codes if there are any available. 

In order to save the most money, it's best to combine these by using coupon codes on daily store deals you find on cash-back websites and use your credits to purchase them.

 

Ann R. Smith is independent consultant for personal finance and associate of CheapToday.com, the home of the best store deals