Online Shopping Tip: Stop Draining Your Wallet Now

Michael Lever. We love this guy. In his article "7 Instant Ways To Save Anywhere Online" at Buzzle.com, he tells us how you can save a considerable amount of money just by shopping smart online. With the cost of shipping getting more steep the heavier or bulkier the item you're buying, couldn't we all use a little bit of advice on how to save money?

Today, for example, I went to Hobby Lobby to look at a few things for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Hobby Lobby has the most amazing selection of items you'll find useful in your home and for almost anything you want to handcraft. I was surprised to find the O'Neill Brothers "A Day to Remember" wedding CD sold at $12 at Hobby Lobby. Online, it's sold for $14. Then you would have to pay for shipping cost. The total amounted to $17. I know, the difference may not mean so much but if I had looked at the stores first, then I would have saved a little bit more money I could use for something else.

Does this mean shopping online is just not worth it? Not necessarily. If you live in a small town that do not even have malls or specialty stores like Hobby Lobby, then shopping online is the way to go. Sure, you will have to spend for shipping. But that's why we at Get Online Texas are writing this article. We know that paying for shipping and tax is inevitable, but don't forget that many online stores have more selection than the brick and mortar version. Victoria's Secret, for example, sells a greater variety of lingerie in their catalog that you can buy online than in the stores.

Tip#1. Did you ever try to shop for something on a website and then thought about checking out other online stores, when suddenly a pop-up says "Wait, we are offering a 20% discount if you purchase now!" It happens in real life as well as in online stores. If you really like the item, then you should take advantage of the discount offer.

Tip#2. Research always does the trick. The only way you can really figure out which online merchant sells the cheapest on the same product is to do a Google search. Amazon.com usually has low prices, but you may check directly to the original store that manufactures the product. You have to be efficient on this, because researching may take too much of your time.

Tip#3. Google or Yahoo is also a great way to find online coupons from merchants. For example, if you try to find out a certain online merchant's physical address, they will show up on Google maps, along with coupons or discount offers. Just make sure that the coupon code you're using is still valid. Avoid getting duped.

Tip#4. Many of us dislike giving out our emails because of spam. If, however, you have set up an email account just for getting special offers from online stores where you buy, it's a great way to find exclusive items you may not get elsewhere at a cheaper price. For example, since I always shop at Flirt catalog and Vistaprint, I get discounts on new items constantly. I use these for my next purchase.

Tip#5. This may sound a little overboard, but you can actually make money from the stores you always buy from. All you have to do is recommend their products, create your own blog or website, and have your friends or relatives buy through affiliate links on your blog or website. You can earn commissions from their purchases so you get your money back from your own wallet, and maybe earn a little bit from your visitors' purchases.

Want to learn more? Visit Get Online Texas and Shopper Savvy and find out how you can shop better online, or maybe make extra money through a blog or website. We'll make it easy for you!