8 shopping hacks that feel illegal to know (but are totally allowed)

here’s a certain thrill in getting a deal that makes you look around like… “Wait, is this allowed?”

It is.

Below are eight completely legit ways to save more—without gaming the system or being that customer.

I use these constantly, from plant-based pantry staples to camera gear for my weekend photo walks.

Let’s dive in.

1. Price match guarantees

Retailers fight hard for your business, which is why many will match a competitor’s price if you ask nicely and show proof.

My move is simple. I screenshot the lower price (same model, same color, same size), walk up to customer service, and say, “Could you match this price?”

Nine times out of ten, they do. If you’re shopping online, chat support works just as well.

Rules vary: some stores only match select competitors, some only their own online price, and many exclude third-party sellers or flash deals.

You don’t need to memorize every policy—just ask. The worst they’ll say is no, and that’s free.

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett quoting Ben Graham in his 2008 shareholder letter.

If a store won’t match, I often still buy if the overall value (warranty, return window, support) beats the cheaper offer. 

2. Price adjustment windows

Missed the sale by a day? That sting is avoidable.

Many retailers offer a post-purchase price adjustment if the item drops within a certain window (often 7–30 days).

Here’s the script I use: “Hi! I bought this last week and noticed it’s on sale now. Could I get a price adjustment to the current price?”

Have your order number, date, and a screenshot of the current price.

This is especially handy for big-ticket items that dip around holiday weekends. One 3-minute chat saved me $120 on a blender I use daily for green smoothies.

Legal? Absolutely. It’s their policy.

3. Stackable cashback

This is the closest thing to a cheat code. You can often “stack” cashback in three layers:

1. A cashback portal (e.g., Rakuten or TopCashback).

2. A card offer (think rotating categories or targeted issuer deals).

3. Store rewards (loyalty points or site credit).

Example: Portal offers 8% + card category 5% + store rewards 2% = a quiet 15% back on a full-price item.

Pro tip: open a private/incognito window before clicking through the portal to increase tracking reliability, and finish the checkout in one session.

I’ve mentioned this before but it bears repeating: stacking works best when you’re buying something you already need.

Don’t let “savings” talk you into a purchase you wouldn’t have made.

4. Discounted gift cards

Buying discounted digital gift cards (from reputable exchanges) before you shop is like preloading a quiet coupon.

Combine a 10% discounted card with a cashback portal and you’re effectively getting an extra-extra markdown.

Rules to keep it clean:
• Stick to reputable marketplaces and buy e-delivery only.
• Use them quickly; balances are safe, but you don’t want to misplace codes.
• Keep your receipts and codes in a separate note for easy returns.

When it makes sense, I’ll stack gift cards with a sale to pick up bulk pantry items—oats, nut butters, fancy olive oil—without touching my grocery budget.

5. Abandoned cart strategy

Yes, leaving items in your cart can trigger a “Hey, here’s 10% off” email. It doesn’t always happen, but it happens enough to be a strategy.

How I do it:
• Create an account and opt in to marketing emails.
• Add the items, then close the tab.
• Wait 24–72 hours.

Sometimes the nudge is free shipping, sometimes a unique code. If the item’s selling out, don’t risk it—buy now.

But if inventory looks stable (sizes and colors fully in stock), your patience may be rewarded.

I’ve scored limited-edition sneakers this way, plus a very specific vegan leather weekender that never seemed to go on sale.

6. Open-box markdowns

“Open-box,” “scratch,” and “floor model” tags are magical words. These items are usually in excellent condition, tested, and discounted because the packaging isn’t pristine or a tiny cosmetic blemish exists.

I always ask: “Do you have this open-box in the back?” You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes.

Then I inspect it like I’m about to adopt a puppy—check all accessories, run through a quick function test, confirm return policy.

This one feels especially sneaky because you’re getting essentially the same product for less, with a legal, clear paper trail. It’s recycling meets frugality.

7. Price history alerts

Tools that track price history are the ultimate reality check. If an “OMG deal” is actually a return to last month’s price, you’ll see it.

Two that I like: Camelcamelcamel for Amazon price history and Keepa for deeper tracking.

You can set alerts at your target price and let the software stalk the dips for you.

This shifts your mindset from impulse to intention. Instead of chasing the dopamine hit of a countdown timer, you’re calmly waiting for your number.

As the FTC puts it, “Before you go back to the store or website, learn about the company’s return policies,” which also includes deadlines that matter when your alert finally pings.

8. Subscription switcheroo

Subscribe-and-save is fantastic—until it isn’t. Prices creep. Needs change.

The hack is to grab the initial discount, then trim, skip, or cancel before the next billing cycle if the price jumps.

Ethical use only here. Don’t order things you plan to return or discard. If you genuinely use the product (hello, alt-milk shelf packs and protein powder), you win either way: you lock in a lower price for refills or you gracefully exit.

I like to set a calendar reminder for 48 hours before the renewal.

That buffer gives me time to check whether a different pack size or brand is better value on a per-unit basis.

Bonus micro-plays that add up

• Ask for a small consideration. “Any way to do 10% off if I take this today?” You’ll be shocked at how often managers say yes, especially for floor models.

• Use the return window as a test window. If a store offers free returns, order two sizes and keep the one that truly fits. It’s not shady; it’s the policy. Just return clean and on time.

• Anchor on value, not hype. There’s a reason value investors obsess over intrinsic worth. When you focus on usefulness per dollar and long-term joy per use, gimmicks lose their power.

Putting it all together

If this sounds like a lot, start with one: price history alerts. Then add one more: a cashback portal. Then one more: ask for a price match. These habits compound fast.

Also, be kind. The person behind the counter didn’t write the policy, but they can often interpret it in your favor if you’re courteous, organized, and patient.

You’re not breaking the rules—you’re just playing the game with your eyes open.