8 clever tricks frequent online shoppers use to get the best deals

If you’ve ever stared down a blinking “limited time!” banner and thought, Wait… is this actually a deal?—same.

I used to click “place order” and hope for the best. Now I treat online shopping like meal prep: a tiny system on the front end so I’m not scrambling (or overspending) later.

Below are eight habits I rely on to make sure discounts are real, savings stack, and my cart reflects my values—not just the algorithm’s.

Add your own flavor where noted and you’ll be set.

Let's dive in: 

1. Stack an auto-couponer with a cash-back portal

What it is: Use a browser extension that auto-applies promo codes at checkout, then route the same purchase through a cash-back portal for an extra percentage back.

Why it works: You’re capturing two different incentive layers: merchant discounts and affiliate rewards. It’s legal, common, and shockingly effective—especially at big-box and apparel sites.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Install a reputable coupon extension (think Capital One Shopping, Honey, etc.).

• Create an account with a cash-back portal (Rakuten, TopCashback, or a card issuer’s portal).

• Before you buy, click through the portal to the store, then let your coupon extension test codes at checkout.

Pro tip: If two portals both list your store, pick the higher rate—but prioritize the one you’ll actually remember to use. Consistency compounds.

Ethics & planet note: Don’t let “free money” justify buying something you won’t use. The greenest item is the one you already own.

2. Make price history your lie detector

What it is: Tools that show an item’s historical price so you can separate real markdowns from theatrical slashes.

Why it works: Retailers sometimes anchor you to a “was” price that’s barely real. A quick history check tells you if the current price is truly below the 30–90 day average—or if it just looks exciting.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• For Amazon, add a tracker like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel and set a price alert at or below the recent low.

• For non-Amazon sites, plug the product URL into a tracker or search the SKU + “price history.” When in doubt, wait. Real deals repeat.

Pro tip: Screenshots are your friend. If a price briefly dips and bounces back, that image makes price-match conversations smoother.

3. Use price match policies—politely and precisely

What it is: Many retailers will match a lower publicly advertised price from a qualified competitor—sometimes even after you buy, within a stated window.

Why it works: One five-minute chat can net you the difference on big-ticket items. The key is knowing the terms (eligible competitors, identical model/SKU, timing) and presenting clear proof.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Search “[store name] price match policy” for your top three retailers and bookmark the pages.

• Keep a one-page note with the gist: what qualifies, how to contact, and your order numbers.

Pro tip: Lead with kindness: “Hi! I love shopping with you and noticed this identical item for [price] at [retailer]. Could you match it?” Screenshots with timestamp + URL help.

Heads-up: Policies change. Always check the current page before you ask.

4. Beat the free-shipping threshold—without filler

What it is: Free-shipping minimums are designed to nudge you into adding a $12 item you don’t need. Flip the script by planning purposeful add-ons or switching to pickup.

Why it works: You eliminate junk while still clearing the threshold—or you save the shipping fee entirely through BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store).

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Create a private “need soon” list: pantry staples, personal care, home basics.

• When your cart is “$6 shy,” scan the list and add something you’ll use this month—or pivot to store pickup if that makes sense.

Pro tip: If you’re perpetually $5–$10 under, consider a shared household list so you’re not guessing. Future-you will be thrilled when toothpaste magically appears before you run out.

5. Try the polite pause (a.k.a. the abandoned-cart nudge)

What it is: Many brands email a reminder—and sometimes a one-time incentive—if you add an item to your cart and don’t check out.

Why it works: Abandonment flows are automated. You’re not being rude; you’re simply giving the system a chance to court you a little.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Logged in, add what you want to your cart. Close the tab. Wait a day or two.

• If a message arrives with a code, great. If not, no harm done—you just pressure-tested your desire.

Etiquette note: For small makers or indie shops, I’ll buy at full price or ask about loyalty perks instead. We vote with our dollars, and I want those businesses around.

Boundary tip: Don’t make this your only move; some shops exclude new or high-demand items from these incentives.

6. Time your buys with alerts and deal calendars

What it is: Set product-specific alerts and use seasonal calendars (think: back-to-school, end-of-season, major retail events) to predict when prices dip.

Why it works: Discounts cluster around launches, inventory clears, and retail tentpoles. You’ll make calmer choices if you know another sale is coming in two weeks.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Create alerts on a community deals site (e.g., Slickdeals) or a tracker for the exact model you want.

• Add reminders for the big retail weeks you actually care about. If you’re plant-based, that might be pantry sales near January resolutions; if you’re a runner, look for gear drops right after spring marathons.

Pro tip: Mix alerts with a “cooling-off” rule. When an alert hits, wait 24 hours unless it’s a true lightning deal on a pre-decided item.

7. Use discounted gift cards—carefully and right before checkout

What it is: Buy a discounted digital gift card (GC) for the store you’re already shopping at, then redeem it seconds later.

Why it works: It’s an instant layer of savings (often 3–15%) on top of any coupon or cash-back you’re already stacking.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Choose a reputable marketplace with buyer protection and recent positive reviews.

• Purchase the exact amount you need right before you pay. Redeem immediately.

Safety checks:

• Stick to well-known sellers, read recent comments, and avoid physical cards or huge balances unless you’re comfortable with the risk.

• Screenshot the card number and redemption screen in case support needs details.

Pro tip: Pair this with a credit card that earns extra at “online” or “shopping portal” categories to triple-stack.

8. Take the one-and-done “subscribe & save,” then re-set

What it is: Many retailers offer a bigger discount on your first subscription order for recurring items. You can start the sub to lock in the deal—then push out, edit, or cancel later.

Why it works: You front-load the savings on essentials without committing to a forever cadence.

Do this now (30 seconds):

• Start subscriptions on items you truly use (detergent, pet food, supplements you’ve vetted).

• After checkout, immediately adjust the frequency to a realistic window or set a reminder to review before the next shipment.

Pro tip: Build a simple “auto-ship audit” once a month. If the price spikes or you’re overstocked, pause it. If a new brand aligns better with your values, switch.

Planet note: Subscriptions can reduce emergency, last-mile deliveries—good for your stress and the carbon ledger—if you’re thoughtful about cadence.

Bonus: Build a tiny “should I buy this?” checklist

What it is: A five-question gut check you run before any non-essential purchase.

Why it works: Systems beat willpower. You’ll catch “sale-drunk” moments before they hit your bank account.

Try this list:

1. Would I buy this at full price?

2. Did I search for it, or did it find me?

3. Is there a cheaper equivalent that meets the same need?

4. Will I still want it after a 48-hour pause?

5. Does it align with my values on quality, labor, and sustainability?

If you clear the list—and the price history looks good—go for it.

Quick start checklist

• Install one coupon extension + one cash-back portal.

• Add a price tracker and set alerts on your most-bought items.

• Bookmark price-match policies for your top three retailers.

• Make a “need soon” add-on list to beat shipping minimums without filler.

• Turn on deal alerts for specific products and seasonal sales you actually care about.

• Learn your primary card’s best online perks.

• Save your five-question checklist somewhere visible.

The bottom line

Deals aren’t luck; they’re small, repeatable moves.

When you stack a couple of these habits—say, coupon + portal + honest price history—you stop guessing and start buying with intention.

You’ll make fewer impulse purchases, feel better about the ones you keep, and save real money without spending your evenings hunting codes.

That’s the whole point: tools that make life easier, not another part-time job.