As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. POPSUGAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.
The fashion and beauty side of social media presents us with new things to shop, every time we swipe. This leaves many of us with a long list of Instagram bookmarks and TikTok saves to return to when sales start (and our bank accounts allow). Or if you’re anything like me and can’t bear the thought of not having something right away, you’re constantly scouring the internet for online shopping discounts and deals on a regular basis. Some might call me crazy, but I like to think of it as savvy.
And in all my years of research, I’ve discovered a handful of online shopping hacks that can help you save some big, come check-out time.
Join ShopBack
If you haven’t heard of ShopBack, you’re missing out. The discounts and rewards platform offers its users a percentage of the amount of their purchase back when online shopping. The best way to use it is to install a plug-in on your web browser or mobile phone app that shows you ShopBack-specific deals and how much you’ll get back.
To help get the most out of your shopping in these trying times, ShopBack is offering customers a $10 bonus on sign up (which is free).
Follow Influencers Who Share Discount Codes
Who knew you can save a lot, thanks to the people that you follow on socials? Always check the end of captions on product-based posts, stories or YouTube hauls to find a cheeky discount code from your faves. Many of them don’t have an expiration date, so save or screenshot them to test them at the checkout.
Sign Up to Loyalty Programs
Constantly topping up your beauty supplies at Sephora or Adore Beauty? Join their loyalty programs. You’ll be rewarded for your spending with gifts and exclusive deals. And get early access to sales events like AfterPay Day, Click Frenzy or Cyber Monday. But it doesn’t stop at cosmestics, thousands of brands will deliver discounts straight to your inbox when sign up to their loyalty rewards programs.
Use Your Airline Frequent Flyer Points
Both Qantas and Velocity Frequent Flyer have partners that allow you use your points instead of cash when you shop. Redeem hotel stays, tech buys, fashion and homewares without spending an extra dollar.
Know Key Sales Dates Timings
Sometimes the key to getting the best shopping deals is timing. Retailers will try to get rid of stock at the end. The end of what? The week, the month, the season or the year. It’s also worth marking your calendars for mid-March, April, August and October in anticipation of AfterPay Day, Black Friday and Vogue Online Shopping Night sales.
Install Chrome Plug-In Honey
Instead of you hunting through heaps of sites when you’re just about to check out, Chrome browser plug-in Honey will do it for you. It searches through millions of websites to test out discount codes and find what works. It’s free to sign up and works automatically when you’re setting up your payment when online shopping. That said, it does often miss influencer discount codes so make sure you keep those as a backup.
