Finance expert reveals top tips to bag an online shopping bargain

A finance expert has revealed their top tips when it comes to finding a bargain buy for an online purchase. 

Rosie Fitzgerald, cashback expert and Head of Brand at OnBuy, which has over six million customers, gives her top 10 tips to bag a bargain. 

It follows research of 2,000 Brits, that reveals the most exciting things in everyday life, with getting a good deal on a purchase (41 per cent) claiming the top spot - beating receiving a sexy text message (19 per cent) and even a full blown night of passion with your other half (23 per cent).

But it’s bagging a bargain which really floats the nation’s boats, and 20 per cent admit to getting a rush just from buying something, no matter how big or small the purchase is.

Read on below for Rosie's top tips on how to save while shopping online. 

Keep an eye out for flash discounts and increased cashback deals

Retailers often increase cashback rates or offer short-term discounts on certain products. 

Signing up for email alerts and checking different sites regularly will help you catch these deals as soon as they’re live.

Track the price of products so you know you’re getting the best deal

Deals aren’t always as good as they appear, and price fluctuations can often make an offer look more enticing than it actually is. 

If you’re planning a big purchase, consider using price tracking tools to keep an eye on how the item been priced over a longer period of time to make sure you’re getting a true discount.

Plan your big purchases

Make sure you plan purchases for big-ticket items or products that are priced consistently across retailers. 

This is because some brands hold price parity across the market, but many cashback programme lets you earn on any purchase. 

Check product listings for the best offers

The same item may be listed at different prices on different websites and reward offers will vary too, so don’t hesitate to shop around. 

Checking product listings and exploring alternative sites might lead to better prices and reward rates.

Don’t settle for routine

Mixing up your shopping habits to find reliable retailers and platforms that offer consistent value will help save you more money in the long run – ahead of a one-off deal. 

For example, if you regularly buy a product, think pet food, cleaning and laundry products or toilet roll, it pays to buy those items somewhere that rewards you every time you make a purchase rather than a special Clubcard deal or timed discount.

Cash in rewards to treat yourself or reduce daily expenses

Consider using rewards such as cashback as a fund for treats or luxury items that you usually wouldn’t purchase or let it cover part of your regular expenses—it’s a great way to ease your budget without cutting out the essentials. 

Alternatively, save it up for traditionally expensive times of year such as Christmas, to ease the burden.

Take advantage of loyalty offers

If you’re a loyal customer of any one retailer or platform, you might receive extra deals, discounts, vouchers or cashback on top of regular rates. 

Make the most of offers for repeat purchases, which can sometimes be very significant.

Don’t forget to withdraw – and make sure you can

This may sound obvious, but if you prefer cash in hand or to spend your rewards how and when you choose, make sure you shop with a platform where you can use them easily or withdraw them – and then remember to do it. 

Budget-friendly gifting

Rewards like cashback can go a long way toward shopping for your holiday or a loved-one’s birthday. 

Set aside a portion of your accumulated rewards to cover special occasions throughout the year, reducing the financial burden of gift-buying. 

Alternatively, spread purchases out through the year, rather than leaving it all until the last minute.