Shopping online to your heart’s content is certainly fun, but it can burn a huge hole in your bank account if you’re not careful. If you love to shop online but want to keep more money in your pocket, here are four great ways to do it.

Beware of Delivery Fees

Every avid online shopper knows that one of the downsides to buying things online is paying for shipping and delivery fees. 

Some business owners try to get a handle on deliveries by outsourcing to professional freight unloaders, but not everyone has seen the light, and the burden of additional costs ultimately falls on the buyer. These fees can really add up, especially if you’re buying multiple items or from different sites. 

A great way to avoid these fees is to look for sites that offer free shipping on all orders, or at least on orders over a certain amount. You can also try coupons or promo codes for free shipping, which are readily available online. 

Finally, remember to check for shipping deadlines so you can get your items in time without paying expedited fees.

Comparison Shopping

One of the best things about online shopping is that you can easily compare prices between different retailers. This is especially helpful if you’re looking for a specific item or brand. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Use a search engine to find the product you want. Include the word “compare” in your search.

• A list of websites will come up. Visit a few of them and compare the prices.

• You can also use a price comparison website. Just enter the item you’re looking for and these sites will do the rest.

Shop in the Off-Season

One of the best ways to save money when shopping online is to buy out-of-season items. This is especially true for clothing, but applies to other products as well. 

Winter coats are much cheaper in the spring, and summer clothes are usually on sale in the fall. By planning ahead, you can get great deals on items that you’ll need later on.

Here’s how to tell if the off season is approaching:

• Check the clearance racks in stores. When items start appearing on these racks, it’s usually a good time to buy them online as well.

• Keep an eye on the calendar.

• Pay attention to the weather. If it’s starting to get colder and you see a lot of ads for winter clothes, that means the off season for summer clothes is approaching.

Check Return Policies

Before you finalize any purchase, always make sure to check the return policy. This is especially important when shopping online, since you can’t try on the clothes or see the product in person before you buy it. 

Most online retailers have pretty good return policies, but it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the policy before you make a purchase. That way, if you’re not happy with the product, you can easily return it without any hassle.

These are just a few of the many ways you can save money when shopping online. By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without breaking the bank. Happy shopping!