Top 10 Money-Saving Tips for Online Shoppers in India

Shopping online has become the go-to method for many of us in India. With the convenience of having a world of products at our fingertips, it’s no wonder that online shopping is booming. But are you getting the best deals? As a team of online shopping experts at freesavingtips, we are dedicated to helping you save money. Here are our top 10 money-saving tips for online shoppers in India.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to use coupon codes effectively.
• The best times to shop online.
• Insider hacks for scoring the best deals

1. Use Coupon Codes Religiously

Coupon codes are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save money online shopping. These codes can provide discounts, free shipping, or cashback on purchases. Here’s how to make the most of them:

How to Find Coupon Codes:

• Coupon Websites: Websites like CouponDunia, GrabOn, and freesavingtips compile the latest coupon codes from various online stores.
• Google Search: Sometimes, a quick Google search like “Amazon India discount code” can yield results. Be sure to check the validity dates of these codes.
• Retailer Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters from your favorite online stores. They often send exclusive discount codes to their subscribers.

Using Coupon Codes:

• Apply at Checkout: Most e-commerce sites have a field where you can enter coupon codes during checkout. Look for terms like “Promo Code” or “Discount Code.”
• Stack Codes, if Possible: Some websites allow you to stack multiple codes for additional savings. Always check the terms and conditions.

Example:

If you’re shopping on Myntra, visit a site like CouponDunia before checking out to search for any available coupons. Apply the best one at checkout to see instant savings.

2. Shop During Sales and Festivals

Sales and festivals are golden opportunities to snag the best deals. Indian e-commerce platforms frequently host massive sales events, offering significant discounts across various products.

Major Sales Events:

• Amazon Great Indian Festival: This sale typically occurs around Diwali and offers discounts on electronics, fashion, home goods, and more.
• Flipkart Big Billion Days is another major event, often coinciding with the festive season. You can find great deals on everything from smartphones to furniture during this event.
• End-of-Season Sales: These occur at the end of summer and winter, providing deep discounts on seasonal products.

Tips for Shopping During Sales:

• Create a Wishlist: Before buying, add items to your wishlist. This makes it easier to check if they go on sale.
• Early Access: Some platforms offer early access to sales for members (like Amazon Prime). Consider signing up for these memberships.
• Stay Updated: Follow your favorite stores on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay informed about upcoming sales.

Example:

During the Amazon Great Indian Festival, you might find a smartphone that’s typically ₹20,000 marked down to ₹15,000, plus additional bank offers and no-cost EMI options.

3. Use Price Comparison Tools

Before finalizing a purchase, it’s wise to compare prices across different platforms. Price comparison tools can help you ensure that you’re getting the best deal available.

Popular Price Comparison Tools:

• BuyHatke: A browser extension that compares prices and provides price drop alerts.
• PriceDekho: Offers detailed price comparisons and historical price data.
• Junglee: Amazon’s comparison tool that shows prices from various sellers.

How to Use These Tools:

• Install Extensions: Extensions like BuyHatke integrate directly with your browser, providing price comparisons as you shop.
• Visit Comparison Websites: Enter the product name on sites like PriceDekho to see a list of prices from different retailers.
• Set Alerts: Many tools allow you to set alerts for when a product drops to your desired price.

Example:

If you want a laptop, use BuyHatke to compare prices from Amazon, Flipkart, and other online stores to ensure you get the best deal.

Table: Popular Price Comparison Tools in India

Tool	Features	Website
BuyHatke	Browser extension, price drop alerts	buyhatke.com
PriceDekho	Detailed price comparison	pricedekho.com
Junglee	Amazon’s comparison tool	junglee.com

4. Utilize Cashback Offers

Cashback offers are a fantastic way to save money on your online purchases. Cashback websites and apps provide a percentage of your purchase amount back, which you can use for future purchases or withdraw as cash.

Popular Cashback Platforms:

• CashKaro: Offers cashback on purchases made through their links from various retailers.
• GoPaisa: Similar to CashKaro, it provides cashback in numerous online stores.
• Paytm Mall: Offers cashback in the form of Paytm Wallet balance.

How to Maximize Cashback:

• Shop Through Links: Start your shopping journey from the cashback website or app to ensure you get your cashback.
• Check Cashback Rates: Different websites offer varying cashback rates for the same retailer. Choose the one with the highest rate.
• Combine with Coupons: Use coupon codes along with cashback offers for double the savings.

Example:

By shopping through CashKaro for a ₹1,000 purchase on Myntra, you might receive ₹100 as cashback, which can be used for future purchases or transferred to your bank account.

Fun Fact:

A survey by CashKaro revealed that users can save up to ₹10,000 annually by using cashback offers.

5. Subscribe to Price Drop Alerts

Price drop alerts notify you when the price of a product you’re interested in decreases. This helps you buy at the best possible price without constantly checking.

Services Offering Price Drop Alerts:

• Google Shopping: Set alerts for products you’re interested in.
• Price Tracker Apps: Apps like BuyHatke and CamelCamelCamel monitor prices and alert you.
• Retailer Websites: Some e-commerce sites offer in-built price alert features.

Setting Up Price Drop Alerts:

• Choose Your Product: Select the product you want to track.
• Set Desired Price: Enter the price you want to be notified.
• Monitor Alerts: Receive notifications when the product price drops to your desired level.

Example:

Set a price drop alert on CamelCamelCamel for a camera you want to buy on Amazon and get notified when the price drops.

6. Take Advantage of Bank Offers

Banks often collaborate with online retailers to provide additional discounts and cashback on purchases using credit or debit cards. These offers are especially prevalent during the sale seasons.

Common Bank Offers:

• HDFC Bank: Frequently offers discounts and cashback during major sales events.
• ICICI Bank: Known for providing attractive offers, especially on high-value purchases.
• SBI: Often collaborates with e-commerce platforms for special discounts.

Tips to Utilize Bank Offers:

• Stay Updated: Regularly check your bank’s website or app for ongoing offers.
• Combine with Other Discounts: Use bank offers with coupon codes and cashback offers for maximum savings.
• Read the Fine Print: Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, such as minimum purchase amount and exclusions.

Quick Tip:

Install your bank’s mobile app to get real-time notifications about such offers.

Example:

During a Flipkart sale, an HDFC Bank credit card might give you an additional 10% discount on top of existing sale prices.

7. Look for Free Shipping

Shipping costs can add up quickly, increasing your total bill. Look for websites that offer free shipping on a minimum purchase amount. Sometimes, adding a small item to your cart is worth qualifying for free shipping instead of paying the shipping fee.

Tips to Get Free Shipping:

• Minimum Purchase Requirement: Many retailers offer free shipping if you spend above a certain amount, typically ₹500 or ₹1,000.
• Promotional Offers: Watch for promotional periods where all orders offer free shipping.
• Membership Programs: Programs like Amazon Prime and Flipkart Plus include free shipping as a member benefit.

Example:

Sites like Amazon and Flipkart often offer free shipping on orders above ₹500. Adding a small, low-cost item can save you the shipping fee if your total is close to the threshold.

Quick Tip:

Always check the shipping policy before making a purchase. Some stores offer free shipping on specific categories or during special promotions.

8. Follow Social Media Pages

Brands frequently announce flash sales, discount codes, and special offers on social media pages. Following your favorite brands on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can keep you in the loop about these exclusive deals.

Benefits of Following Brands on Social Media:

• Flash Sales: Be the first to know about limited-time flash sales.
• Exclusive Discount Codes: Brands often share exclusive codes with social media followers.
• Product Launches and Announcements: Stay updated on the latest products and special events.

Quick Tip:

Turn on notifications for these pages to never miss out on a deal.

Example:

Following Myntra on Instagram might alert you to a flash sale offering 50% off on selected items for a limited time.

9. Opt for No-Cost EMI

For big-ticket items, opting for no-cost EMI can be a great way to manage your finances without paying extra interest. Many banks and online retailers offer this facility on electronics, furniture, and appliances. This option allows you to pay in installments without any additional cost.

How No-Cost EMI Works:

• Select the EMI Option: When checking out, choose the no-cost EMI option if available.
• Choose Tenure: Select the repayment tenure that suits you, typically 3 to 12 months.
• Pay in Installments: The total amount is divided into equal monthly installments with no extra charges.

Key Points:

• No Hidden Charges: Ensure there are no hidden fees or processing charges.
• Bank Offers: Some banks might have specific offers on no-cost EMI, providing additional benefits.

Example:

Buying a ₹60,000 refrigerator on Flipkart with a 12-month no-cost EMI option would mean paying ₹5,000 per month without additional charges.

10. Look for Student Discounts

If you’re a student, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts offered by various online retailers. Many stores and services offer student discounts to help make life a bit more affordable.

Where to Find Student Discounts:

• Unidays: A platform that offers discounts to students on various brands.
• Student Beans: Another popular platform for student discounts.
• Directly from Retailers: Some retailers, like Amazon and Apple, offer student-specific pricing and promotions.

How to Use Student Discounts:

• Verify Your Student Status: Sign up on platforms like Unidays or Student Beans and verify your student status.
• Apply Discounts: Use the provided discount codes or click their links to apply discounts automatically.

Example:

As a student, signing up on Unidays can get you up to 50% off on clothing brands like Levi’s and ASOS.

Conclusion

Shopping online in India offers many opportunities to save money if you know the right tips and tricks. From using coupon codes and cashback offers to taking advantage of sales and loyalty programs, there are numerous ways to make your online shopping experience both enjoyable and economical. By implementing these detailed money-saving tips for online Shoppers in India, you can always get the best deals and maximize your savings.

Tip: For more saving tips, visit – freesavingtips

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