Daily Dose of Design: Online Shopping Tips and Tricks

Monday, July 10, 2017

Online Shopping Tips and Tricks


Let's be honest with ourselves for a quick second... Is there ANYTHING better than online shopping? No one cares what you look like; you can sit on your couch or in your bed with a glass of wine, a bowl of ice cream (or mini m&ms, my weakness!) with your hair up and your favorite show on TV. Plus the added bonus of "online only" coupon codes, and no ones judging you from a few racks over! Plus, does anyone really appreciate the awful lighting in fitting rooms?
Although online shopping has grown exponentially over the past few years and SO many people prefer it over in-store shopping *raises hand* it can still be difficult to navigate the endless pages of products on an online shop. This girl is no newbie to online shopping, and it still can be sort of stressful but I've found a few things that have made it a breeze - and STILL makes it better than navigating through overflowing clothing racks and crowded stores!

Use Ebates to make cash back on purchases


Ebates is one of the absolute easiest ways to save money all year round and while you can occasionally use its perks in-store, it works much better with online purchases! If you haven't heard of Ebates, it's basically the most genius program ever invented, and really just makes you want to shop more LOL. With every qualifying store's purchase, you make a specific percent of cash back. It's basically an additional discount on your purchase and it really does add up; I've made close to $200 back since January! If you want to sign up (which you most definitely should!), sign up here and we BOTH will get a bonus - the easiest free money I've ever heard of! ;) It also is a great website to find coupon codes and it categorizes stores having sales, making it even easier to shop.

Be sure to use the sizing charts


Every brand is different, and if you aren't sure about the sizing or have never bought anything from said brand it's super helpful to get out the tape measure and find your true size. A lot of websites now have True Fit, which lets you put in your height/weight information, and depending on what the piece of clothing is, your bra size or pants size in other stores. To find my exact size in this dress, I put in my information and my size from a few other brands to get exact sizing. It suggested a large, which sounded about right and ended up fitting perfectly too! These fit predictors are popping up on more and more sites and it's SO helpful.


Always check for coupons and bonus deals


Is there really such thing as a deal too good to be true? Some say yes, but when you know what to do to get the most out of every purchase, it's seriously gratifying! Some stores only allow one coupon code, in which case you have to try and find the best possible offer. But some stores offer samples (like Sephora) plus a coupon code on top of a sale already going on on the site. Some of the best sites to find valid coupon codes that actually work are RetailMeNot, Groupon and Coupon Cabin.

Check for price matching eligibility


This one is HUGE! More and more stores have begun to price match lately, and it's a genius marketing tool for them but it's also extremely beneficial to us - the shoppers! Nordstrom prides themselves on price matching and it's super helpful since they offer perks like free shipping and returns. This allows you to choose a store to purchase from and lets you save as you go. I do believe some larger department stores have begun to price match in store, but it isn't nearly as easy as it is online.


When in doubt, buy multiples


Now this isn't always the most practical, but if you're in between sizes or just aren't sure which size will suit you best, order two! Whether it's a top, a dress, jeans or shoes, isn't it better to grab both sizes and make sure one works perfectly? Then you can simply return the other! BUT, it's crucial to check each store's individual return policy. Some stores like Forever 21 only allow store credit for returns, but Nordstrom and Sephora on the other hand allow free returns in a set time period. This is especially helpful and important to do if you're purchasing a sale item - you don't want to wait for your product to ship to you, only to find out you need a size up or down and then find out that the store has already sold out. I've learned this the hard way a few times and now, when in doubt, I always order two!

Feel free to use the "chat" feature


A lot of online websites offer the ability to chat with a sales associate. Guys, they can be SO helpful. Of course you'll occasionally get the person who can't help for whatever reason, but for the most part they're great for any questions you may have. I chat with the Nordstrom associates probably more than I'd like to admit... LOL, but they're always extremely helpful. They want to help make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable, so use this feature that's so easily available these days.


Take advantage of free shipping and/or returns


When ordering from stores that have a great sale going on, or from stores that offer free shipping and returns (like Nordstrom - I may be a little bias because I love them, but they're so great!) it's an awesome idea to order a bunch of things and have your own little fitting room try-on session at home. That way you have the comfort of your room and lighting, the luxury of trying things on in your own time and you can sit around in things to decide if you like it for as long as you want to. Trying things on at home beats trying things on in the store by a mile!


What's your favorite online shopping tip?

Happy shopping! ;)
XOXO -A

39 comments:

  1. I've saved so much money just by googling the product to see who does it cheaper, or by googling the shop name and promo code :) great advice!

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  2. I loved this post girl! I always check out the sizing guides because I've had too many times where the sizing has been completely off and wrong then I had to send back. Definitely a tip everyone needs to know

    - xo, Azanique | www.lotsofsass.com

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  3. Ebates is my jam! I can't believe people aren't signed up for it...most people think it's a scam...
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  4. So many great tips! I love online shopping so much better than in-store. And yes, I totally agree that dressing room lighting is terrible!

    Carrie | https://carrieeliseandkho.com/

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  5. Ok ... I've never heard of ebates - but I'm checking it out as soon as I hit "Publish" here. :) Great info ... and Amen on the tip about checking the sizing charts - I bought a whole bunch of stuff off of Amazon not realizing that the sizing was the Chinese system - I couldn't even get most of the dresses over my head! But, I learned a good lesson! :) Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I love shopping online because I don't have to deal with the hassle of going out in public especially in a crowded mall. I also like how I can find more items in my size online. Thank you for tips.

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  7. I needed to read this! I become so hesitant online shopping because I have had such bad experiences in the past.

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  8. I really enjoy shopping online instead of in the store. These are some great tips.

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  9. Thanks for sharing this post! I had no idea about Ebates, I am definitely going to try using it out. I am always down to save. :)

    xo, Chloe // http://funinthecloset.com/witch-favorite-color/

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  10. Great tips! I'm all about free shipping! If a site doesn't offer it, I might not make the purchase!

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  11. I picked up so many great tips here, thank you!

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  12. I just started using ebates and have no idea how I didnt jump on the bandwagon sooner! I love it!!

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  13. Great tips! I always pay attention to shipping details and coupons!

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  14. I sign up for coupons online to be delivered to my email and then just roll everything up in Unroll.me. That way I can stay in the look about sales but not have an inbox full of junk!

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  15. These are all great tips! I love shopping online and getting all the good discounts.

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  16. Great tips! I use them all! I love deal hunting!

    xo, L
    www.ChangeWithUsBlog.com

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  17. I love all of your tips! I'm an online shopping fiend! And I'm so excited for Prime day and NSale this week!

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  18. Super Tips! I do a lot of online shopping - great post.

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  19. Hmm I've always wanted to try Ebates, but I was never really sure if it worked. Maybe I need to give it another shot.

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  20. Thanks for the tips! I LOVE online shopping. With two tiny children it is much easier, plus I can compare prices without having to leave my home. :)

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  21. I almost always buy 2 sizes whenever I purchase online, unless I have bought the exact item before. I cannot even depend of knowing the brand because I feel like every piece of clothing is cut differently. For example, I love shopping for jeans at AE (the best). But, I own a 4, 6, and 8 from there! Go figure.

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  22. I've a huge fan of RetailMeNot- their app makes shopping both online and in-store so easy! When I online shop, I totally order 2 sizes if there's free returns- sizing differs so much now!

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  23. Great tips! I love online shopping as it's so convenient. I prefer it to normal shopping most of the times :)

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  24. size guides are so important to me because I'm a different size alllll the time, depending on where I'm shopping - definitely something that *needs* to be referred to when online shopping. love these tips! x, nicole // www.nicoleeigh.com

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  25. I admit it... I'm a shopaholic! I love this post so much and will definitely be using your tips. Online shopping is so easy and convenient!
    xx Carly | www.thecarlycollective.com

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  26. Great tips! Free shipping is always my favorite haha.

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  27. If I'm REALLY unsure, I order two sizes and always so glad when I do. Otherwise, you risk buying the wrong size -- going back to get the other -- and it's sold out! THe horror!

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  28. I use Ebates all the time. It's phenomenal! Love saving while shopping!!

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  29. I always am glad when i order two sizes. It takes all the guess work out of it. Great tips!

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  30. I'm all about buying multiples when I'm not sure about a size. Especially if you're in a time crunch! Great tips!

    Greta | www.gretahollar.com

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  31. We love doing online shopping...my favorite place to online "window shop" is Jane.com

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  32. My favorite shopping tip is searching for coupons!

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