The current COVID-19 scenario has paved the way for online shopping to be the primary channel for customers. Here’s how you can get the best out of it.
As 2020 unwinds in its unpredictable ways, one thing’s for sure – contactless experiences are here to stay. Why? For one, the absence of physical contact is giving people peace of mind. Secondly, convenience is king. This change can be seen in the world of consumerism too. With physical stores slowly moving back to normal operations, one can’t help but wonder if the everyday consumer will still want to make the effort of going out to buy stuff when he or she has so swiftly adapted to the safer and hassle-free online shopping approach.
Now is a good time for e-commerce websites to leverage their presence-less advantage. As a consumer, how can you make the most of your e-shopping? That’s exactly what you’re going to find out.
Below are 5 essential shopping hacks that will help you navigate the contours of online shopping like a pro.
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Use A Credit Card
Want in on the best deals on leading websites like Amazon and Flipkart? Get a Credit Card. Most banks have tied up with these websites to not only give you offers and discounts, but also enhance your convenience by letting you pay at your own pace. What’s more? Everytime you shop with your Credit Card, you’re earning reward points; points that will shower you with savings and freebies. With a Credit Card on your side, you’re one step ahead of the e-shopping crowd.
Additional Reading: Your Guide To The Ultimate Shopping Credit Cards
2. Compare Products Faster Via A Computer
While most e-commerce sites have mobile apps, if you’re on the lookout for a product but want to compare what different brands have to offer, try visiting the website of the e-commerce site via a laptop or PC instead of your phone. Why? The answer is simple – tabs. It is much easier to compare various options by opening new tabs and simultaneously comparing them in a jiffy on your computer’s web browser. Try it; you’ll thank us later, and yes, old school just works best sometimes!
3. Don’t Miss The Suggestions
Most e-shopping sites are now intuitively programmed to throw up suggestions relevant to your search. For instance, if you’re searching for a beard trimmer on Amazon, you’re likely to get a combo order suggestion for a beard oil or beard comb along with your trimmer. These suggestions, if accurate, can help you save a lot of time spent online. However, do verify if they are useful to you first. Also, keep in mind that, though Amazon may project this as a combo, each item will reach you independently.
Additional Reading: Shopping With A Credit Card Has Its Benefits
4. Skim Through The Reviews
Reviews are helpful especially if you’re planning to buy a gadget. Let’s say you’re looking for a DSLR camera. You have a variety of options and you’ve finally zeroed in one particular camera. Before you proceed to checkout, take a moment to glance through the reviews below on the e-shopping website’s product page. If the info there is insufficient, you can always quickly checkout Youtube reviews and take a call – the extra 5-10 spent on reviews will really help you make the right choice.
5. Look Out For The Recommend Payment Method
Sites like Amazon are programmed to tell you which Credit Card or Debit Card of yours is the best choice for any product you’re about to buy, so don’t miss reading it. Recommended cards will give you good deals and an array of payment options.
Last but not the least, if you’re shopping on an international website such as Amazon.com (US), read the shipping info carefully. Amazon offers two options in most cases: Standard Shipping & Amazon Shopping. The former is via US Postal services + India Post, while the latter is usually via a worldwide shipper like UPS. Worldwide shippers are typically faster and more responsive.
Additional Reading: Online Shopping Tips & Tricks To Save Money
So there you go, shop on! Don’t have a Credit Card yet? Now’s your chance to get one.