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Let’s be real: paying full price is so last season. Whether you’re a coupon connoisseur or just trying to stretch your budget a little further, saving money is always a good look.
The good news? With just a few simple tricks (and a little insider knowledge), you can become a savvy shopper and never pay full price again.
So grab your favorite cup of coffee and settle in—these 16 genius hacks are about to change the way you shop forever.
1. Abandon Your Cart (On Purpose)
Yep, we’re starting with a bit of strategic ghosting. Add the item you want to your cart, then just… leave. Many online retailers will send you a follow-up email with a discount code or a special offer to entice you back. It doesn’t always work, but when it does? Chef’s kiss.
Pro tip: Make sure you’re logged in or have an account so they can track your cart and email you the discount.
2. Use Price Tracking Tools
Price tracking tools are like having a superpower. Tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel (great for Amazon), and PriceBlink will let you know when a price drops—and even show you price history so you can tell if that “deal” is actually a deal.
Bonus: Honey also automatically applies coupon codes at checkout.
3. Subscribe and Save—Then Cancel
Many retailers offer a discount when you subscribe to recurring deliveries (hello, 15% off razors or pet food!). The trick? Sign up for the discount, then cancel or delay the subscription after your first order ships. Easy peasy.
4. Stack Discounts Like a Pro
Why stop at one discount when you can have two or three? Here’s how you can stack them:
- Use a coupon code
- Pay with a cashback or rewards credit card
- Go through a cashback site like Rakuten or TopCashback
Stacking might sound like advanced couponing, but really it’s just smart shopping.
5. Price Match Policies Are Your Best Friend
Many big stores (think Target, Best Buy, and Walmart) have price match guarantees. If you find a lower price elsewhere, they’ll match it. Sometimes they’ll even beat it. Just show them the ad or product link and kindly ask for the match—it’s way easier than most people think.
6. Sign Up for Newsletters (And Then Unsubscribe)
Brands love to reward new subscribers with a welcome discount—sometimes 10–20% off. So sign up, snag the code, and unsubscribe later if you don’t want a full inbox.
Some stores even offer exclusive flash sales or early access to major markdowns for subscribers.
7. Use a Student, Military, or Teacher Discount
If you’re a student, military personnel, or an educator, first off, thank you! Second, don’t sleep on your discounts. Sites like UNiDAYS and SheerID make it easy to access deals just for you. Even Apple, Nike, and Amazon get in on this.
8. Buy Off-Season
Want a patio set? Buy it in October. Need a winter coat? Snag it in March. Retailers clear out seasonal inventory fast, and that’s when the deepest discounts hit. Just think ahead and buy for next season while everyone else is scrambling for full price.
9. Ask for a Discount (Seriously!)
You’d be amazed how often you can get a discount just by asking. This works especially well for open-box items, floor models, or slightly damaged packaging. Just smile and say, “Is there any discount available on this?” Worst case—they say no. Best case—you score a deal.
10. Follow Your Favorite Brands on Social Media
Retailers often post exclusive deals or flash sales to their Instagram stories or Twitter feeds. Follow your faves and turn on notifications if you want to stay in the loop. It’s like being part of a secret club—except the password is “@Follow”.
11. Install Cashback Browser Extensions
We already mentioned Rakuten, but don’t stop there. Capital One Shopping, Swagbucks, and MyPoints are all worth checking out. These extensions alert you when cashback or coupons are available right on the site you’re shopping at—no extra steps required.
12. Use Gift Cards the Smart Way
Want to save even more? Buy discounted gift cards from sites like Raise or CardCash. You can often find gift cards to popular stores for 5–20% less than face value. Then shop like you normally would, but with extra savings baked in.
Example: Buy a $100 Target gift card for $90 and save $10 instantly—before any coupons or cashback.
13. Shop the Clearance and Outlet Sections First
This one sounds obvious, but many people skip straight to “new arrivals” and never look back. Big mistake. Brands often hide their clearance and outlet sections at the bottom of the site or under “Sale.” Don’t overlook it—you might just find the same item for half the price.
14. Use Apps That Reward You for Shopping
Apps like Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, and Receipt Hog reward you just for uploading receipts. That’s right—take a pic of your grocery or retail receipt, earn points, and cash them in for gift cards. It’s the easiest passive income out there.
Ibotta even works for online purchases when you shop through their app or extension.
15. Take Advantage of Credit Card Offers
If you have a rewards or cashback credit card, check for limited-time offers through your bank. Some cards have “Deals” or “Offers” tabs where you can activate extra cashback on specific retailers. Combine that with a coupon and cashback extension? You’re golden.
16. Join Loyalty Programs (Even If You’re a Casual Shopper)
Even if you don’t shop at a store regularly, joining their loyalty program can still pay off. Points add up fast, and you’ll often get birthday discounts, early access to sales, or exclusive offers just for being a member.
Many restaurants and cafés also give you a free treat just for joining their loyalty app. Free coffee and a discount? Yes, please.
Final Thoughts: Full Price Is for Amateurs
Let’s be honest—there’s no badge of honor for paying full price. With so many hacks, tools, and easy tricks at your fingertips, you can outsmart the retail system every single time. Whether you’re a casual bargain hunter or aiming to become a full-blown deal detective, just remember this: the best shoppers never pay retail.
So go forth and shop smarter, not harder. And hey—if you find a deal so good you just have to share it? Slide into a friend’s DMs and pass on the savings love.
