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Shopping is definitely one of the most fun activities in our daily lives, especially if it is online. However, to make our shopping experience a little bit more effective and fulfilling, here are some tips that may be helpful! In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your online shopping spree. What are you waiting for? Let's explore these fun and productive shopping tips!

Check the ratings and reviews

Have you ever wondered why there are stars and comments underneath the items that are being bought? Those are ratings and reviews, in which buyers give their opinions about their bought items upon arrival. When an item is being bought, buyers are encouraged to rate the item and give feedback. It can be about the quality, useability and the price of the items.

As a buyer, you can check the ratings and reviews first before purchasing an item. This is to ensure that you are buying a good quality item. Don’t know what to look for in the reviews? Here are some tips on finding the relevant reviews when shopping online:

• Look for reviews that list out the pros and cons of the items.
• Pay attention to the overall rating. The star rating gives a quick overview of customer satisfaction.
• Look for consistent feedback across multiple reviews. If many customers mention the same issue or praise the same feature, it’s likely a reliable indicator of the product’s performance.
• Look for reviews with images or videos. You can observe the quality of the items from the other customer’s perspective.

Compare prices

Before you purchase a product, look at the price tag first. By comparing the prices of similar items, you can make a wise decision. You should also consider other aspects of the product: the prices and the quality.

For example, you want to buy a shirt. You should take into account the price of the shirt at shop X and compare that similar shirt with the price from shop Y. With today's technology, you can also compare the price of goods using pictures. By simply using the screenshot feature on your phone, you can make a comparison of the same product in different stores. Don’t forget to prioritise your budget to make smart purchasing decisions

Utilise various payment options

One of the tips for making the most of online shopping is that there are various payment options to choose from. Nowadays, online shopping is far more convenient compared to physical shopping. The most common payment methods are through credit. debit cards or cash on delivery (COD). You may also utilise coupons, promotions and rewards to save up.

If you have a limited budget, you may opt for pay-later service or an instalment plan. However, you are recommended to minimise the usage of these services alternately to avoid any outstanding debt.

If you are planning to make a big purchase in the future, you can start saving up for it. Applications nowadays allow you to keep your money in e-wallets. Other than that, savings plan services such as takaful and investments are there to help you achieve your purchase goals without any debts or risks.

Avoid implulsive shopping

While online shopping can be fun and exciting, it is best not to practise any impulsive shopping. Impulsive shopping can lead to serious damage towards your budget. In order to avoid impulsive shopping, you need to list out your wants and needs. It is important to plan your budget ahead so that you won’t overspend when you have your shopping spree.

One of the ways to cope with impulse buying is to shop when you are not having negative emotions. When you have pent up feelings, you tend to splurge your money on whatever makes you feel good. This will greatly affect your budget and may leave a dent on your savings as well. Stick to a budget and before you make any purchases, ask yourself, “is this a want or a need? Will I be using this in the near future?”. From there on, you will be able to decide if it is worth the sudden purchase or not.

By having these smart shopping tips, you can enjoy a more fulfilling and wise shopping spree. Remember to always plan in detail and make a wise decision before checking out as smart decisions are the key to getting the best value for every purchase you make. Not only can you save your money and time, future financial pressures may be avoided as well! Happy shopping!