Ordering groceries, clothes, or takeout online has never been easier. But with the ease comes one big downside: rising costs. From hidden delivery fees to price markups, online shopping can chip away at your wallet fast.
But you can fight back and reduce costs with a few smart tricks and tools. You can easily save big on everyday orders without changing what or how you buy. Here are 11 simple but effective tips that help you shop smarter and spend less.
This one’s a no-brainer, but many people still skip it. Whether you're buying groceries or electronics, there's a good chance a discount code is floating around. So, before you hit “place order,” take a minute to get coupon codes.
Online coupon sites like PennyCanny make it easy to find working promo codes for hundreds of stores. You just search your favorite brand, copy the code, and save money instantly. You will be surprised how many times you can save 10%, 20%, or even get free shipping just by applying a code.
Prices don’t stay the same every day. Many stores have discount patterns based on inventory and demand. For example:
You can save money by shopping on the right days at your favorite brands. The best way to save this way is by checking weekly ads or store email newsletters. You can combine those deals with coupon codes for maximum savings.
A lot of online stores offer special discounts for first-time customers. This could be a percentage off, a free item, or free shipping. So, if it’s your first order at a grocery or food delivery platform, look for new user discounts.
Many delivery apps like Instacart or Uber Eats offer first-time promos. These savings can range from $10 off your first order to buy-one-get-one-free deals. And if you have already used your phone or email before. You can try signing up with a different email address or using a family member’s account (with permission, of course).
If you buy groceries online regularly, this tip is a game-changer. Many grocery retailers offer discounts that you can use in-store and online.
The best grocery stores for couponing even allow online buyers to “stack” multiple coupons. This means you can use a store coupon and a manufacturer coupon at the same time. Add in loyalty discounts, and you can easily cut your food and grocery bills.
It might feel like spam, but brand newsletters often come with serious savings. First-time subscriber deals, birthday discounts, and early access to sales, and all these perks are hidden in your inbox.
We recommend you create a separate email for promo newsletters if you want to keep your main inbox clean. That way, you get all the savings and none of the clutter. If you are planning a big purchase, sign up for the store’s newsletter a few days in advance. Many stores send out welcome codes (like 15% off) right away.
If you often forget to look for deals, browser extensions are your best friend. These tools automatically scan the web for promo codes and apply the best one at checkout.
They work quietly in the background, saving you time and money on everything from clothing to groceries. Think of it like having a virtual assistant who’s always hunting for the best deal while you shop.
Many grocery stores and retailers run regular flash sales, especially during holidays or month-end clearance events. If you're not in a rush, waiting just a few days can land you serious discounts.
Sites like Amazon, Target, or Best Buy often announce upcoming sales in advance. You can sign up for alerts or follow deal communities online. And when the sale hits, stack a coupon code on top of the markdown for double the savings.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on PennyCanny during major sales seasons like Black Friday or Back-to-School. The site often highlights limited-time promos you won't want to miss.
From pet food to vitamins and pantry items, many online stores now offer “Subscribe & Save” models. Signing up for auto-delivery often gets you 5%–15% off each order. Amazon is a leader in this space, but so are Walmart, Chewy, and Grove Collaborative.
If it’s a product you regularly use, this method not only cuts costs but saves time. Just don’t forget to cancel or skip a shipment if you don’t need it that month.
It’s easier than ever to check prices before you click “Buy.” Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, or ShopSavvy to see if another site has the same product for less.
This is especially useful for electronics, household items, and even groceries. You can also compare prices by searching the product image on Google. This way, you can find all websites that are offering similar products.
Why just save when you can also earn? Cashback platforms give you a percentage of your spending back as actual money or credit. Popular options include:
These sites partner with thousands of retailers and let you earn cashback for shopping through their links. Some grocery delivery services even offer cashback on certain brands or product categories. And when you combine cashback with a good coupon, you’re maximizing every dollar spent.
The smartest shoppers don’t rely on just one trick. They layer their savings by using more than one way to save money during shopping.
For instance, you can use a coupon code during checkout, apply your loyalty rewards, and activate a cashback extension. This way, you maximize every dollar spent. When you combine cashback apps with store rewards and coupons, you can save more. So, learn to save money while shopping online to reduce your order amount.
With online shopping now part of everyday life, knowing how to save with every order is a skill worth mastering. You can use browser extensions, buy groceries at coupon-friendly stores, or simply time your purchase better. Each strategy helps you save money while shopping online without sacrificing quality or convenience.
