Are you feeling a bit pinched these days, with prices rising on just about everything? Basics like grocery staples, automotive parts, new and used cars themselves, home building materials, appliances, and furniture all cost more these days.
Supply chain issues are contributing to price increases, as is the cost of labor, as well as shortages caused by shutdowns and lack of workers.
At the same time, we shop online more often than we did pre-pandemic. Global retail e-commerce sales in 2021 amounted to US$4.9 trillion, a 47% jump from 2019*. The good news is that our growing comfort with e-commerce also provides opportunities for saving.
Online coupons and discount apps have been around for a while. Now financial firms and tech platforms offer their own services and widgets, prompting shoppers to compare prices across sellers or automatically scan for discount codes that ensure the best price.
Here are a few to help you find your next deal:
–BeBlue: A cashless payment app offering instant cash back refunds at stores and restaurants across Brazil.
Capital One Shopping: This browser extension automatically applies coupon codes and compares vendor prices for US-based shoppers. (Formerly Wikibuy)
–DesiDime: Users get deals and coupons at more than 1500 online merchants and stores around India, as well as a discussion forum where shoppers share comments.
–Groupon: Though its popularity has fallen off in recent years, this e-savings pioneer still has 24 million buyers in 15 countries.
–Rakuten: Japanese-based group whose offerings include cash back and deals at select stores, whether in person or online. (Formerly eBates in the United States)
–Reebee: Canadians can peruse store flyers by merchant, location, or with a strong search engine, for a one-stop look at what’s on sale locally.
–Vouchercloud: UK and some European shoppers can save on brand-name goods, meals, services, and utilities. Also available in the U.S.
These sites often feature a browser extension and most have apps for easier mobile transactions. Loyalty points and other incentives may apply.
In the interest of sustainability, many of us are looking for second-hand goods. Sites like Chairish, a decorating and design marketplace in the U.S., allow users to buy and sell upscale pieces. C2C giant eBay has 22 distinct websites around the world, and a presence in 100 countries, where people buy and sell just about anything… maybe enough to furnish a host-country home, and then sell it back when you leave.
Happy shopping – and saving!
*Statista: Worldwide retail e-commerce sales
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
