Shopping online can be such a rush! But there are also times when finding the *perfect* things can seem a bit daunting… As savvy shoppers, we like to think of the best ways to save time, money, and hassle when it comes to our favourite sport (*wink wink*). Here are our tips, the ultimate guide, to online shopping!

Favourites & Wish Lists

Most online stores will allow you to create an account and favourite the items you have your eye on for quick access later. Others allow you to set up wish lists – perfect for when you’re shopping for multiple seasons, events, gifts… you get the idea!

If you’re hoping to score super deals during big promotions (like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Boxing Day), then creating an account and favourite-ing your top picks will help you save time when you’re competing with cyber crowds. It’s a great way to save time and one of our best tips!

It pays to check in on those non-urgent items regularly in the event they go on sale. It’s the 21st-century version of window shopping!

Fit Calculators

Without a fitting room to try things on online shopping for clothing and accessories can feel like a gamble. Thankfully, some stores offer either fit calculators or sizing charts to help you find the best size for your measurements. Remembering to check this feature, or even knowing about it in the first place, can go a long way in ensuring you don’t have to deal with a return.

Both Banana Republic and Adidas offer size guides and charts so you can measure and make an informed decision. And asos has a ‘Find Your Fit Assistant’ which asks you a few questions to determine if a particular item will fit or not.

And, if the site posts them, read the reviews! Fellow shoppers sometimes follow up their purchase with detailed sizing and fit outfit that can be super helpful – especially if you might be between sizes.

In-Store Pick-Up

Sometimes you don’t spend enough to get free shipping, or it’s just not offered. Thankfully, these stores have another solution for you: in-store pickup. This option isn’t always available, since in some cases it’s dependent on whether or your location has the items (and size) in-stock – like at Hudson’s Bay. Other retailers, like Walmart and Best Buy will ship from their warehouse to the pick-up location you select. Either way, it’s a great way to score your Cash Back, ensure a smooth shopping experience, and save on shipping fees.

Afterpay now in Canada

A new payment option has landed at many Canadian retailers – Afterpay. As the name suggests, by paying with this option you pay later in installments. The terms are specific to each store, however, the great thing is you don’t have to pay all at once anymore. Because this feature is still relatively new to Canada, only a few Rakuten retailers offer this service, including Herschel Supply Co., Ardene, and American Eagle.

Extended Size Ranges

If you’re having trouble finding your perfect fit in-store, you might have better luck shopping for it online. Retailers like H&M, Old Navy, and American Eagle offer an extended size range on their websites. We love to see some of our favourite brands striving for more inclusivity!

Deals and Deal Stacking

Is there any better feeling than getting a discount code for your favourite shop? How about getting several discount codes and being able to use them all together? Not all stores will let you do this, but we in the biz call this “deal stacking.” It’s when you can use several codes at once, and with Cash Back as the cherry on top, it’s some serious savings. Here are some of the discounts you can look for:

• Newsletter signup
• First order discount
• Free shipping
• Social media promotions and codes
• Student discount codes

Abandoned Shopping Carts

Did you know that when adding items to your virtual cart while shopping online and don’t complete your order, you may get an email with a discount code inviting you to complete your purchase? This isn’t a new tactic, however, it’s one retailers are using more and more to entice folks who don’t complete their orders to come back. So, don’t be afraid of holding off on a purchase because after a day or two you might see a promo code dropped conveniently into your inbox.

Looking for more? We’ve share tips about Cost-Per-Wear and More Money-Saving Concepts blog as well as how to Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store.