How to comparison shop?

Comparison shopping is a process where you compare the prices, features, and quality of products across different retailers to find the best deal. It’s a valuable way to ensure you're making the most informed purchase and saving money. Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively comparison shop:

Step 1: Identify the Product You Want

Before you start comparing, be clear on what you want to buy. This includes:

• Brand: Are you looking for a specific brand, or are you open to alternatives?
• Model: If you’re shopping for electronics, appliances, or gadgets, make sure you know the model number.
• Features: List the essential features that the product must have (e.g., color, size, performance).
• Budget: Have a budget range in mind.

Step 2: Use Price Comparison Websites & Apps

There are several tools and platforms designed to help you compare prices from multiple retailers at once:

• Google Shopping: Type in the product you're looking for, and it will show you the prices from various online retailers. This is useful for comparing prices quickly.
• PriceGrabber: Allows you to compare prices from multiple sellers across different categories, from electronics to home goods.
• Shopzilla: Another great platform for comparing prices from a wide variety of online stores.
• Idealo: A European-based platform that compares prices across different sellers, useful for consumers in the EU.
• Rakuten: Shows prices from many online stores, plus cashback deals.

Step 3: Check Multiple Retailers

Don’t just settle for the first price you see. Visit different online retailers to compare their prices, shipping costs, and promotions. Some common places to check:

• Amazon: Offers competitive prices but also check for discounts or deals.
• eBay: Great for finding deals on new, used, and refurbished items.
• Walmart: A go-to for low-cost goods across many categories.
• Target: Often has competitive prices and regular sales.
• Best Buy: A reliable source for electronics, with price matching and sales.
• AliExpress: Ideal for lower-priced products, especially from international sellers.

Step 4: Check for Coupons and Promo Codes

Before completing your purchase, always search for discount codes or coupons that could reduce the total price. Some tools to find discounts include:

• Honey: A browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes at checkout.
• RetailMeNot: A website and app that offers a wide range of coupons for various online retailers.
• Coupon websites: Use sites like Coupons.com or Groupon to find promo codes that apply to the store you’re buying from.

Step 5: Consider Shipping Costs and Delivery Time

When comparing prices, always factor in shipping fees and the delivery time. A product that seems cheaper on one website may end up costing more due to high shipping costs. Some things to keep in mind:

• Free Shipping: Look for websites offering free shipping, as this can significantly reduce the total cost.
• Shipping Speed: Some retailers may offer free shipping, but it may take longer. If you need the product urgently, you may need to consider expedited shipping options.
• Taxes: Be aware that some websites charge sales tax depending on your location.

Step 6: Check Price History (Optional)

For high-ticket items like electronics, it can be worth checking the price history to see if the current price is competitive:

• CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon product prices and shows price trends, so you can see if it's a good time to buy.
• Keepa: Another tool for tracking price history on Amazon.

Step 7: Review Product Details and Customer Feedback

Once you've found a good price, check the product details and customer reviews to ensure it meets your expectations. Look for:

• Product Quality: Make sure the product has the features you want.
• Customer Reviews: Read reviews on the product page (like on Amazon, eBay, or Best Buy). Look for comments on durability, performance, and overall satisfaction.
• Return Policies: Ensure the retailer has a reasonable return policy, in case the product doesn’t meet your expectations.

Step 8: Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs and Cashback Offers

If you frequently shop at a particular retailer, check if they have a loyalty program or cashback options:

• Rakuten: Offers cashback deals on purchases from hundreds of online stores.
• Credit Card Offers: Some credit cards offer additional cashback or rewards for certain purchases, especially for online shopping.

Step 9: Make Your Purchase

After all the comparisons, reviews, and research, you can finally make your purchase. Be sure to:

• Check the final price: Verify the total cost before clicking the checkout button.
• Ensure you’re buying from a trusted retailer: Stick to reputable sellers with good reviews, especially when purchasing from platforms like eBay or AliExpress.

Step 10: Set Price Alerts (Optional)

If you're not in a rush and want to wait for the best deal, set price alerts to be notified when the price drops on your desired product:

• Google Shopping and Honey offer price alerts for products.
• Keepa and CamelCamelCamel can notify you when Amazon prices drop.

Summary of Key Comparison Shopping Tips:

1. Use price comparison websites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Shopzilla.
2. Check multiple retailers for the best price, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and others.
3. Search for coupons and promo codes before buying.
4. Consider shipping costs and delivery time.
5. Review customer feedback and product details.
6. Take advantage of loyalty programs or cashback offers.
7. Set price alerts to track price drops.

By following these steps, you can maximize your chances of finding the best price for the products you want while ensuring you're not missing out on any potential savings.