How I Find Killer Online Steals and Deals

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by Crystal on January 18, 2012

Guest post by Lindsay of Creative Dough

My saving journey started last summer when I made the decision to find slouch boots online for $10. This declaration branded me “dreamer” in my circle of friends and family saying:

“Nobody gets boots for $10. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find them for $20.”

But I did!

I was determined. The fact that I didn’t give in to the shiny price tag of those $20 rip-offs has proved to make all the difference. Not only did I find my $10 very cute boots, but I’ve found similar deals again and again.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. High to low pricing

There is a little drop down menu that can be found at most online shopping sites that immediately puts the cheapest products first. Look for your product on that first page. Can you find it in your price range? If the answer is “no,” this probably isn’t your website (try looking at a cheaper online/clearance store).

2. Search engines

Ask for what you want. If you would like a pair of boots for $10, type exactly that. For me, it’s kind of a wishing game. I ask the search engine for $10 boots and scan the area, if none of the websites lead me to anything substantial, then I must have asked incorrectly, so I ask again, only a different way this time (ex: Websites with cheap boots, $10 shoes, etc.)

3. Yahoo! Questions

I’ve been viewing Yahoo! questions for years. Chances are, you aren’t the only one searching for those $10 boots. Just tack the words “yahoo questions” at the end of your search and you will be surprised at the wealth of information these forums hold, and you don’t have to be a member to view them.

4. Promo Codes

Before you check out, quickly search for promo codes. Retail Me Not is a great online resource to find those last minute price cuts.

5. Make sure you include the cost of shipping

Those boots may look $10 online, but with shipping they could be $16. To save on shipping, order more than one product at a time, order with a friend and share the shipping, or look for a free shipping promo code.

Finally, be patient; good things come in time. Happy Saving!

Lauren is a fun, easy-going girl who doesn’t like to spend more than $20 at a time. This takes some creative thinking, which is how she came up with her blog name, Creative Dough. Her goal is to help people who are looking to save more than just a few extra dollars!

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{ 14 comments }

Tammy @ Skinny Mom's Kitchen January 18, 2012 at 1:38 pm

I would just like to add searching misspellings of the brand/item you are looking for on eBay. I have found AMAZING steals that way…especially with kids clothing brands like Gymboree, Gap, Mini Boden, etc..

Lindsay @ Creative Dough January 19, 2012 at 6:15 pm

What a great tip Tammy, I’d never even thought of that!

Shannon Runnels January 18, 2012 at 1:58 pm

Patience is a big help too. If you aren’t in a big hurry and can wait until items go on sale, you can save big time.
Here’s my blog post on how I got my Kitchenaid Mixer for FREE, plus overage! http://www.lightathome.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-best-deal-of-year.html Patience pays off!

Audrey @ Mom Drop Box January 18, 2012 at 2:10 pm

I’ve never thought about using a search engine that way or Yahoo! questions. Thanks for the tips!

Britni @ Our Eventual Homestead January 18, 2012 at 2:35 pm

I’m with Audrey, I would’ve never thought to search with the price or to search using “Yahoo Questions”. That is a great tip!

I love retailmenot.com and ebates.com for additional savings!

deborah January 18, 2012 at 3:50 pm

I’d like to have a Keurig coffemaker. Want to find one for me for $25 or $30?! ;)

Lindsay @ Creative Dough January 19, 2012 at 6:49 pm

Sometimes you can find some last minute steals on that kind of stuff at EBAY. Here’s a link that should help: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_Price=20..30%40c&rt=nc&_nkw=keurig%20coffee%20maker&_dmpt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&_mPrRngCbx=1&_sc=1&_sop=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Lindsay @ Creative Dough January 19, 2012 at 6:59 pm
sheila January 18, 2012 at 4:43 pm

Just curious…..how much time do you think it took to find the $10 boots? I don’t seem to get much computer time……

Lindsay @ Creative Dough January 19, 2012 at 6:50 pm

It does take some time initially, but after awhile, you know which online stores to look at for the sales.

A.k January 18, 2012 at 5:36 pm

I was the same way, I wanted fuggs, fake UGGS, but wanted the, to be decent and cheap. The cheapest I found was $20-$25 but the interior either shed, or was too uncomfortable for me.
After doubtlessly searching, I found some at old navy! My size! My color! And my price—-$7! I ended up buying three pairs, for $21 I used a coupon I found online before heading out. I gave a pair to my sister in law, a black pair for myself, and I saved a gray pair for myself to use next year…in case I can’t find the same item again. I know in the end I ended up spending $20 and not $7 but it was for three pairs :)

Lindsay @ Creative Dough January 19, 2012 at 6:58 pm

Good for you!

Brandi January 18, 2012 at 10:04 pm

Also sneakpeeq.com has great deals.

Allison V. January 18, 2012 at 10:06 pm

My favorite “hot mama” boots (knee high with heels) cost me $10 on clearance, seven years ago! I love them but they’re beginning to look worn. I want another great deal like that!

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