How to get the best price when shopping online

1. Shop around if you want the best deal

It might sound obvious, but this really is crucial. Online retailers frequently change their pricing, with some using increasingly sophisticated algorithms to ensure they're always cheaper than their competitors.

But it's not a matter of individually checking site after site: price comparison sites such as Google Shopping, Kelkoo and Price Runner will do the hard work for you. 

You can be as specific or as vague as you like: if you know the exact brand, model and colour you're after, then you'll get very on-point results; while if you're at the beginning of your search and just want an idea of prices you can also plug in much looser search terms.

2. Don't be duped by a 'was' price

It's natural to get excited when you see a big saving, but sometimes the 'was' price isn't all it seems.

Some retailers use anchor pricing – showing the original selling price contrasted with a much lower 'sale' price – to trick shoppers into thinking they're getting a better deal than they really are.

For example, when we looked at products on promotion across a range of retailers in the first six months of 2021, we uncovered several items that were on promotion for more days than they weren’t.

This included a Bosch fridge that was cheaper or the same price on 276 days over the six months before and after Black Friday, and a Toshiba TV that could have been bought for the same price or lower on 211 other days.

To check a product's pricing history, try using CamelCamelCamel for Amazon intel and Price Runner for wider market coverage.

3. Consider product seasonality

Some products follow a predictable seasonal pattern that means you're more likely to pick up a bargain at certain times of year than others.

For example, new TV models are usually released between April and July each year. When a model has just been released it'll be at its most expensive – but if you wait until later in the year, the hype will have died down along with the prices. Or you could even wait until the new lines are released and pick up a previous-year model for a knock-down price.

Retailers also follow patterns. We've previously found that John Lewis, for example, has more items on promotion in October than any other month, while nearly all retailers offer plenty of discounts on Black Friday (at the end of November) and in the January sales.

4. Search for discount codes

Try Googling the name of the site you're buying from with the words 'discount code' and more often than not you'll find several websites claiming to offer codes that will save you a hefty wedge with your chosen retailer. 

This can be a process of trial and error as the best codes tend to expire or only be valid for certain ranges from a retailer's website, but a discount code that works can mean a significant saving.

You simply copy the code and then paste it into the promotional code box when checking out on the website you're shopping with.

5. Try haggling. Yes, really

Which? research has found that it's worth using live chat to ask if the retailer can offer a discount. 

Our researchers secured 20% off from Boden, 12% off from Dell and 10% off from The Perfume Shop when they tried this approach in 2017.

Some retailers are more likely to offer you a discount than others, but if you can say that you've seen the same item cheaper elsewhere, they might be more inclined to offer you money off. 

6. Join the mailing list

Retailers often offer a discount on your first purchase if you sign up to their mailing list.

You can always unsubscribe once you've got the code and made your purchase, or set up an email account or folder specifically for promotional emails that you don't particularly want to read. 

It can also be worth following your favourite brands on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram so that you're the first to find out when they're launching new sales – there might also be competitions you can enter to win free stuff.

7. Abandon your cart

When you're shopping online, create an account with the retailer and make sure you're signed in, then add what you like to your basket, go to the checkout, and leave the website without completing your order.

This is what marketing types call an 'abandoned cart', and will often trigger an email to be sent to you, often containing a discount code to tempt you into returning and completing your purchase.

8. Use click and collect

Some retailers add quite hefty delivery charges to online orders.

If there's a branch of your chosen retailer nearby, or they offer the option to click and collect from a local pickup point such as a convenience store or other shop, it will often save a few pounds on delivery. 

9. Earn as you spend 

Free-to-use cashback sites, such as Quidco and Topcashback, offer deals at more than 4,000 retailers. 

Signing up could get you access to bigger discounts than you’ll find elsewhere, and cashback on your purchases to boot.

• Find out more: cashback sites explained

10. Don't base your decision on price alone

Ok, so this page is all about getting the best deal – but it would be a mistake to choose a product based on price alone.

Unless you're buying something where quality genuinely doesn't matter, it's always best to choose the product first and then find the best price, rather than the other way round.

It's always worth checking reviews before you buy (just watch out for the fake ones), and then going from there.

Which? reviews thousands of home, tech and baby products every year, so check our site before you buy to be sure you're buying a product that will work and, importantly, last.