How to find the best deals online

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Finding the best deals can be tricky. With so many options out there, it almost feels like you need a detective's hat. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.

The first step is to know exactly what you want. It sounds simple, but not everyone takes the time to do this. The more specific you are, the easier it gets to spot a good deal. This is where wishlist tools such as Basket come in really handy,as and when you see items you can save them into your virtual wishlist and come back to them later.

Set a budget. Knowing how much you are willing to spend can save time. It helps narrow down choices and prevents you from overspending.

Always compare prices. Never settle for the first price you see. Use price comparison tools such as Price Spy or Basket to check different stores for the same item. Prices can vary a lot, and sometimes a little research can save you a lot of money.

Sign up for newsletters from your favourite stores. Most stores share special deals with their subscribers before they go public. This can give you a head start on grabbing those deals.

Use apps and browser extensions that alert you to discounts. They’re designed to make your life easier by doing the hard work for you. They notify you when a price drops or when there's a voucher available. Once again, the Basket app is ideal for this, as it sends you a price drop notification on any item you have saved. If you're shopping on Amazon, remember to check Amazon's price history - is that price really cheaper now?

Don’t forget about cashback websites such as Top Cashback. You can get money back from your purchases, which is like an extra discount. It accumulates over time and can lead to significant savings.

Wait for sales if you can. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-season sales usually have fantastic discounts. Sometimes, patience pays off much more than impulsive buys.

Check the reviews Trustpilot. A low price isn’t always a good deal if the product quality is bad. Reviews from other buyers can tell you a lot about the value of a product.

Think about buying second-hand or refurbished items Vinted and Ebay are both great for this. You can often find great products at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure they come with a warranty.

Lastly, use student discounts if you are eligible. Students can get significant discounts on a wide range of products and services. Our best student deals are here;

1. Students can sign up for Amazon Student and get six months' free Amazon Prime membership. Students also get one-day deliveries plus access to Amazon's video and music streaming services and photo storage.
2. 10% off ASOS 
3. Free Office Microsoft Office for Students and teachers 
4. IKEA £10 off when you spend £75, or £20 off when you spend £150* in your next order or in-store purchase 
5. 20% student discount at Boots 

Remember, finding the best deals takes a little time and effort, but the savings are worth it.

Happy deal hunting!

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