The global economy is in flux, nobody is quite sure how things will go, but one thing is certain: everybody wants a good deal! The Internet is teeming with deals, but not all that glitters is gold. A lot of what we see online is window dressing. Savvy marketing professionals know how to disguise a bad deal as good. Unfortunately, many of us fall for these tricks to our detriment.
We live in an age where flash sales, coupon codes, and tempting advertisements are everywhere. We must know how to discern between advertising ploys and genuine value. Most of what we see is cleverly disguised fluff – there’s no deal to be had. Granted, seeing through the smokescreen is a skill we need to cultivate, but it has long-term dividends.
Whether you’re in the market for electronics, clothing, or entertainment, here is a failsafe guide on sharpening your instincts to spot real bargains online.
Start With the Source
Everything begins with the website you are looking at. Not every website is created equal. That’s why consumer watchdog authorities urge customers to stick with reputable retailers. Always pick online sellers with sterling reviews from authentic customers. First things first – check for proper HTTPS security protocol. Things like legitimate contact information and clean site design are sacrosanct. While at it, check the source’s diction, lingo, grammar, tone, and professionalism. The more effort the advertisers put into creating high-quality marketing material, the better.
Price Tracking Tools Are Your Secret Weapon
Advertisers often promote massive savings on merchandise, services, vacations, or whatnot. But what exactly does it mean when we see 50% off the marked price? More often than not, the original price gets jacked up to accommodate the discount you’re being offered. In other words, you’re not getting 50% of anything you’re paying the regular price after the discount. You can use browser extensions – take your pick – to track the item’s price history you’re looking at. If the product was never really full price, this is not a deal – it’s a psychological trick.
Don’t Forget About the Fun
A deal is a deal, right? Wrong! A deal isn’t about essentials. Sometimes, we purchase for indulgence. And that’s OK, provided the value is clear. Whether buying a new game, trying a new subscription, or exploring various entertainment platforms, a good deal should always provide quality, not just novelty. For example, gaming aficionados routinely check out online websites where they can score bonus deals to play their favorite games online. Resources like bonus.ca are a great example of how to spot good deals online with reputable sources.
Promotional Codes Have Real Power
Many of us poo-poo the power of a promotional code to our detriment. We believe that promotional codes are designed to benefit those who offer the promotional codes to us. On the contrary, promotional codes can shave a big chunk off the sticker price of items online. But you’ve got to know where to find these promotional codes.
Some of them can be found on coupon sites, while others are emailed to subscribers. If you dig deep into social networks, you may come across special promo codes in the social media comments. If all else fails, run a quick Sumosearch for promo codes pertinent to your area of interest.
Avoid Fake Urgency Offers
Every online deal you find is likely to have an expiration date. It’s uncanny how so many supposed online deals have a perpetual expiration date that never comes. In other words, the time-limited offer is always available to you. You’ll notice this with email offers that keep telling you the same thing, day in and day out.
The same is true for marketers who tell you that the products they are advertising are about to run out. You’ll notice a flashy pop-up showing someone just bought the same product you’re looking at. These crafty little tactics are designed to force you to make a decision quickly. Whenever you see urgency online, pause. Run a quick search and confirm your suspicions – most of these are digital marketing scams.
Shop for Value Not Just Price
We get it—the price elasticity of demand is a real thing. The higher the price, the less likely consumers are to purchase the item. We should never sacrifice for price alone. If you pay a low price, you are invariably assured of low quality. It’s better to satisfice when pricing your products—pick price and quality to find a happy medium.
Look for all extraneous expenses associated with buying the product or service you’re interested in. What about shipping fees? Return policies? Warranties? Customer support? All of these elements add value to the transaction. Without guarantees, transparency, and fairness, it’s not a good deal – it’s a bad deal.
