How to Save Money When Shopping Online: Tips for New Zealanders

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The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors passionate about helping Kiwis thrive in New Zealand and beyond.

Key Highlights

Here are the key takeaways for saving money on your next online shopping spree:

Always look at prices on other websites. This helps you make sure you get the best deal.
Try to find a promo code or a discount before you click ‘checkout’ to help lower what you pay.
Sign up for loyalty programs at the stores you like. You can earn rewards and get early or special offers.
Add a browser extension. It will find coupons for you and fill in codes at checkout, which is quick and easy.
Use websites that offer cashback rates so you can get some money back after you shop.
Shop when there are seasonal sales. You will save more on things you want if you buy at the right time.

Introduction

Online shopping is a great way to buy what you need. You can look at best deals from both major retailers and small stores, all while sitting at home. But with the cost of living going up in New Zealand, you need to think smart when you shop. Are you sure you get the best deals you can? The good thing is, with a few easy tips and some planning, it is possible to spend less and still get what you want. This guide will show you real ways to save money every time you do online shopping.

Smart Ways New Zealanders Can Save Money When Shopping Online

Online shopping is easy and handy, but you can spend too much if you are not paying attention. The cost of living is high for many people in New Zealand, so getting good deals at online stores is important. If you know when to buy and what to do about shipping costs, you can save a lot.

Before you buy something, it is good to take a quick look at all your choices. Try comparing prices, see if there is a discount for new customers, and check what you will pay for shipping. These small steps can cut the total cost. Let’s look at the best ways to hold on to more of your money when you use the convenience of online shopping.

1. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers

One of the easiest ways to ensure you get the best deals is by comparing prices before you commit to a purchase. Don’t just buy from the first online store you visit. Many major retailers stock the same type of product, but their prices can vary significantly. Taking a few moments to check other websites can lead to immediate savings.

You can do this manually by opening a few tabs in your browser for different online stores. This allows you to see the prices side-by-side and factor in any shipping costs before heading to the checkout. Some websites are designed specifically to help with this. These price comparison tools can save you time by searching multiple retailers at once. Here’s how you can do it:

Use dedicated price comparison websites for New Zealand shoppers.
Manually check the websites of two or three major retailers.
Use browser extensions that automatically show you better prices.

Comparison Method	How It Works
Manual Search	Open multiple browser tabs for different stores and compare directly.
PriceRunner NZ	Search for a product, and the site shows you prices from various Kiwi retailers.
PriceSpy NZ	Another popular tool that tracks prices and availability across many online shops.

You should not buy anything online without looking for a promo code first. A lot of online shops give out discount codes to bring in more people. You can find these codes and save right away at the checkout. Sometimes, the code takes a percentage off, gives you a dollar discount, or even gets you free shipping.

So, where do you find these helpful coupon codes? There are some easy ways. The first thing you can do is try a quick search online, like “[Store Name] discount codes NZ”. This will show you coupon sites that have new and current deals. Another good idea is to sign up for the newsletter of your favourite brand, because they often send cool codes to your email before anyone else.

Here are the best ways to find discount codes:

Search on coupon sites that specialise in New Zealand deals.
Sign up for store newsletters to receive codes via email.
Install a browser extension that automatically finds and applies codes.
Follow brands on social media for special promotions.

3. Install Reliable Browser Extensions for Automatic Savings

If you want an easy way to save money, a browser extension can help a lot. These little tools work right in your browser, like Google Chrome, while you shop online. When you go to the checkout at an online shop, they search the internet for coupon codes and pick the best one for you. The automation means you do not have to wonder or look for discounts yourself.

The ease of use is a big reason why people like coupon extensions so much. After you put the extension on your browser, you just shop like normal. If the extension finds a good coupon at checkout, it will show up and help you save time and money. You do not need to go and search around for codes by yourself.

Kiwi online shoppers can use some trusted browser extensions:

Honey: This is one of the best-known coupon extensions. It will look for coupons on the internet and add them for you at checkout.
The Camelizer: This coupon extension works well for Amazon. It checks out the price history on Amazon so you know if now is a good time to buy.

4. Take Advantage of Cashback Websites

Imagine getting cash for shopping. That is what cashback sites do. These platforms work with many online stores. When you shop through their site, they earn affiliate commissions for sending shoppers to a store. In return, they give you some of that as cashback. So, you get real money back each time you shop for things you want.

To start, just sign up to a cashback site. Next, look for the store you want to use and click their link. When you make a purchase, they track the cashback amount and put it in your account. Over time, these small cashback amounts can become good savings. Some sites also have a browser extension. It can tell you if cashback is ready at the store you are on.

Popular cashback options for New Zealanders are:

Cashrewards: It works with many local and overseas stores.
ShopBack: It gives you cashback and often has coupon codes for lots of shops.

If you often shop at the same major retailers, it makes sense to join their loyalty programs. These programs give something back to repeat shoppers, and can help you feel like you belong. When you sign up, you get points every time you buy something. Later, you can use your points for discounts, free items or other special rewards.

Many brands have mobile apps or an app that will help you keep up with your points and rewards. Sometimes, all you have to do is sign up for their newsletter or loyalty program, and you’ll get a discount to use on your next buy. Make sure you keep your loyalty cards easy to find, either in your wallet or in a digital wallet app, so you never forget to earn your points.

The good things about joining loyalty programs are:

You earn points every time you spend a dollar.
You get exclusive discounts and can shop sales before others.
There can be a treat or discount for you on your birthday.
You can get into events and promotions only members get.

6. Wait for Seasonal Sales and Special Promotions

Timing is important when you want to get the best price. If you do not need it right away, you can wait for seasonal sales and save a lot of money. Online stores give their biggest discounts during big shopping days like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and end-of-season sales.

It is easy to keep up with these sales. Just sign up for email updates from your favourite online stores. You will often get news before the sales start. Many brands also use their app or post on social media to tell you about special deals. If you plan what you want to buy around these key times, you can get popular things for much less money.

Key times to watch for sales include:

End-of-season sales: Stores need to clear out old things to make room for new items.
Major holiday events: Look out for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day.
Public holidays: The King’s Birthday and Labour Day bring special deals too.

7. Set Up Price Alerts and Track Price Drops

Have you ever bought something, and then seen it get cheaper just a week later? You can stop this from happening by using price alerts. There are many websites and mobile apps that let you track a product and let you know when the price goes down. This way, you use automation to get the best deal without needing to look at the website all the time yourself.

This way works really well with your wishlist. If you see something you want but do not want to buy it yet, put it on your wishlist in the retailer’s website or use a price-tracking app. After that, set an alert. When the price is lower, you get an email or a notice on your phone from the mobile app, which lets you buy before that item sells out.

Here is how you can stay updated about price drops:

Use the wishlist tool on an online store and have a look at it often.
Try websites or browser extensions made for price-tracking.
Choose mobile apps that will give you push notifications when prices go down.

8. Check for Free Shipping Offers and Delivery Deals

Shipping can sometimes make a good offer less good. So, before you buy, try to find free shipping. The best online stores, even big ones like Amazon, often have deals where you get free delivery if you spend a set amount. In New Zealand, some stores will send your things for free when you spend over $75 or $100.

If your total is not quite enough for free shipping, add something small and handy, like a pair of socks or something you need. This is often better than paying for shipping. You could also try Click & Collect, so you order online and pick up from the shop near you for free. That works well if you need your items fast.

Ways to save on delivery are:

Meeting the ‘free shipping’ spend limit at online stores.
Finding a promo code that covers the shipping cost.
Using Click & Collect if the store offers it.

9. Avoid Impulse Buying with a Wishlist Strategy

The convenience of online shopping makes it so easy for people to buy on impulse. You might see something you like, and with only a few clicks, it is on its way to you. One good way to help avoid this is by using a wishlist. Instead of adding what you want straight to your cart, put it in your wishlist and step away for at least 24 hours.

This waiting time gives you the chance to think if you really want or need that item. Most online stores and their apps have a wishlist feature. Using it lets you keep your top picks in the one place. You can look at these choices later, when you are thinking more clearly. Most of the time, you will see the feeling to buy has gone, which stops you from spending money you do not need to spend.

Use these wishlist ideas to help slow down impulse buying:

Wait 24-48 hours before buying anything from your wishlist.
Regularly look through your wishlist and take out items you do not want any more.
Use the wishlist to compare things and pick the best option for value.

10. Read Customer Reviews and Return Policies Before Purchasing

A bargain is not really a bargain if the product is poor in quality or does not fit you well. If you do not want to feel bad after buying, you should always look at what other customers have said in their reviews before you buy. Major retailers like Amazon let people leave lots of reviews. These reviews can tell you more about things like quality, sizing, and how long the item may last. The transparency you get from these real stories helps you, so you will know what you are getting and not waste your money on something that will not work for you.

It is just as important to know the shop’s rules on returns. If they have a simple return policy, that gives you peace of mind if what you get is not what you wanted. Always check if the store makes you pay for shipping when you return things or if they give you free returns. If returns are hard or cost too much, you may be stuck with something you can’t use. That is just throwing away money.

Before you buy, make sure to check:

Customer reviews: Look for what people say about sizing, quality, and how the product stands up over time.
Return policies: Find out how long you have to send things back and if you get free returns.
Sizing guides: Check the measurements, especially if you do not know the brand.

By taking a few moments to look at these things when you shop at major retailers like Amazon, you can be sure

Your social media can be a great place to find special offers and deals. Many brands use Instagram and Facebook to talk to people and share discounts you will not get anywhere else. Following them is one of the easiest ways to keep up with flash sales and news about new products.

A brand will often put out a promo code or let people know about a quick sale just for their followers. This is a good way to find offers without having to get another email newsletter. You get early access to new deals, which helps you get the things you want while they are still available.

Here’s why you should follow brands on social media:

Get follower-only exclusive offers and discount codes.
Be first to know about sales and new stuff.
Join giveaways and contests, for the chance to win free things.

12. Stack Coupons and Cashback for Extra Discounts

To get the most out of your savings, you can use what is called “stacking.” This means you use more than one discount at the same time when you buy something. Not every shop lets you do this, but some online stores will let you use a coupon code on top of a sale price. The best thing is if you can use cashback with these deals too.

Here’s how you do it. First, find something in the online stores that is already on sale. Next, look for a coupon on one of the coupon sites that you can use at checkout. After that, be sure you start by clicking through a cashback website before you buy the stuff you want. The cashback you get in your wallet is extra money you save along with the coupon and the sale.

To stack your savings the right way:

Start your shopping by going to a cashback website.
Look for a coupon code on coupon sites and put it in at checkout.
Try to shop when there are big sales, so the money off is even bigger.

This way, you get savings from both the coupon and the sale, plus you get cash back in your wallet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping Online

There are many ways to get good deals when you do online shopping. But, there can be some common traps that can end up costing you more. These could be surprise hidden costs or when you let a great voucher run out. Just a few simple mistakes can stop you from saving money. If you know about these, you can avoid them.

Mistakes like impulse buying or forgetting to check shipping fees can add up fast. Sometimes, the shop is not clear about all their prices. This can give you a shock at checkout. Here are some usual things that shoppers do wrong, and tips so you stay away from these.

Overlooking Hidden Costs and Fees

One mistake people often make with online shopping is to look only at the main price and miss other hidden costs. You can think the deal is very good, but things like shipping, tax, and service fees can come at checkout. This makes the total price go up a lot.

These extra charges are common when you see things like interest-free offers. They can come with new set up or service costs, making your buy more pricey. Always go through to the last checkout screen. That is where you see what the full price will be before you put in your payment details. This tip helps make sure you feel good about the price and get no big surprises during checkout.

Look out for these common hidden costs in online shopping:

High shipping fees: These are common for very big items or when you buy from stores outside the country.
Service or admin fees: You may see these when you use some “buy now, pay later” deals.
Import duties and taxes: If you shop through an overseas website, these might be added when your item arrives.

Check all fees at checkout to know what you will pay.

Finding a good promo code can feel great, but the truth is that most coupon codes have expiry dates. Many people hold on to a coupon for later, and when they go to use it, it has already run out. The deals that online stores offer often end fast, so when you see a good promo code, it is a good idea to use it soon.

To stop yourself from being let down, you should always check the terms and conditions of each promo code. Look closely at when it ends. Some coupon codes are only for certain products or might be just for people who are buying for the first time. When you pay attention to these small rules, you are more likely to get the savings.

To make the most of your coupon codes:

Check the expiry date right when you spot a new coupon.
Use good promo codes as soon as you can so you do not miss out.
Read the full rules so you know your order will get the discount.

Conclusion

To sum up, saving money when you shop online is not just a smart idea. It helps you get the most out of your money. You can do this by comparing prices, finding and using discount codes, and joining loyalty programmes. People in New Zealand can also make their cash go further by keeping an eye on seasonal sales and trying cashback websites.

It is good to remember a few things to avoid mistakes. Watch out for extra fees and pay close attention to dates on any promo codes so you do not miss savings. These steps could give you a better shopping time and help you build good money habits. This can lead to better control of your money. Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to find discount codes for online shopping in New Zealand?

The best way to get a discount coupon is to look on coupon sites online. You can also sign up for emails from online stores. Brands put promo codes and coupons on their social media pages, so follow them there. For an even easier way, try using a browser extension. It will look for a promo code for you and add it at checkout. This saves time and helps you get the most out of every purchase from online stores.

How do cashback websites work for Kiwi shoppers?

Cashback websites team up with stores and get affiliate commissions for sending people to shop there. They give you some of this commission as cashback. All you need to do is sign up, click on their link to a store, and shop like normal. You get back a part of your spend as real money.

Is it better to wait for sales or buy immediately to get the best deal online?

If you do not need something right away, it is often best to wait for seasonal sales. Days like Black Friday are a good time to get good deals. You can also look out for Boxing Day to save even more. Sign up for the store newsletters or use the store app. This way, you get updates about offers, so you buy at the lowest price.