12 Ways to Be Smarter About Your Online Shopping Habits

Filipinos are now shopping online more than ever, with 57% of survey respondents buying something online at least once a week. This is a staggering figure, and this wide adoption of online shopping makes the country one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in the world.

However, as online shopping becomes second nature for Filipinos, many have found it increasingly difficult to maintain their financial security and, ultimately, their mental health.

Fortunately, anyone can develop healthy online shopping that not only minimizes negative financial impacts but also makes it possible to live better than ever—even without a big increase in income. Follow these guidelines to become a wiser, more contented online shopper:

1. Apply for a Cashback Credit Card

For online payments, choose the best cashback credit card for online shopping that matches your existing buying habits. This way, you get something in return for purchases you would have made anyway.

With the right cashback card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere credit card—which can give you up to 5% cashback for your Landers online spend when you reach certain milestones—online purchases become essentially more cost-effective than cash. Just make sure to keep up with your statements and choose a card with low or zero annual fees.

2. Develop a Healthy Attitude to Credit Cards

If you’re a first-time credit card owner, don’t suddenly go on a spending spree. Instead, try to stay within your old budget for the next several months so you don’t get into a habit of overspending.

Also, keep track of your credit card spending through your provider’s app and always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid a hit on your credit rating.

3. Organize Your Online Shopping

Whether you prefer to use a credit card or a digital wallet, it helps to organize your online purchases. Save receipts, tracking numbers, and confirmation emails in one place so you can easily mon itor your spending and readjust your shopping habits as needed.

4. Compare Prices Across Platforms

Many online stores offer identical products at varying prices.

Also, some stores that are in multiple locations may have a different asking price on their own website compared to their list price on third-party platforms or at their brick-and-mortar shop.

For that reason, you should always take time to compare prices across different sellers and also each seller’s various sales channels.

5. Be Wary of “Free” Shipping Options

Some platforms and sellers have item or value thresholds that you can meet to qualify for free delivery This is a great perk if you want to bundle multiple purchases and save on shipping.

However, “free” shipping isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Some sellers may simply increase the cost of the item to cover shipping and slap on the free shipping label to psychologically draw you in.

These are not scams per se, but it does mean there is probably an alternative seller out there who can offer you a better price per item and possibly even bigger real discounts should you buy multiple products.

6. Research and Use Discounts and Promo Codes

Philippine e-commerce sites regularly offer a mind-boggling array of discounts and coupons. Make it a point to look for valid promos that you can apply to your planned purchases, no matter your preferred payment methods. 

The amounts you save may not seem like a lot at first, but they can add up over just a few purchases if you frequently shop online.

The key is to choose payment methods with partnerships with the merchants you’re shopping from anyway or those with guaranteed rewards. The Landers Cashback Everywhere credit card, for instance, has a partnership with Landers Superstore. When you use it to pay for your online purchases at Landers and you reach certain spending milestones, you can earn up to 5% cashback.

7. Sleep On Big-Ticket Purchases

Before buying anything you’re not sure of, especially if it’s an expensive item, make it a habit to wait for at least 24 hours.

If you still want it after time has passed, you can go ahead and buy it. If you no longer want it, chances are that it was never a need in the first place.

This simple habit should help prevent buyer’s remorse and keep down your impulse purchases.

Also read: Adopt These 8 Healthy Money Habits for Financial Success

8. Be Mindful of Subscription Services

Online subscription services can be convenient. Unfortunately, they often become a financial burden if you leave them unchecked.

Whether it’s monthly deliveries or access to content streaming, make sure you only sign up for services you need and immediately cancel any that you don’t use regularly.

9. Utilize Cashback Platforms

Credit cards are not the only things that can earn you cashback rewards. Some e-commerce platforms allow you to earn a percentage of your purchase back when you meet specific terms and conditions, such as shopping at partner stores or reaching a spending cap.

Make it a habit to choose stores that offer cashback to maximize your savings, particularly on necessary items.

10. Use Credit Card Perks for Installments

Some credit cards offer installment payment options with zero or low interest, making big purchases more manageable to pay off.

This feature can come in handy for items like new work laptops and appliances, but it should be used sparingly as it can impact your credit score.

11. Check Return Policies Before Buying

Before making any purchase, check the store’s return or exchange policy. Not all items can be easily returned, especially for international purchases. This will keep you from getting stuck with a defective item or something that you didn’t actually order.

12. Keep a Tiered Wishlist

Instead of buying everything you want immediately, maintain a wishlist of items you’re considering.

On this list, separate these items according to the urgency of your needs. For instance, you can classify them into must-haves, nice-to-haves, and things you can do without. Doing this gives you a clear view of what you’re saving for and keeps you focused on things that will truly benefit you.

Stay Grounded with Smarter, More Mindful Online Shopping

As more people discover the convenience of online shopping, long-held attitudes to personal finance are also starting to shift. Keeping these safe shopping pointers close to your heart will help you maintain your finances in these changing times and create a satisfying peace of mind. Stay mindful, use your credit card and shopping platform perks, and shopping online will remain a wonderful and convenient experience.