There truly are very few things better than the thrill of getting a really awesome deal when it comes to shopping. Specifically, online retailers seem to be becoming more and more creative these days to score big with their customers. However, if you are a smart deal hunter, know how to cheat the system a little bit or would just love to get major discounts without putting in a crazy amount of effort, try using these few online bargain shopping tips.

Join the Rewards Program

99.9% of stores offer some type of rewards member program. Whether you earn as you spend or get exclusive offers and discounts sent to you personally, anytime a retailer extends the invite to join their rewards program, you accept. Most of the time all you have to do is give them your email address and you will instantly start receiving all of their rewards member information regarding sales, flash sales, specific discounts catered to you, all of the above. The moral of the story is always be sure to check your email before beginning an online shopping excursion!

Rebate Sites

Always take advantage of rebate sites! An online merchant’s rewards program is not the only way to get your hands on some good rebates. There are dedicated rebate sites that act as pass-through portals to your favorite online shopping locations. Portal sites don't actually sell anything, but by directing traffic through their links, they earn commissions. To encourage you to keep visiting and using their links, they split that commission with you! Depending on the merchant involved and the policy of the rebate site and whatnot, you could qualify for a rebate of anywhere from five to fifty percent of your purchase. Rebate sites maintain lists of qualified merchants with published rebate amounts for each participating online retailer.

Follow Your Favorites on Social Media

A really great way to stay informed about your favorite online retailer’s upcoming sales and promotions is to be following them on all of their social media platforms. Whether it is Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, most likely all social platforms will post the same promotions at the same time. Some companies will even hold contests or sweepstakes where the prize is a gift card, an exclusive discount code or other awesome offerings where you are able to save money on their social media accounts. Yet another reason to go make sure you are following all of your favorite stores now!

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