Easy Ways To Become An Internet Power Shopper

You know the old saying, “Never pay full price.” It’s still true and always will be as long as money exists.

When I say “power shopper”, I’m referring to getting the most for the least. This involves a combination of traditional brick-and-mortar stores and internet combined when searching. Some of this will be obvious, some not-so obvious.

Site #1 to check: BizRate

I’ve mentioned this site before and will mention it again. The single largest advantage of this site is that it is not specific to any particular vendor. If I search for canon powershot a590 (a digital camera), I find I can get this as cheap as $99.

Site #2 to check: NewEgg

This is for tech-related items but that’s what many PCMech people shop for. Using the example above, that camera has many reviews and a customer choice award to boot. So now I know it’s a decent camera to get.

Site #3 to check: Amazon

Even though BizRate does show Amazon listings, sometimes a few fall through the cracks, so to speak. On Amazon for the above mentioned camera they actually sell a full kit. It includes more stuff for the money.

Site #4 to check: Big-box retailers

Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Best Buy and so on. I check these guys out too. The reason? Were I to buy the digital camera from them, yes I will spend a little extra, but if anything breaks, I don’t have to ship it anywhere. Instead I can just bring it back and have it sent out for repair.

Sometimes you’ll find what you’re looking for there, other times not.

Site #5 to check: eBay

This is where you usually find the lowest price – but you also have to engage in bidding wars to get them. This is not for the meek or the weak, but if the goal is to save as much as possible, auctions are still the way to go.

Site #6 to check: Craigslist

This is a hit-or-miss, but you may find someone that’s willing to part with the item you want for next to nothing. Buyer beware on this one though – be careful when dealing locally.