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I know that most people still think that the last major change in commerce happened when online shopping became popular. But what if I say you’re completely wrong? … Although the offline-to-online shift was a major change, there are still many changes taking place in the online shopping industry. Hence, it is important to keep yourself updated.
This article will help you understand the factors impacting the online shopping industry and find ways to make better buying decisions.
Always Check the Price Histories
Remember how hard it was back in the day when we tried to figure out previous prices of a particular product. Knowing the price history when shopping online is great, as it helps you find the best time to get it. But now, the game has completely changed with AI. One of the most popular price trackers available on Amazon is Rufus.
With this tool, you can check the price history for products on Amazon. Out of all the products, I have found this useful for checking laptop prices, as they are fluctuating quite rapidly these days (For those who don’t know: I am talking about the RAM crisis).
Key Highlights:
- Some price history trackers provide data up to 1 year; for example, Amazon’s Rufus AI has this built-in feature. There are other extensions too, but I wouldn’t recommend using them.
- Start tracking prices 6 months before you buy the product, especially when it’s a large purchase.
- Make sure you have an eligible credit card (Popular ones from Axis, HDFC, ICICI, and SBI Bank) to get bank offers when available. These include both cashback and instant bank discounts.
Follow Discount Aggregator Platforms
Discount aggregator platforms rose to fame after the decline of physical coupons. So basically, these platforms, such as CouponzGuru, find all active coupon offers and deals for major brands and list them in one place.
But wait…the catch here is that they’re time-sensitive offers, which means they must be used within their validity period. These platforms usually list the expiry date under each offer, making shopping convenient for you.
Main Takeaways:
- These platforms constantly monitor offers and seasonal sales. Therefore, you could just check them from time to time whether something is worth buying.
- Some brands often partner with these platforms to provide exclusive coupons.
- Expired offers are removed from these websites to provide working discounts.
Watch Product Reviews
Getting social proof is mandatory when you’re thinking of buying products from a brand you’ve never heard of, especially when it’s electronic devices. Just open your phone now and type in “tech reviewers,” and you’ll find countless popular techies who review products from popular and newer brands.
Some of the most popular YouTube channels I personally watch are Linus Tech Tips and Gamers Nexus. The really good ones don’t just review products but also give you updates on the state of the industry and will recommend shopping tips. Believe me… they know what they’re doing, and they’re popular for a reason.
Key Takeaways:
- YouTube reviews are not just limited to electronics, travel, fashion, software, and other categories.
- Be careful before trusting any YouTube channel. Make sure you check their social presence, comments, and followers.
Don’t Rely on AI Chatbots
This is one thing I hate that many online shoppers do. Don’t get me wrong, AI chatbots are great for many tasks, especially shopping, but the problem arises when you’re only reliant on that.
If you do some research, you’ll find that their opinions about product selection change quite frequently depending on what forum they’re pulling information from. The responses from the chatbot are different in the same way as the opinions from forums. This often leads to inaccurate results. Therefore, it’s also better to read blogs, YouTube videos, and AI tools.
Key Highlights:
- I am not against using AI for online shopping. All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t trust every response generated by the AI.
- AI chatbots can make plenty of mistakes, especially when it’s regarding tech.
- Apart from Pinterest, they are great for keeping up with the latest fashion trends and giving you tailored advice on online fashion shopping.
Always Do Your Own Research
With all the things I have explained till now, I would still recommend doing your own research instead of blindly believing me. It is better to prioritize products with a 4.2 rating and thousands of reviews than one with a 5-star rating with only 20 reviews. Try following this rule when shopping from new or “not so popular” brands, whether it’s a small or a big purchase.
Main Points:
- Always read 3-star and 4-star ratings before reading the 5-star ones.
- Avoid FOMO(Fear of Missing Out): Today, many Gen Z shoppers end up overspending due to compulsive shopping habits and fear of missing out.
Final Words
Making better buying decisions requires a combination of many things. This includes using platforms such as discount aggregator platforms and price history checkers, and watching product review videos on YouTube. But remember, all this won’t matter if you cannot control your compulsive shopping habits.
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