Online retailing has dominated the internet when the COVID-19 pandemic restricted a lot of movements outside. Everywhere you look online, ads of your favorite products pop up making it almost inevitable for you to fill your digital cart and break your budget. 

Shopping online has its pros. It can save you a lot of time and it can help you avoid the risks of contracting COVID-19. Choices are also laid out to you in a digital pamphlet and because online retailing is a lot more accessible for entrepreneurs–small, medium and even multinationals–more stores are expected to try to compete with other brands by making their prices lower. 

On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of online shopping include not having the ability to personally inspect the items before buying them. Shopping for products online may also attract scammers or illegitimate sellers. 

But the biggest challenge of all is trying to minimize your spending. The availability of products everywhere means you are more attracted to filling your cart in one go.

So how do you really shop without blowing up your budget?

1. AVOID ONLINE SHOPPING OUT OF BOREDOM

Given the circumstances, staying at home 24/7 would really result in boredom at some point. This often leads to browsing the internet for products that you may not necessarily use.

Whether you’re buying something small, or you’ve invested in an expensive product, constantly buying out boredom will eventually pile up and hurt your pockets.

2. LIST THE ITEMS YOU NEED

A list is always helpful in online shopping. It reminds you of the things you’re supposed to buy so your eyes don’t have to wander anywhere else.

When making a list, make sure that you include the prices of these items so you could calculate your total spending. If it seems a lot, feel free to remove the items that aren’t as urgent.

3. RESEARCH BEFORE ADDING TO CART

The more you know about the item, the less time you’ll spend online. Make sure that you research about the products so you know that you’re getting the right item.

This will spare you from the long and tiring process of product exchange or refund.

4. AVOID PAYING MULTIPLE DELIVERY FEES, SHOP IN ONE GO

While some online retailers offer free shipping, most shops will still require shipping fees and they do not come cheap especially if you’re out of the Metro.

To avoid paying multiple delivery fees, try to minimize your spending by buying from stores where you can get most of what’s on your list in one go.

5. RECORD ALL YOUR TRANSACTIONS

Recording your transactions will help you see how much you’ve spent in particular times of the month. It will also help you see if you have breached your budget.

Some online platforms record your total spending for you. Transfer them on an online spreadsheet or get yourself a journal.