I know, I know…I’m always talking about using browser plugins to save money while you shop online. If you are already using them, I say “Bravo, Smart Shopper!” But, perhaps you feel a bit intimidated by the idea. Read on for the best ways to save money online with these handy browser tools.
What is a browser plugin/extension?
So, first of all – what the heck is a browser extension? It’s a small tool that once installed (or plugged in) it “extends” the capabilities of your browser, whether you’re using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc. What this means is that it allows your browser to do more for you.
There are all sorts of browser plugins. Some block ads, whereas others save your passwords. Some restrict access to certain sites whereas others, you guessed it, help you save while shopping. And that’s my favorite kind, as you can imagine.
What plugins should we try?
There are several good ones out there, and while they all have the same purpose, which is to help save you money through cashback, coupons, or both, they are all a little different. A few of my favorite browser extensions for online shopping are Sidekick by CouponCabin, Rakuten, GiveFreely, and PayPal Honey. Install one or install ’em all!
How do I install a browser plugin?
They are very easy to install. You search Google, Bing, etc. for the one you want, and the browser extension will pop up in the list of options.
Click “add to…” to install. All browsers are a little different, but once you’ve installed it, you’ll probably see a tiny logo in your bookmarks bar or toolbar. If you click on that logo, different offers will appear or you’ll end up on the site of that plugin, where you’ll find a variety of offers. This is a great way to plan ahead of shopping, but the great thing about them is that you don’t have to plan if you don’t want to. You can simply shop as you usually would and applicable cashback offers or promo codes will pop up. You just click to activate the one(s) you want and keep on shopping.
Some will even offer to test coupons for you at checkout, which is very convenient.
How do I collect my savings?
Every extension is different, but I’ve found it to be easy to collect my earnings. Some provide your funds via PayPal or check, whereas others offer your payment in the form of gift cards (some of which are discounted so you can get more bang for your buck). Some will let you choose your preferred payout method.
Keep in mind that it can take a few months to receive your payout. Because returning is so common, these platforms usually wait a while to pay you to make sure you are keeping the items you ordered.
Can I use more than one browser plugin at a time?
Yes. I think this is a great way to give a test run to more than one and see which you like best, i.e. which has the strongest cashback offers or the most coupons that are relevant to what you are shopping for. Will you save more by using two? Sometimes. Because some are more coupon-based and others are more cashback-based, you will have access to more offers by using more than one. But, if they overlap in functionality, it’s unlikely you can stack them. I have tried to “activate” two cashback offers at once and one trumps the other.
