Smart Online Shopping Guide - Best Deals & Saving Tips…

Smart Online Shopping: How to Always Find the Best Price

Online shopping is easier than ever, but finding the best deal takes more than simply clicking "order." Prices fluctuate daily, webshops use clever pricing strategies and not every discount is what it seems (zie ook Black Friday strategy 2026). With the right approach, you can save hundreds of euros per year without sacrificing quality.

In this comprehensive guide, we share every strategy smart shoppers use to consistently pay the lowest price. From price comparison and cashback to timing your purchases and using discount codes effectively (zie ook best time to buy electronics). Whether you are looking for a new smartphone, a laptop for work or simply your everyday shopping: these principles work for any purchase. Also check out our latest deals for current offers.

Want to get started right away? Read our 5 tips to always find the best deal for a quick start.

Step 1: Always Compare Prices

This sounds obvious, but it is by far the most effective way to save money. Prices for the exact same product can differ by tens of euros between webshops. A price comparison tool like Productvraag shows you at a glance which shop has the lowest price, so you never pay more than necessary.

Why Prices Vary So Much

Webshops use dynamic pricing. This means the price of a product can change based on:

Supply and demand: Popular products become more expensive when demand is high. Once demand decreases, prices drop again.
Competition: When a competitor lowers their price, other shops sometimes follow within hours. This is good news for you as a buyer.
Stock levels: Products that are nearly sold out sometimes become more expensive. Conversely, overstocked items get discounted.
Time of day: Some shops adjust prices several times a day using algorithms.
Your browsing history: Some webshops display higher prices to returning visitors. Use an incognito window to prevent this.

By always comparing before you order, you avoid overpaying. This is especially true for electronics like smartphones and laptops, where the price differences tend to be the largest. For an 800 euro laptop, the difference between the most expensive and cheapest retailer can easily be 50 to 100 euros.

Price History: The Hidden Advantage

Besides the current price, price history is equally valuable. If a product normally costs 299 euros and is now "on sale" for 279 euros, that seems attractive. But if the same product sold for 249 euros last month, it is smarter to wait for a genuine dip.

Use price comparison tools that show price history. This way, you can see at a glance whether the current price is truly low or whether the product is likely to become even cheaper soon. A price graph covering the past six months gives you a realistic picture of the average price and reveals seasonal patterns.

Setting Up Price Alerts

The smartest way to catch a good deal is to set up a price alert. You specify which product you want and at what price you would like to be notified. As soon as the price drops to your target, you automatically receive an email or push notification. This way you do not need to check daily and you never miss a genuine discount.

Step 2: Use Cashback

Cashback is money you receive back after a purchase. It works through special cashback platforms that receive a commission from webshops for referring customers. They pass a portion of that commission on to you. It is essentially free money you would otherwise leave on the table.

How Does Cashback Work?

You sign up with a cashback platform.
You click through from the platform to the webshop.
You make your purchase as normal.
After the order is confirmed, you receive a percentage of the purchase amount back.

The cashback percentage varies from 1 to 10 per cent, depending on the product category. For electronics, it is usually 1 to 3 per cent. That may not sound like much, but 3 per cent cashback on a 1,000 euro laptop is already 30 euros. For fashion and insurance, it can go up to 8 or even 10 per cent. Over a full year, it adds up nicely: regular users earn back an average of 100 to 300 euros per year.

Tips for Maximum Cashback

Combine cashback with discount codes: Many cashback platforms allow you to also use a discount code. This way you benefit twice.
Check multiple platforms: The cashback percentage differs per platform. Compare before you click.
Be patient: Cashback is often only paid out after 30 to 90 days, because the webshop waits for the return period to pass. Plan accordingly.
Use the browser extension: Most cashback platforms offer a browser extension that automatically reminds you of available cashback when you visit a webshop.
Check your account regularly: Sometimes cashback is not automatically approved. In that case, contact the platform's customer service.

Step 3: Use Discount Codes Strategically

Discount codes (also called coupons or voucher codes) give direct discounts on your order. They are everywhere, but not all of them work equally well. The key is knowing where to find reliable codes and how to combine them with other saving methods.

Where to Find Working Discount Codes

Newsletter discounts: Many webshops give 5 to 10 per cent off when you sign up for their newsletter. This is almost always the easiest discount to get. Consider using a separate email address to keep your inbox clean.
Welcome discounts: Many shops offer new customers a one-time discount. Some shops even offer a higher welcome discount if you arrive through a specific channel.
Social media: Follow brands and shops on Instagram and X for exclusive discount promotions. Many brands launch flash sales announced only through social media.
Abandoned cart: Add products to your cart and leave the site without ordering. Many webshops send an email within 24 hours with a discount code to win you back. This technique works at an estimated 30 per cent of major webshops.
Birthday discounts: Sign up for loyalty programmes. Many shops send an extra discount around your birthday.

Common Mistakes with Discount Codes

Buying more than you need: A code for "10 euros off when you spend 75 euros" is only smart if you would have spent that 75 euros anyway. Do not buy extra items just to reach the threshold.
Using expired codes: Always check the validity. Many codes on aggregator sites have expired or no longer work.
Forgetting shipping costs: Sometimes a product with a discount code at one shop is still more expensive than at a competitor without a code, because of higher shipping costs. Always compare the total price.
Trying only one code: Always try multiple codes. Sometimes a code from one site does not work, but an alternative code does.

Step 4: Time Your Purchases

When you buy can make a difference of tens to hundreds of euros. Electronics and other popular product categories follow predictable pricing patterns throughout the year. By planning your purchases strategically, you automatically benefit from the lowest prices.

Seasonal Deals Calendar: When to Buy What

Month	Best deals on	Why
January	Televisions, winter clothing, fitness equipment	Post-holiday clearance, CES announcements push old models down, New Year's resolutions
February - March	Laptops, heating, winter sports	End-of-winter season models, new spring lines arriving
April	Smartphones, garden tools, outdoor toys	New spring releases, previous generation gets discounted
May - June	White goods, air conditioners, outdoor gear	Summer preparation, appliance promotion weeks at major chains
July	Broad summer sale	Mid-year clearance at many chains, seasonal items on sale
August	Laptops, tablets, school supplies	Back-to-school promotions at all major electronics retailers
September	Smartphones (previous gen), cameras	New iPhone and Samsung launches push older models down significantly
October	Early Black Friday deals, gaming	Shops start Black Friday promotions earlier each year
November	Electronics broadly, Black Friday, Cyber Monday	Biggest discount month of the year
December	Last-minute Christmas offers, games, accessories	Remaining stock gets discounted just before Christmas

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Real Savings or Marketing Trick?

Black Friday (last Friday of November) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after) have become the biggest bargain days of the year in the Netherlands. In 2025, Dutch consumers spent an estimated 400 million euros on Black Friday alone. But not every deal is what it appears to be.

How to spot genuine deals:

The price is demonstrably lower than the average price over the past three months (verify this with a price comparison tool).
It is a current, in-demand product and not an outdated leftover the shop wants to get rid of.
The discount applies to the actual selling price, not an inflated "recommended retail price" that nobody ever actually paid.

Watch out for:

Products that were raised in price weeks before Black Friday, making the "discount" look bigger. This happens more often than you might think.
Cheaper variants of popular products manufactured specifically for Black Friday. They look like the original but have inferior specs.
Pressure and scarcity tactics ("only 2 left in stock!") designed to push you into an impulse buy.
Bundles where an expensive product is combined with worthless accessories to claim a higher "discount."

The 30-Day Rule

A golden rule for big purchases: wait at least 30 days after you first see a product. If you are still thinking about it after a month, it is probably a wise purchase. Many impulse buys are prevented by simply waiting. Add the product to your wishlist and set a reminder.

Step 5: Consider Refurbished

Refurbished products are second-hand devices that have been professionally restored, tested and come with a warranty. You typically save 20 to 40 per cent compared to new, while quality is comparable. This is one of the smartest ways to save money on electronics, and it is more sustainable too: you give a device a second life instead of requiring a new one to be manufactured.

Read our comprehensive guide on buying refurbished products: advantages and tips to find out if this suits you.

When Is Refurbished a Smart Choice?

Smartphones: A refurbished flagship from last year still performs brilliantly and costs 30 to 50 per cent less. Perfect if you do not strictly need the very latest model. The camera, processor and software are still excellent.
Laptops: Business laptops like the ThinkPad series last for years and are exceptionally well-priced when refurbished. They are built for intensive use and typically have sturdier chassis than consumer models.
Tablets: A refurbished iPad from one generation ago is virtually indistinguishable from new. Performance improvements per generation in tablets tend to be small, meaning an older model still performs well for years to come.

What to Look for When Buying Refurbished

Not all refurbished sellers are equal. Pay attention to the following:

Warranty: Choose a seller that offers at least 12 months warranty. Some even offer 24 months.
Quality grade: Refurbished products are categorised into grades (A, B, C). Grade A looks like new, Grade C has visible signs of use but works perfectly.
Battery condition: For smartphones and laptops, battery condition is crucial. Ask whether the battery has been replaced or what the remaining capacity is. A battery with less than 80 per cent capacity is a red flag.
Returns: Check whether you can return the device if you are not satisfied. Reputable sellers offer at least 14 days to change your mind.

When Is Buying New the Better Option?

When you need the very latest features (for example, the newest camera technology or the fastest chip).
When the price difference between new and refurbished is less than 15 per cent. Then it is not worth it.
For products with moving parts that wear out faster (for example, robot vacuum cleaners or drones).
When the warranty period for refurbished is significantly shorter than for new.
For products where battery health is not checked or disclosed.

Step 6: Master the Psychology of Online Shopping

Webshops invest millions in persuading visitors to spend more. Entire teams of psychologists and marketing specialists work on optimising the buying experience. By recognising these tactics, you can prevent impulse purchases and stay in control of your wallet.

Common Sales Tricks

Countdown timers: "This offer ends in 2 hours!" creates artificial urgency. The offer often simply returns, sometimes as early as the next day.
Anchor pricing: A crossed-out high price next to the current price makes the deal look more attractive, even if the product was never actually sold at that high price. This is the most common trick.
Free shipping thresholds: You add an extra product to reach the free shipping minimum, while spending more than the shipping costs would have been. Always do the maths.
Limited stock alerts: "Only 3 left in stock!" is often an estimate, not a fact. It is designed to create FOMO (fear of missing out).
Social proof notifications: "15 people are viewing this product right now!" or "Already ordered 47 times today!" are meant to make you feel you need to act fast.
Upselling and cross-selling: "Customers also bought..." and "Upgrade to the pro version for just 50 euros more" are designed to increase your average order value.

How to Stay in Control

Make a list of what you actually need before you start shopping. Only buy what is on the list.
Wait at least 24 hours before purchases above 100 euros. Sleep on it.
Always compare the price at a minimum of three shops before clicking "order."
Ask yourself: "Would I have bought this even without a discount?" If the answer is no, you do not need it.
Remove saved credit card details from webshops. The extra step of fetching your card gives you time to reconsider.
Do not immediately open your cart after a push notification. Wait until the buying impulse has passed.

Step 7: Save on Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are a hidden expense that can undermine your total savings. A product that is 5 euros cheaper at one webshop but charges 7.95 euros for shipping ends up being more expensive. Yet many people forget to factor shipping costs into their price comparison.

Tips to Avoid Shipping Costs

Collect in store: Many webshops offer free collection at a physical store or pickup point. This saves shipping costs and you often have the product the same day.
Bundle your orders: Order multiple products at once from the same shop to get above the free shipping threshold. Make a list of what you need and order everything in one go.
Subscriptions: Some shops offer an annual subscription for free delivery. This pays off if you order more than six to eight times per year from the same shop.
Compare total prices: Always look at the price including shipping, not just the product price. A price comparison tool helps with this.
Choose standard delivery: Express delivery often costs 5 to 10 euros extra. If you are not in a hurry, save by choosing standard delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are prices on comparison sites always up to date? Usually yes, but there can be a small delay of a few hours. Always check the price on the webshop itself before you order. Productvraag updates its prices regularly to keep them as current as possible.

Is it safe to order from unfamiliar webshops? Be cautious with webshops you do not know. Check whether the shop has a Thuiswinkel Waarborg trust mark or Webwinkelkeur certificate, read reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot, and preferably pay via iDEAL or a credit card with buyer protection. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is.

How much can I really save with these strategies? That depends on your spending habits, but the average savvy shopper saves 10 to 25 per cent on their online purchases. For big-ticket items like electronics, that can amount to hundreds of euros per year. Combine price comparison with cashback and discount codes, and it adds up quickly.

What is the difference between a discount code and cashback? A discount code gives a direct reduction on your order at checkout. Cashback is money you receive back afterwards through a cashback platform. The great thing is that you can often combine them for maximum savings. The discount code lowers the price, and you receive cashback on the remaining amount.

When is the best time to buy electronics? The best moments are Black Friday (November), the start of a new season (when older models get discounted) and January clearance sales. September is particularly interesting for smartphones, as new model launches cause predecessors to drop in price. Always use a price comparison tool to verify whether the deal is genuinely good.

Bonus Tip: Returns as a Tool

In the Netherlands, you have the right to at least 14 days to change your mind on online purchases. This is not a drawback but a powerful tool for the smart shopper. Feel free to order from two shops if you are unsure about the best deal, and return the more expensive one. Many consumers do not know they have this right, or feel reluctant to use it. But webshops already factor return costs into their business model: it is entirely normal.

Do pay attention to the conditions: some shops charge return shipping, while others offer free returns. Check this in advance. With free returns, you have nothing to lose by making the comparison in practice.

Return Rights by Shop Type

Major webshops (Bol, Coolblue, Amazon): Usually free returns, generous 30-day window.
Smaller webshops: Check the conditions. Return shipping costs of 4 to 7 euros are common.
Marketplace sellers: Return policies can vary per seller, even on the same platform.
International webshops: The EU right to 14 days applies, but return shipping costs to other countries can add up.

Conclusion: Your Savings Strategy

Smart online shopping is not about luck — it is about strategy. By consistently comparing prices, using cashback, timing your purchases and critically evaluating discounts, you build a habit that saves you hundreds of euros annually. It takes some effort at first, but once it becomes a habit, it barely takes any extra time.

Start today:

Compare prices on Productvraag for your next purchase.
Sign up with a cashback platform and install the browser extension.
Subscribe to newsletters from your favourite shops for welcome discounts.
Use the seasonal calendar above to plan your big purchases.
Set up price alerts for products on your wishlist.

Also check out our other guides:

Happy saving!

Smart Online Shopping - The Complete Guide to Buying on a Budget