7 online bargain shopping tips for the 'new normal' holiday rush

For many Filipinos, the -ber months usually mean the start Christmas everything: decorating, shopping, party-planning.

The current COVID-19 situation in the country may have many of us scared to go elbow-to-elbow with a crowd at the malls...and finally, finally giving online shopping a chance.

The good news is that bargain shopping is still very much alive online. 

Here are a few tips to help you get the best deals at this year's "new normal" holiday rush:

1. Stay sharp

If you're new to online shopping, you should know that

• stuff moves really fast and 
• you're up against everybody on the internet looking for cheap buys. 

So stay sharp and be decisive. When you see something you want and with a nice price tag to boot, look no further.

But that said, you have to....

2. Do early research

It's important to know what exactly you need before launching into an online shopping session. 

Plenty of research will tell you if you're really getting your money's worth.

Some online businesses sell the same thing at different prices, so make sure you take the time to browse different stores or sellers before buying. Sometimes, overpriced items hide behind labels like "sale" or "free shipping."

If you know a seller has or will have what you want, make sure you're there when the product becomes available or when they re-stock. More often than not, they will announce when a product becomes available, when they've sold out, etc., when new shipments arrive, so keep abreast.

If your heart is set on a particularly hot item, stay online, keep checking the store or the seller and turn your notifications on.

Also, returns and exchanges will also be trickier, so think before you click "add to cart."

3. Be on the look out for mega sales

Start checking if our favorite stores are going to take part in year-end "mega-sales."

If your friends love Shopee and Lazada, chances are they've already marked their calendars for "10.10," "11.11" and "12.12," which are pretty hard to miss.

But like any other sale, early birds will get first dibs.

So start familiarizing yourself with the prices of your would-be purchase before they go on sale.

You don't want to get roped into marketing schemes guised as special holiday offers.

4. Attend live selling sessions

With dressing rooms and product testing out of the picture, some online sellers go the extra mile to win your trust by holding live selling sessions.

It's a livestream but instead of a concert, you'll have a friendly tindera showcasing an item onscreen, giving out important details like sizes, colors available, etc., and sometimes, even modelling the items on sale. 

Apart from learning more about the product, interested buyers can ask questions in the comments section. At the same time, buyers can get first dibs on products that flash on-screen.

It's a lot like an auction, where buyers need to catch the seller's attention fast and make it very clear that they mean business.

A great way to secure your purchase is knowing the lingo used in the comments:

• "Mine" means you want it
• "HM" means how much 
• "SB" means you're a sure buyer

You also won't be issued receipts like in a regular store, so make sure you take an "SS" or screenshot of your reserved product.

5. Ask for bundles, reservations

Comments and DM's are free, so don't hesitate to ask the seller if you can work something out.

This includes bulk orders that can be really helpful for regular customers who want to save on shipping fees.

You can also ask for reservations if you missed your chance at getting the product you want.

6. Buy from someone you trust

A little investigating can save you from scams — or, at least, a bad purchase.

Always check a business page for possible red flags. Don't give away sensitive information unless you're sure it's legit.

If the online store is on Facebook or Instagram, why not read reviews or see how many followers a business has?

Also, transparency is key.

Feel free to send a DM or contact the number specified by the seller and ask them for more details. A seller who doesn't want to talk may already be a red flag in itself.

When in doubt, you can always ask your family and friends where they get their stuff.

7. Take the time to reflect

To avoid post-purchase regrets, it's best to determine your "needs" vs. your "wants."

While self-gifting is totally acceptable especially with such a hard, stressful year, you also also might want to prepare for financial uncertainties given the COVID-19 situation.

According to psychologist Riyan Portuguez, those who plan to go online bargain shopping this holiday season should prioritize things that they need vs. things you just want to have.

You can also allow yourself to reflect before making a purchase and try reducing your browsing activity on online shopping apps.

If you look to online shopping as a way to relieve stress, there are plenty of other ways to do that. These include self-care activities, mindfulness, and seeking professional help to strengthen your mental health.

"In the end, long-term benefits and healthier coping mechanisms that boost your overall wellness are one of the few things you can't find on online shopping," Dr. Portuguez. — LA, GMA News