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E-commerce retail sales increased by roughly 68% between February 2020 and July 2022. The pandemic had a lot to do with it, but online shopping is definitely here to stay. Even if the holiday season still seems a long way off, here are six steps to successful online shopping.

Step 1

Focus on your recipient list first. Once you’ve done that, think of a few gift ideas that would suit everyone and write them down. When you prepare ahead you will be less overwhelmed by the sheer number of offers on the Web.

Step 2

Armed with patience and the help of a shopping comparison tool like Google Shopping, take note of interesting items from different shops, but don’t buy anything yet.

• Make sure your Google Shopping tool is in French so you can write your search keywords in French
• Pick a specific business if possible. For instance, if you write “car washing kit” you’ll see several offers at competitive prices, including from the CAA store.
• Have you considered buying an experience rather than a thing? Take a look at coffretsprestige.com. You may get some good ideas. Perhaps your loved ones would like a couple of nights in a hotel or an Airbnb gift certificate?
• Finally, don’t forget that when buying outside the country, there are often higher customs and transport costs to pay. Also, check out the reimbursement policy, just in case.

Step 3

Now is the time to start hunting for coupons and promo codes and sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs from the stores that interest you. Quebec-based Simons, for example, runs members-only contests online, awarding a cash reward card based on the amount spent during the year.

At Réseau FADOQ, we also offer great promotions, such as a 25% discount at L’Équipeur, offered twice a year.

Here are a few sites where you’ll find coupons and promo codes before you buy (there are many others):

• groupon.ca
• rabais.quebec (only in french)
• retailmenot.com
• joinhoney.com

Then there’s Rakuten (rakuten.ca), which offers cash rebates.

Step 4

So, your promo codes and their expiration dates are written down. You have an idea of the prices charged for the items concerned. Now’s the time to wait. . . unless there’s an unbeatable opportunity.

Because Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are just around the corner. And you know that for many companies, this is the time of year to bring out their best offers. From the second week of November is a good time to buy.

Step 5

Here’s a strategy for travelers. If you’re collecting Air Canada loyalty points with Aeroplan, don’t miss your chance to visit the company’s e-boutique on its website. Not only are deals waiting for you at all times, including American Thanksgiving weekend, but your purchases are rewarded with point multipliers that are deposited into your Aeroplan account. Over 200 brands are represented.

Step 6

Last tip. Before shopping online, be sure to visit the consumer protection website. There you’ll find 5 simple things to check before buying online, as well as how to cancel an Internet purchase. You’ll find tips that could save you money.

Happy shopping!