The past holidays seem like ordinary days for many. Stuck at home for as long as you can remember -- even the weekends found a place in a cycle of dealing with work and juggling chores. But if there is a day in the month that you look forward to, it's when the month matches the day -- 9.9, 10.10, 11.11. These are numbers only the most patient of online shoppers can decode.
While patience is a virtue, a strategic mind can get you to places. So, before the day you look forward to arrives, here are tips to secure the best deals for a smooth sale.
Plan your purchase
This may be your cheat day but you still have to bear in mind that every cent counts these days. Visiting an online store is like walking into a grocery store. To stay away from unnecessary purchases, you have to keep a list of the items you should buy. The goal is to list and buy only the things that your pantry has run out of.
The same principle applies to online shopping. Keep in your notepad a checklist of items you want to purchase. Stick to the list. Those are the only words that you should type in your search box. This will lead you to the right path, away from all the temptations of the unlimited "add to cart" button pressing.
Add to cart NOW
The idea of delayed gratification works for some. If you stock the item in your cart early and look at your total bill now and then, you might hear a small voice whisper that you should take some items off your list. You might realize that not having it is something you can live with.
READ: Six Questions To Ask Yourself Before Checking Out Your Cart
You are not depriving yourself by practicing that mindset. It's just a matter of getting your priorities checked. Once you have deleted an item in your cart, there's room for a more important one that fits your budget. Not only are you making the most out of the sale, but you will also be making the most out of each purchase.
Do not worry if the item is not yet on sale today, the discounted price will show when the right time comes. We know you already had that marked in your calendar.
Collect and combine vouchers
Presents need not be wrapped in fancy paper and glittery ribbons. Some are just waiting to be opened in your inbox. They come in the simplest yet thrilling forms -- discount codes, exclusive bundles, and free shipping offers.
Give your favorite merchants a follow. This will keep you updated with their latest offers that you might want to take advantage of. The trick is to combine these codes to trim down the price of your selected purchases. Below is a guide from Lazada that might help you decode the terms.
| Types of Vouchers | How can the vouchers be used? | Where can these vouchers be collected? |
|---|
| 1. Lazada Vouchers | ||
| - Lazada Collectible Vouchers | Lazada - wide collectible vouchers that will apply a discount automatically on checkout. | Product Page, Voucher Page, Campaign Pages, |
| - Lazada Voucher Code | Lazada - wide code that will apply a discount on checkout upon entering code | Campaign Pages, External Partners (e.g. Gcash, BDO, Citi, etc.) |
| -Lazada Shipping Fee Voucher | Lazada - wide collectible voucher that will apply a discount on shipping fee on checkout | Voucher Page, Campaign Pages |
| 2. Payment Vouchers | ||
| - Payment Collectible Voucher | Collectible voucher that will apply a discount automatically when you use the required payment method. | Voucher Page, Campaign Pages |
| - Payment Voucher Code | Code that will apply discount when you use the required payment method. | Campaign Pages, External Partners (e.g. Gcash, BDO, Citi, etc.) |
| - Payment Shipping Fee Voucher | Collectible voucher that will apply a discount on shipping fee when you use the required payment method. | Voucher Page, Campaign Pages |
| 3. Seller Vouchers | ||
| - Seller Collectible Voucher | Seller-specific collectible voucher that will apply automatically on checkout | Product Page, Voucher Page, Campaign Pages, Seller Stores, Livestreams |
| 4. Instant Promotion | A new Promotion that customer can enjoy the discount with eligible payment method/channel | The discount automatically appears in the payment section once conditions are met. |
While looking in the right places, keep in mind that there are vouchers you can and cannot combine.
| Voucher that CAN BE COMBINED | Vouchers that CANNOT BE COMBINED |
|---|---|
| Shipping Fee Vouchers with other vouchers | Seller Collectible Voucher & Lazada Voucher Code |
| Seller & Lazada Collectible Voucher with Payment Collectible Voucher & Voucher Code | Payment Vouchers & Instant Promotion |
Take advantage of credit card perks
Check your e-mail for alerts coming from your bank. There might be offers that can get you the best deals when you use your credit card or debit card. In the case of the awaited 11.11 Biggest One-Day Sale, Lazada teamed up with banks for offers that are hard to say no to.
| BPI x LAZADA 11.11 BIGGEST ONE DAY SALE | |
|---|---|
| Promo Period | November 10-12, 2020 |
| Qualified Cards | BPI eCredit Mastercard, Blue Mastercard, Gold Mastercard, Petron-BPI Mastercard, Edge Mastercard, SkyMiles Mastercard, SkyMiles Platinum Mastercard, BPI-Ayala Malls Amore Visa, BPI-Ayala Malls Amore Visa Platinum, Visa Signature Card, Family Credit Card, Corporate Mastercard |
| Promo Details | Promo Offer: Get Php150 OFF when you checkout at Lazada’s 11.11 Sale. Shop now via the Lazada mobile app and checkout with your BPI Credit Card. Minimum spend of Php3,000 is required Valid for one-time use only Valid for purchases made within the Lazada mobile app only Promo Code: BPILZD1111 |
| How to Avail | 1. Download the Lazada app for free via App Store for Apple users or Google Play store for Android users. |
| 2. Select the item/s you wish to purchase then click “Add to Cart”. Prepare your card details for the transaction | |
| 3. Click the Shopping Cart icon on the right, topmost portion of the screen to view all the items on your Shopping Cart. | |
| 4. Select the item/s you wish to purchase and once you have reviewed the items on your Shopping Cart, click “Check Out” | |
| 5. Input the voucher code on the checkout page, or collect the free shipping voucher to apply the discount. Enter your shipping and billing information and select the credit card as payment method. | |
| 6. Enter your BPI Card details and make sure to check if the discount was applied to total billing before proceeding to place the order. | |
| 7. Click “Place Order” to complete the transaction. |
| BDO Visa x LAZADA 11.11 BIGGEST ONE DAY SALE | |
|---|---|
| Promo Period | November 11, 2020 |
| Qualified Cards | The Promo is open to all active Principal and Supplementary BDO Visa Classic, Visa Gold and Visa Platinum Credit Cardholders (except Corporate Cards). |
| Promo Details | Promo Offer: 15% OFF at Lazada for a minimum spend of Php 3,000. Maximum discount of Php 2,000. |
| The Promo is valid on regular and sale items at Lazada. | |
| Purchase must be made on November 11, 2020 from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm Philippine time. | |
| Discount applies for a minimum transaction amount of P3,000 charged to the BDO Visa Credit Card. | |
| Maximum promo discount is Php 2,000. | |
| The Promo can be availed by using the promo code BDOVISATAKE15 which is valid for one-time use at the Lazada mobile app. | |
| Discount will apply when the promo code is entered at the Payment Page and the eligible BDO Visa Credit Card is selected as the payment option. Customer must check if discount amount is applied before proceeding to final check out. | |
| Discount is applicable site-wide except on digital goods, stores with digital goods product/s, milk products for 3yo and below (under the Milk code). | |
| All purchases must be made using the BDO Visa Credit Card with the corresponding promo code BDOVISATAKE15 for minimum spend of P3,000 on November 11, 2020. | |
| How to Avail | 1. Download the Lazada app for free via App Store for Apple users or Google Play store for Android users. |
| 2. Select the item/s you wish to purchase then click “Add to Cart”. Prepare your card details for the transaction | |
| 3. Click the Shopping Cart icon on the right, topmost portion of the screen to view all the items on your Shopping Cart. | |
| 4. Select the item/s you wish to purchase and once you have reviewed the items on your Shopping Cart, click “Check Out” | |
| 5. Input the voucher code "BDOVISATAKE15" on the checkout page to apply the discount. Enter your shipping and billing information and select the credit card as payment method. | |
| 6. Enter your BDO Visa Card details and make sure to check if the discount was applied to total billing before proceeding to place the order. | |
| 7. Click “Place Order” to complete the transaction. |
Shop with your friends
You might be able to save a lot when you plan your purchase and shop with friends.
While browsing the online shop, you are sure to come across deals that can only be purchased at a lower price when bought in bulk or in a bundle. Your friends can come to the rescue. Let us say, for example, you have been eyeing to buy that perfume from a luxurious brand. Buying it alone can cost you a fortune because it is being sold at a regular price. But the brand offered a bundle that includes that perfume, a moisturizer, and a lotion. Look for friends that are interested in buying the other items. Convince them that you will all be enjoying a sweet deal because you can split the discounted price into three.
If you have friends who are also looking forward to buying items from the same shop, you can take advantage of this by purchasing at the same time and using the same account. You will then be able to split the shipping fee and have fun unboxing the package together.
Bear necessities:
A wise shopper is one who does not just shop at the moment. Planning ahead and thinking twice will work for you in the long-run. Aside from availing of deals and discounts, make sure to be meticulous with all your purchases. The product specifications and reviews will help you identify which store is worth your time and money. Making the most of online sale promos also means making the most out of the products that end up in your doorstep.
