Top tips for finding shopping deals

(NC) Everyone loves a good deal, and the lead-up to the winter holidays is a great time to get one. Here are some ways to score big savings this season:

Add web browser extensions. You may be tech-savvy and familiar with web browser extensions that save your passwords or block popups. But did you know there are also extensions to help with shopping? Some offer cash back on your purchases, while others comb through the internet for hidden discount codes. Add them to your browser to make sure you can easily access these deals.

Bundle up on savings. On top of a browser extension and public sales, you might be able to get an extra percentage off by signing up for a company’s newsletter. Also remember, how you pay matters – a rewards credit card or store rewards program can give you a nice bonus, too.

Connect with brands. Are there brands you love and consistently buy from? Follow their social accounts, sign up for their email and rewards program and keep up with influencers who use their products. This will make sure you know ahead of time when big sales are coming and can even get you early access. Meanwhile, influencers you trust can make recommendations and provide you with influencer discount codes.

Time your purchases. Many think events like Black Friday automatically means the best prices, but that’s not necessarily true for every store. Some start sales a few days earlier, and if you shop then, you may see a better selection before things sell out. Certain retailers may also price match for up to 30 days after purchase. If you see a lower price, that means you can still take advantage of it. Other brands are known for their sales at certain times of the year and save their top deals for these events.

Keep companies accountable. Did an item on your wish list sell out too fast during a sale? Try sending the retailer a direct message on social media expressing your disappointment and you may be able to get a discount for a future purchase. Did a product scan higher than the displayed price at the in-store checkout? Canada has a Scanner Price Accuracy Code, and you may be entitled to get the item for free, up to $10, depending on the retailer.

If a mobile phone, internet or TV provider doesn’t live up to the promises they made during a deal, there’s also somewhere you can turn. The Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services, or CCTS. It offers free complaint resolution for issues with telecom and TV services in Canada, such as the charges not matching the agreement or the service not performing as expected, and has the authority to make providers fix the problem. Start with speaking to the company directly, but if that doesn’t work out you can file a complaint at letstalksolutions.ca.