How to get the best deals online

Before you click to purchase, follow these steps to lock in the lowest price.

• Let the offers come to you: Sign up for your favorite retailer’s e-newsletter to find out about upcoming sales (you might want to open a separate e-mail account to protect your personal address from overload).
• Get cash back: Start shopping from a rebate site, like shortcuts.com, shopathome.com or mrrebates.com, where online retailers offer a percentage of your purchase back. You can receive a check at least every few months.
• Search for a coupon code: Ready to place your order? Scour the Web for a discount code rather than leaving the box empty. Google “coupon codes” and the retailer, and check sites such as retailmenot.com.
• Enjoy rewards: If you’re paying for your items with a credit card, use one that earns you cash back. The Bank of America BankAmericard Cash Rewards Visa Signature card gives you up to 3 percent back on every purchase.

BONUS TIP: Buy gift cards to your favorite merchants at up to 60 percent off face value on sites such as giftcardgranny.com, abcgiftcards.com and plasticjungle.com, then use them to make your final purchase.