If you’re like most consumers in today’s online shopping world, there are probably times when you feel overwhelmed by all the sites and products claiming to be the best. And as a new parent trying to find the right products for your new baby, this anxiety is only doubled. How do you know the places you're looking and the websites you're shopping are truly offering the best products at the lowest prices?
If you know where to look, and are armed with a comprehensive extended warranty plan like MulberryCare, not only will you be able to afford the high-quality products you need as a new parent, but you’ll also be able to find them at a fantastic deal. Here are 5 pieces of advice for new parents to help find the best deals:
1. Say goodbye to the middleman
Buying the item you’re looking for directly from the supplier is always a great way to save. While purchasing from the middleman almost inevitably means mark-ups (after all, they have to make their money somehow), ordering from the supplier cuts out a lot of costs. It may require more effort and research on your part, but it usually pays off in the long run.
To find an item’s supplier, you can browse the product description, where additional details are often listed about the item. You can also spend time Googling the company, as supplier information is typically public and not difficult to track down.
2. Take advantage of sales and seasons
One of the best ways to save money on high-quality products is by setting a rule for yourself not to pay full price. Most brands have at least one major sales event per year, if not more. Additionally, if the product you're looking for is season-specific, it will likely go on sale when the season starts to change, and suppliers are looking to bring in new items.
For example, as a parent, you can pretty reliably predict what new clothes your child will need in the coming year and when they’ll need them. With this in mind, you can shop smart for things like swimsuits for the following summer as the current summer ends, or buying your child’s next winter coat as temperatures start to warm up.
3. Ensure your purchases are protected
Another great money-saving technique is making sure your products are covered under an extended warranty. By investing in product protection, you can ensure that you’ll save money in the long run by not having to replace your products due to accidents or other damage.
Not sure whether the product you’re shopping for can be insured? Download Mulberry’s free browser extension to view the product protection plans available for your products in real time as you shop.
4. Buy second-hand
Your go-to online retail stores are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding the products you’re looking for. You can often find used and hand-me-down items on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Although shopping on these sites requires patience, the savings are often enormous.
If you don’t mind shopping in-person, moving sales, estate sales, or community thrift stores can also be treasure troves for snagging high-quality, gently-used products at shocking deals. As with browsing online marketplaces, this type of shopping requires patience and effort.
5. Buy in bulk
For staples that you know you’ll need (think diapers, formula, etc.), don’t be afraid to buy large quantities at once. Although the upfront costs will be greater, when you buy in bulk, you will almost always save money in the long run.
Some websites, like Amazon, offer a subscribe and save option, which can also help reduce long-term costs. Wholesale club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are also useful resources to help you become a capable bulk buyer.
Final thoughts
If you’re stressed about spending as a new parent and knowing where to look for the best deals, remember–you don’t have to choose between quality products and saving money. With a little extra planning, a sound product protection plan, and these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to take some of the stress out of shopping for your little one.
Install Mulberry's free browser extension today to view the extended warranty plans available on your most-wanted products.
