COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, but we need to start getting back on track. Slowly, we are all finding our way around this new normal and resuming activities that have been on hold for over 60 days now. Many e-commerce sites, including Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart, have also started home deliveries in most regions. However, as responsible citizens, it’s on us to ensure that we use these services in the best way possible. In these uncertain times, it’s also advisable to avoid wasteful spending and hang on to your money. Here’s how you can shop smart during this global crisis and also manage your finances wisely.

1. Make a list instead of shopping on a whim

When it comes to online shopping, it is always best to start with a list of what you need. Planning in advance helps keep a track all immediate and future requirements of essential items. It further helps in managing the pantry at home in an organised manner.

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2. Research on different e-commerce sites and pick the best option

Some e-commerce sites have limited their deliveries to certain locations depending upon the zones – red, orange, and green. Find the best delivery option for your area in terms of delivery timelines, availability of items, and pricing structure.

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3. Plan for at least a fortnight to avoid multiple deliveries

The majority of the population is depending on home deliveries of all essentials. It should thus be understood that the number of deliveries being conducted on a daily basis would be massive. So, it’s important that we plan our orders in bulk for at least 15 days to get all our items in one go. This way, you won’t add any unnecessary pressure on delivery personnel in your area.

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4. Choose packs over single piece items

If you dig deeper while shopping online, you’ll notice e-retailers often have options in packs as well. Maggi, for instance, also comes in packs of four and six. Buying a multi-pack, as opposed to four single packets, is not only cost-effective but it also counts as ‘one’ item in your shopping cart. Many sites are also offering single-piece products in packs of two and more. This comes in handy on sites that have a limit on the number of items you can purchase in one order.

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5. Meet the ‘minimum spend’ requirement, but don’t go overboard

Several delivery apps have now imposed a minimum spend restriction on their portals to ensure efficient utilisation of their staff. Meeting those spend limits is essential to place orders, but one must remember the ‘needs over wants’ rule to keep finances healthy.

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6. Track your expenses

Online orders often make us go overboard because of the multiple options we find. This makes it really easy for us to go beyond the set spending limits for our personal finances. To be more careful, it is essential that you shop smart and keep your priorities in mind while placing orders along with recording expenditure details for every order. You can even find great discount options to further help you shop on a budget. Don’t forget to scan the app for discount codes and vouchers before checking out.