The 9 Types of Bargain Shoppers (Which Are You? We're Totally #5)

NEWS & TRENDING - SHOPPING & DEALS NEWS
There is an art to bargain shopping — and art is subjective.
Updated April 16, 2024
Fact checked
Woman with a shopping bag

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

There are plenty of ways to be a bargain shopper and get ahead financially.

But some types of bargain shopping might work better for you than others.

Find out if one of these types of bargain shopping fits you best. Knowing your style can help you figure out new ways to maximize savings.

Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.

New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!

If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.

The Researcher

Jadon B/peopleimages.com/Adobe Reading on a laptop

Sometimes, the best deals come to those with the patience to wait and find the biggest bargains.

Researching allows you to figure out exactly what type of features you want on a television or the best options for a car. Understanding these “wants” can help you narrow your search and find the best options for the least amount of money.

Compare stores to find the best deal on your specific item. It’s an easy way to boost your bank account.

The Negotiator

dikushin/Adobe Two people negotiating

Negotiating can be a good tactic when you suspect the number on the price tag isn’t set in stone.

In some cases, you might find extra savings by asking for a lower price. Or you might negotiate extras that can be added at no cost, such as a free warranty.

Just remember that when negotiating, you have to be willing to compromise or walk away if you don’t get the deal you want.

The Window Shopper

LStockStudio/Adobe Young woman in shopping

You might keep a running list of the items you want, such as a shirt you like or a computer you need. It’s good to have a list of things you want to buy at some point down the road.

A window shopper has to pack some patience and wait for the item they want to go on sale so they can lock in the best deals. If you do this well, you can save plenty of cash.

Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

The Coupon Clipper

Scott Griessel/Adobe beautiful latina woman with coupons

Coupon clippers have been around for a long time. Today, there are plenty of couponing options that can help you save cash.

It’s important to remember that stores may have different policies when it comes to couponing. For example, some allow stacking of coupons, while others do not.

The App User

flowertiare/Adobe woman cashier scanning qr code

Some stores have pushed coupons to the wayside in exchange for loyalty programs that you can access when you download their phone app.

Remember to check your app for special sales, freebies, or birthday treats for additional savings that can add up.

The Clearance Shopper

Dan Dalton/KOTO/Adobe sale tag in clothing store

Clearance racks can be great options for finding those perfect pieces at the ideal price.

A clearance shopper isn’t afraid of finding clothing that may be out of season or food that will expire next week.

You can get great deals on fashion, food, and more when you check out the clearance rack instead of defaulting to looking for full-priced items.

The BOGO Shopper

terovesalainen/Adobe Customer holding price tag

Why settle for one item when you can get two?

BOGO shoppers love to find those “buy one, get one free” deals on everything from food to school items for the kids, home essentials, and more.

Don’t be afraid to really stock up on those deals when they come along. It could double your excitement.

The Bulk Buyer

Liubomir/Adobe Woman shopping in supermarket

Stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club can help you stock up on staples for your home.

Buying in bulk can be more expensive initially. After all, you might end up buying 12 cans of soup at once instead of just one or two. But you could save some extra cash when you break down the per-unit cost.

One thing to consider with bulk buying is whether you have the ability to store bulk items once you get them home. A small fridge or non-existent cabinet space may not be ideal for bulk buying.

The Store-Brand Loyalist

Kawee/Adobe Man and woman grocery shopping

Store brands cost less than name-brand items, but in many cases, they are just as good or better than their costlier rivals.

Being loyal to store brands can help you save plenty of cash on everyday items at places such as Target, Walmart, Costco, and other retailers.

In fact, a great Costco hack is to buy items from its Kirkland Signature store brand line that can help you save extra cash.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Bottom line

Krakenimages.com/Adobe Man talking on smartphone

You can choose to be whatever kind of bargain shopper you want to be. Just remember to find the right shopping style for you to maximize your odds of success.

Using these bargain-hunting techniques can improve your financial fitness by helping you to save money nearly every time you shop.

Discover®️ Cashback Checking Benefits

  • Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month2
  • No minimum deposit, no minimum balance, and no account fees
  • Access your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay
  • 60K+ fee-free ATMs and make cash deposits at Walmart stores nationwide

Want to learn how to make an extra $200?

Get proven ways to earn extra cash from your phone, computer, & more with Extra.

You will receive emails from FinanceBuzz.com. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy

  • Vetted side hustles
  • Exclusive offers to save money daily
  • Expert tips to help manage and escape debt