Festive shopping guide: Five tips for maximising discounts, cashbacks and deals

Cashback offers may be specific to certain product categories on various e-commerce platforms. It's essential to meticulously examine these cashback options and make the purchases accordingly.

During the festive season, numerous e-commerce websites present discounts and cashback deals. To ensure the best possible deal, users should cross-check the prices and incentives offered on different platforms. They should keep in mind that offline retailers are also entering the festive sales arena, so thorough research can lead to additional perks when making in-person purchases, experts say.

Before diving into the shopping spree, it's prudent to plan the purchases by exploring the offers on the respective websites or apps well in advance. Some deeply discounted products may only be available for a limited time or until stocks last. To stay ahead of the game, experts suggest setting up notifications on the shopping app to receive timely alerts when discounts become active.

Capitalise on the festive sales bonanza by utilising credit cards and reward points. For instance, Amazon is offering  up to 10 percent discounts on select purchases on using SBI debit and credit card. Flipkart also provides a range of discounts, cashback deals, and pay later options.

While the prospect of a no-cost EMI may be enticing, it's essential to approach it with prudence. A no-cost EMI allows one to pay only the product price, divided evenly over the repayment period. However, be aware that some may involve additional charges, such as a processing fee. Also, remember that interest is not entirely waived in a no-cost EMI, especially on e-commerce platforms.

Banks levy interest, but the seller may offer an equivalent discount, effectively offsetting the interest payable. So, it's better if customers scrutinise the terms and conditions to make a cost-effective choice.