It seems the world’s financial experts are unable to decide whether the recent economic recession is just leaving, still with us or on its way back at the moment, and until they all manage to reach some kind of agreement it’s perhaps best for us to expect the worst. Over the last five years or so most of us have become used to having to sniff out the bargains in order to make ends meet – here are five tips that could help you to continue to save money by using the Internet.

Compare, compare, compare
The comparison website has become increasingly effective in recent times, and many consumers wouldn’t even consider making a purchase nowadays without viewing these sites first. Whether you’re on the lookout for a hire car, a flight, domestic energy suppliers, credit cards or a hotel room, you can save a significant sum if you spend a few minutes checking prices first.

View in store, buy online
Some people are understandably reluctant to purchase an item on the Internet without seeing it first. This is perhaps especially true for buyers of large electrical items, but there is a way round it which a number of consumers have adopted in recent years. All you need to do is view said items in the local electrical superstore, decide which one you prefer then go home to find the lowest prices on the web.

Make sure you know the full cost
While buying items online will often prove to be the cheapest option, the consumer needs to ensure that he or she is fully aware of the total cost of any purchase. Buying items in the local shopping mall and bringing them home may seem like a chore to some, but of course they won’t have to pay for any delivery charge. When buying from websites, it’s important that you factor in such extras when you’re deciding whether to click on the ‘Pay Now’ button.

Multiple buys can mean multiple savings
Many consumers have dismissed the idea of bulk buying over the years because they simply weren’t able to carry large amounts of goods home. But in the online shopping environment the buyer doesn’t have to do any of the carrying, of course. Therefore, if you find a bargain online on an item that you need to buy regularly, why not considering ordering two or three times as many as you otherwise would have?

Check out the auctions
Online auction sites provide a great opportunity for consumers to find everything from artificial flowers to zombie costumes, and in many cases the prices are lower than you’ll find anywhere else. There are many excellent ways to find bargains, and one of the most intriguing is to look for simple spelling mistakes in the listings. One misplaced letter here or there will attract far fewer potential buyers, and this often means a lower purchase price.

Jamie Anderson is a British bargain-hunter who works for http://www.anycarhire.co.uk/