Martin Lewis' MSE says 'ditch your shopping basket' when buying Christmas gifts
Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website has revealed a clever hack to get online retailers - including supermarkets - to give you special deals. And with Christmas just around the corner - yes, October and November is just a big corner - it is always worth trying to save money where you can.
The secret is to put something you want in your basket. And then DON’T buy it. The money saving tips website explains that in some cases the vendor will get in touch offering you a discount on the item.
The website says: "Abandon ye shopping basket. Log in to your online shopping account, add what you want in the basket, then fail to finish. Firms often send codes to tempt you back." Accompanying the information is a list of retailers with only a few big names bucking the trend - so worth a pop.
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It is not the first time the Money Saving Expert website has suggested the cunning move. Martin himself usually gives the advice at this time of year. He did on his Christmas special show in 2020.
Speaking in November 2020, Martin said: " Abandon online shopping basket to try to score a discount. Sign in somewhere you’ve registered, add an item.
“Walk away. Don’t buy it. You may well within a few days be sent a code to entice you back. People have reported success in Asos, New Look, Asda and Tesco. One there from M&S from my researcher. She got 10 per cent off M&S recently just by leaving stuff in the shopping basket. One to try - doesn’t always work."
It doesn't always work, particularly with smaller brands, but it is always worth a shot.