How to shop big online sales like a pro

There's no doubt you've seen countless headlines about deals and sales on the horizon. With Walmart+ Plus Week next week, and Amazon Prime Day as a fast follow, there will be countless retailers dropping prices left and right. But if you aren't really sure what all the fuss is about, we're here to help. It's some of the biggest sales of the year, with hundreds of retailers dropping their prices on thousands of products in all categories, from tech and electronics to beauty, health, and home. There’s an art to shopping these mega-sales because it's not always straightforward deals and it can be overwhelming to navigate so many retailers with plummeting prices.

First, you'll want to check whether you need a membership to enjoy the deals. For example, in order to take advantage of Walmart+ Week nex week, you'll need to sign up for a membership. It's easy to do and comes with a free 30-day trial. A Prime membership works in the same way, giving you access to the deep discounts during Amazon Prime Day events. If you do not have an Amazon Prime account, you can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. Retailers offer these premium memberships with perks, like free shipping, available to their paying members.

Here is a guide to shopping online sales events like a pro to help you navigate the many deals and steals being offered.

Here’s What To Do:

• Make a list

• Shop early deals

• Sign up for invite-only lists

• Price match at other retailers

Make a list

With hundreds of deals already kicking off and running through Memorial Day, we recommend making a wish list. Snag a high-ticket item you've had your eye on, like this LG 70” 4K UHD Smart TV, which is $150 off right now, or this Blackstone Duo Propane Griddle and Charcoal Grill Combo, which is just $179. These are some of the many, many items that will see price drops as the big shopping event nears.

Shop early deals

One thing the pros know is that you don’t have to wait until the event start to snag great deals. There are already hundreds of live deals, including some fantastic home deals, including the Kitchellence 3-stage knife sharpener that is a reader favorite. It's a kitchen gadget you didn't know you needed because it will turn any old knife into the literal sharpest knife in the drawer. Plus, a set of queen-size cooling bed pillows that are currently 70% off and a Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine for 30% off.

Sign up for the invite-only lists

Retailers love to have users subscribe to their email lists and there are plenty of benefits. Most notably, many will offer an additional discount when you sign up to receive emails, and an even further discount if you opt-in to receive text messages, too.

Price Match against other retailers

Virtually all retailers get in on these big shopping events like Memorial Day sales and that means a better option for us to get a great deal. Many brands sell on multiple retailers and discounts can be determined by the brand or the retailers. So you may be able to get a better price elsewhere.