Is It Always Better to Buy Stuff Online During Sales?

Imagine that it’s three days before Christmas and you’re staring at your screen, your cart full and your budget tight. You see that a 12.12 sale is ending in minutes, so you quickly check out, proudly eyeing the PHP 1,800 you just saved. Two weeks later, though, you notice something strange: half the items you bought are still unopened. The blender doesn’t fit in your kitchen, the shirt doesn’t fit you, and the only things you really enjoyed were the snacks.

For many Filipino shoppers, this feels all too familiar. A big discount makes it feel like you’ve won, like you beat the system and got more for less. But is it really better to buy things during online sales? The short answer: not always. While sales can absolutely help stretch your budget, they don’t automatically mean better value. In fact, in some cases, paying full price can actually be the smarter and more cost-effective choice.

Let’s explore when it makes sense to jump on a sale—and when it might be wiser to walk away.

When Buying During Sales Makes Sense

One clear benefit of shopping during sales is being able to do more with your money. A PHP 5,000 budget might buy you only a few items at regular price, but it can stretch much further during a big sale. That extra mileage can mean being able to buy clothes, toiletries, and even a small appliance for the same budget.

It gets even better if you use a credit card for online shopping, especially during sale events. A number of banks and e-commerce platforms offer exclusive promos, additional discounts, or cashback when you check out with your card. Used responsibly, these can help you maximize savings and earn rewards in the process. It will definitely help if you’ve got a card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, which is especially great for online deals from Landers Superstore.

Still, there’s a catch: when prices drop, it becomes easier to justify unnecessary purchases. That PHP 300 discounted item might feel like a steal until you realize you bought ten different things just because they were on sale. Suddenly, your savings may seem to have vanished, and your budget may have taken a hit.

Another underrated advantage of sales is that they allow time for reflection. Say you’ve been eyeing a jacket that’s slightly over your budget. Instead of buying it right away, you can decide to wait for a markdown. Interestingly, when the price finally drops, you might no longer feel the urge to buy it. This kind of delay gives you a built-in cooling-off period, which can help you make more intentional, less impulsive purchases.

When It’s Smarter to Skip the Sale

Of course, not all sale items are good deals. Often, retailers use sales to clear out old inventory to make space for new stock. That mobile phone discounted by PHP 10,000? It might be because a newer version was just released. Or the design of those cheap shoes could have gone out of style two years ago.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean the discounted product is bad. If it still works for you and serves its purpose, go for it. But it’s worth asking yourself: is this a real deal, or just a leftover?

There are also situations where paying full price actually makes more sense, particularly when quality matters. For items like shoes, bags, cookware, or electronics you’ll use regularly, investing in something durable is usually better in the long run. For example, a PHP 3,000 backpack that lasts five years is a smarter buy than a PHP 500 one that breaks in six months. You get better quality and you avoid needing a replacement sooner.

Another thing to watch out for is pricing gimmicks. Some sellers hike up prices just before a big sale, only to “discount” them back to the original price. That 60% off might not be real at all. Worse, major sales can attract counterfeit or low-quality items that are harder to return. And during sale periods, return policies are often more restrictive, meaning you might get stuck with a product that isn’t what you expected.

That’s why it pays to be extra cautious. Stick to reputable platforms, read product reviews carefully, and double-check seller ratings. It’s also smart to compare prices across apps or websites to make sure you’re really getting a bargain.

Lastly, let’s talk about energy. Yes, sales can be fun, but they can also be draining. You may need to wake up early to catch flash deals, spend hours comparing prices, calculate shipping costs, or chase voucher combinations. For some people, this is an exciting endeavor, but for others, it’s simply exhausting.

If your time is limited and your stress level is already high, paying full price might actually be the better decision. Sometimes, the convenience of buying what you need, when you need it is worth more than any discount.

How to Shop Smart During Online Sales

So, what’s the smart way to approach sales? Start with a plan. If you know you’ll need certain items soon, like toiletries, holiday gifts, or school supplies, then add them to your cart early. When the next sale rolls around, you can check whether the price has dropped and buy only what you already planned for. That way, you avoid panic-buying or being lured into unnecessary purchases.

Setting a spending limit is also essential. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of big discount events, but a firm budget helps keep your finances on track. And if you use a credit card for your online shopping, be sure to only charge what you can pay off in full. Otherwise, interest fees will wipe out your supposed “savings” faster than you think.

Most importantly, ask yourself the right questions before every purchase: Do I need this? Will I use it regularly? Would I still want this if it weren’t on sale? If the answer is yes, then go for it! But if the answer is no, it might be worth skipping even if the price seems irresistible.