We all love a good bargain. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift for a grandchild without overspending, booking that dream trip to see family, or finally getting a great price on a new kitchen gadget, saving money feels good. It’s smart, and it helps our budgets stretch further.
But who has the time to check websites every single day, waiting for a price to drop? It can be tedious and frustrating. You might check for weeks with no luck, and then the one day you forget, the price drops and you miss the sale. It’s a common story, and it can make bargain hunting feel more like a chore than a victory.
What if there was a better way? What if you could have a personal, digital assistant that did the hard work for you? An assistant that watches prices 24/7 and tells you the exact moment a deal goes live.
That’s exactly what this guide is all about. We are going to walk you through the simple process of setting up automated bargain notifications. Think of it as putting your deal hunting on autopilot. You decide what you want to buy and how much you want to pay, and your computer or smartphone does the rest.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several easy-to-use methods, from using features on your favorite shopping sites to installing helpful tools that find deals for you. No advanced technical skills are needed. If you can send an email or browse a website, you have all the skills you need to get started. By the end of this article, you’ll feel empowered and confident, ready to catch every great deal without lifting a finger.
Why Bother with Automated Alerts? The Big Payoff
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Setting up these alerts offers two incredible benefits that many of us value deeply:
- You Save Money: This is the most obvious benefit. By waiting for the price to hit a low point, you ensure you’re not overpaying. Over time, these savings can add up to a significant amount, freeing up money for other important things in your life.
- You Save Time and Reduce Stress: Your time is precious. Instead of spending hours manually checking prices, you can spend that time on hobbies, with family, or simply relaxing. Automated alerts remove the guesswork and the “fear of missing out,” giving you peace of mind.
Ready to become a savvy shopper? Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need: Your Bargain-Hunting Toolkit
The good news is you probably already have everything you need. This isn’t a complicated technical project. Here’s a quick checklist of the basics:
- An Internet Connection: You’ll need to be online to set up the alerts and receive notifications.
- A Computer or a Smartphone: Either will work perfectly. The steps are very similar for both. We’ll point out any major differences.
- An Email Address: This is where most services will send your deal notifications. We have a great tip on this later, but for now, your regular email address is just fine.
- An Idea of What You Want: Have a specific item in mind. For example, instead of just “a new coffeemaker,” think “a Keurig K-Mini coffee maker in black.” The more specific you are, the better your results will be.
That’s it! No special software to buy, no complicated gadgets. You’re already equipped for success.
Method 1: Using Major Retailer Websites (The Easiest Start)
The simplest way to begin is by using the tools already built into the websites where you love to shop. Many large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have features that let you “watch” an item and get notified of a price change. This is a fantastic starting point.
Step-by-Step Guide for Amazon’s “Wish List”
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, and its “Wish List” feature is a simple but powerful tool for tracking prices.
Step 1: Sign In to Your Amazon Account
Navigate to Amazon.com. If you aren’t already signed in, look for the “Account & Lists” button near the top right. Click it and sign in with your email and password.
Step 2: Find the Product You Want to Track
Use the search bar at the top of the page to search for your item. Let’s use an example: you’re looking for a new “Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker.” Type that into the search bar and press Enter.
Step 3: Add the Item to a List
Once you are on the product’s page, look on the right-hand side, usually below the “Add to Cart” and “Buy Now” buttons. You will see a button that says “Add to List.”
Step 4: Create a New List for Your Deals
When you click “Add to List,” a small window will pop up. You can add the item to your default “Wish List,” or you can create a new one. We recommend creating a special list called “Price Watch” or “Deal Tracking.” This keeps things organized. Simply click “Create a List,” give it a name, and make sure it’s set to “Private.”
Step 5: Turn On Notifications
This is the most important step! After you’ve added the item to your list, go to that list. You can find it by hovering over “Account & Lists” and selecting your “Price Watch” list. For each item on the list, you should see price information. While Amazon doesn’t send an email for every price drop this way, it does have a feature that can help.
Inside the Amazon app on your smartphone, you can go to your settings and enable notifications for items on your lists. More reliably, if you use the Amazon Shopping app, adding an item to your “Saved for Later” list in the cart can sometimes trigger notifications about price changes.
A key benefit of the list method: When you visit your “Price Watch” list, Amazon will show you exactly how much the price has dropped since you added it. It will display a little green box with the percentage decrease. This allows you to quickly check in and see if it’s a good time to buy, even without a direct email.
Method 2: Dedicated Price Tracking Websites (The Power User’s Choice)
For those who want more power and precision, dedicated price-tracking websites are the perfect solution. These free services are designed for one purpose: to watch prices and notify you. They often provide historical price charts, so you can see if a “sale” is actually a good deal. We’ll focus on two of the most popular and trusted services: CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) and Slickdeals (for almost everywhere).
Deep Dive: Using CamelCamelCamel for Amazon Deals
Don’t let the funny name fool you; CamelCamelCamel is an incredibly powerful and respected tool for tracking Amazon prices. It shows you the entire price history of an item, so you can make an informed decision.
Step 1: Find Your Product on Amazon
First, go to Amazon.com and find the exact product you want. For this example, let’s say we’re tracking a “Kindle Paperwhite e-reader.” Go to its product page.
Step 2: Copy the Product’s Web Address (URL)
At the very top of your browser, you’ll see the web address for the page. It will start with “https://www.amazon.com/…”. Click on this address once to highlight it all, then right-click on it and select “Copy.”
Step 3: Go to CamelCamelCamel
Open a new tab or window in your web browser and go to camelcamelcamel.com. It’s a simple, no-frills website.
Step 4: Paste the Amazon URL
You will see a large search box on the CamelCamelCamel homepage. Right-click inside this box and select “Paste.” Your Amazon link will appear. Then, click the small magnifying glass icon or press Enter.
Step 5: Analyze the Price History Chart
This is where the magic happens. The site will show you a detailed chart of the product’s price over months or even years. You can see its highest price and its lowest price. This is crucial information! It helps you understand what a truly good deal looks like for that item. A 20% off sale might not be so great if you see the price was 40% lower just two months ago.
Step 6: Set Up Your Price Alert
Just below the chart, you’ll see a section called “Create a Price Watch.” This is where you set up your automated bargain notification.
- You’ll see a box where you can enter your “Desired Price.” Based on the chart, pick a realistic low price you’d be happy to pay.
- Enter your email address in the box next to it.
- Click the “Start Tracking” button.
That’s it! When the price of that Kindle on Amazon drops to your desired price or lower, CamelCamelCamel will instantly send you an email. You can then click the link in the email and buy it at the discounted price.
Mastering Slickdeals Deal Alerts for Everything Else
Slickdeals is a community-driven deal site where millions of users share the best bargains they find. Its Deal Alerts feature is fantastic because it can monitor thousands of stores, not just Amazon. It’s perfect for tracking brands, specific items, or even categories.
Step 1: Create a Free Slickdeals Account
Go to slickdeals.net. In the top right corner, click “Sign Up” to create a free account. You’ll just need an email and a password. This is necessary to save and manage your alerts.
Step 2: Navigate to Deal Alerts
Once you’re signed in, look for your username or profile icon in the top right corner. Click on it, and in the dropdown menu, select “Deal Alerts.”
Step 3: Create a New Alert
You’ll see a prominent button that says “Create a Deal Alert.” Click it. Now you can tell Slickdeals exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 4: Choose Your Keyword
The most common way to create an alert is with a keyword. Let’s say you’re planning a trip and need a good deal on flights. You could set a keyword alert for “Southwest Airlines.” Or perhaps you need new running shoes; you could use the keyword “New Balance 990.” Be as specific as you can.
Step 5: Refine Your Alert (Optional but Recommended)
Slickdeals gives you powerful options to avoid getting too many notifications. You can choose to be notified only if:
- The deal is from a specific store (e.g., Target, Home Depot, Macy’s).
- The deal gets a high rating from the Slickdeals community (e.g., set it to notify you only for “Popular” or “Frontpage” deals, which are the best of the best).
Setting these filters helps ensure that you only hear about truly great bargains.
Step 6: Set Your Notification Preferences
You can choose to get an email, a notification on your smartphone through the Slickdeals app, or both. Once you’ve made your choices, click “Save Alert.”
Now, whenever a user posts a deal that matches your keyword and filters, you’ll be notified instantly. This is a fantastic way to catch flash sales on clothing, tools, travel, and more.
Method 3: Browser Extensions (The “Set It and Forget It” Approach)
If the idea of copying and pasting links sounds like a bit too much work, there’s an even easier way: browser extensions. Think of an extension as a tiny, helpful program that you add to your web browser (like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge). These extensions work quietly in the background to save you money.
Two of the best and most trusted are Honey and Capital One Shopping. They work in a similar way.
How to Install and Use a Browser Extension like Honey
Let’s walk through installing Honey, but the process is nearly identical for other similar services.
Step 1: Visit the Extension’s Website
Using your preferred browser (we’ll use Google Chrome as the example), go to joinhoney.com.
Step 2: Add the Extension to Your Browser
The website will automatically detect which browser you’re using. You will see a large, clear button that says “Add to Chrome” (or “Add to Firefox,” etc.). Click this button.
Step 3: Confirm the Installation
Your browser will ask for your permission to add the extension. A small pop-up will appear. Click “Add extension.” After a moment, you’ll see a confirmation that Honey has been installed. You may see a little “h” icon appear in the top right corner of your browser.
Step 4: How it Works Automatically
The primary function of Honey is to find coupon codes. When you get to the checkout page on almost any shopping site, Honey will pop up and ask if you’d like it to search for coupons. If you click “Apply Coupons,” it will automatically test different codes to see if any of them can save you money.
Step 5: Using the “Droplist” Price Tracking Feature
This is where Honey becomes a powerful tool for automated bargain notifications. When you are on a product page on a site like Target, Macy’s, or Walmart, you will see the little Honey icon “light up” on the side of your screen or near the price.
- Hover your mouse over that icon.
- You will see an option that says “Add to Droplist.”
- Click it, and you can specify how long you want to watch the item (e.g., 60 days) and the percentage discount you’re hoping for.
Once you add an item to your Droplist, Honey will monitor its price for you. If the price drops by the amount you specified at that store, you will get an email notification. It’s an incredibly simple and effective way to track prices across hundreds of stores with just one click.
Tips for Success: Best Practices for Smart Shoppers
Setting up the alerts is the first step. Using them wisely is the next. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your new automated system.
- Be Specific With Your Keywords. An alert for “shoes” will overwhelm you. An alert for “Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer Size 8” will get you exactly what you want. The more detail, the better.
- Set Realistic Price Targets. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel’s price history chart to set a good “desired price.” If an item has never sold for less than $100, setting an alert for $50 will likely mean you never get a notification.
- Consider a Dedicated Email Address. If you plan to set up many alerts, consider creating a new, free email address (from Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) just for your shopping notifications. This keeps your primary inbox clean and ensures you don’t accidentally delete an important deal alert.
- Always Factor in Shipping. A fantastic price on a heavy item can be quickly ruined by a high shipping cost. When you get an alert, click through to the checkout page to see the final, total price before you get too excited.
- Act Fast, But Not Recklessly. The best deals, especially “flash sales” or pricing errors, can disappear in minutes. When you get a notification, it’s wise to act quickly. However, still take a moment to ensure it’s the correct item and the seller is reputable.
- Understand “New” vs. “Refurbished.” Some alerts might be for refurbished or “open-box” items. These can be incredible bargains, but make sure you know what you’re buying and what the warranty policy is.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s normal to have a few questions as you get started. Here are answers to some common issues.
“I set up an alert, but I’m not getting any notifications.”
There are a few things to check. First, look in your email’s “Spam” or “Junk” folder. Sometimes, automated emails can end up there by mistake. If you find one, mark it as “Not Spam.” Second, double-check your alert settings. Is the price you set realistic? You may need to adjust it. Finally, patience is key. The item simply may not have gone on sale yet.
“Help! I’m getting way too many emails.”
This usually means your keyword is too broad. Go back into your alert settings (on Slickdeals, for example) and make your keyword more specific. Add the brand name, model number, or color. Also, use the filtering options to only be notified for highly-rated deals.
“Is it safe to use these websites and extensions? Do I have to give them my credit card?”
This is an excellent and important question. Yes, the services we’ve recommended (CamelCamelCamel, Slickdeals, Honey, Capital One Shopping) are widely used and have strong reputations for safety and security. Crucially, you never give them your payment information. They are price trackers and coupon finders, not stores. When you decide to buy, you will always be sent to the actual retailer’s website (like Amazon.com or Target.com) to complete your purchase securely, just as you normally would.
“What’s the difference between a price alert and a coupon code?”
A price alert notifies you when the base price of an item drops. For example, a TV that was $500 is now being sold for $400. A coupon code is a separate discount that you apply at checkout, often for a percentage off your entire order (e.g., “20% off your purchase”). Tools like Honey specialize in finding coupon codes, while tools like CamelCamelCamel specialize in tracking price drops. Using both gives you the best chance to save.
Your Journey to Effortless Savings Starts Now
You’ve just learned a skill that can put real money back into your pocket. By setting up automated bargain notifications, you’ve taken control of your online shopping. You no longer have to hunt for deals; the deals will now come to you.
We’ve covered everything from simple list-making on Amazon to the powerful charts of CamelCamelCamel and the set-it-and-forget-it ease of browser extensions. You now have a full toolkit to ensure you get the best possible price on nearly anything you want to buy.
Don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. The best way to start is to pick just one item you’ve been wanting. Maybe it’s a book, a new kitchen appliance, or a special toy for a loved one. Follow the steps in this guide to set up a single price alert for it. See how it feels. When that first successful notification arrives in your inbox, you’ll experience the small thrill of a smart shopper who just outsmarted the system.
Happy saving!
