How to Save 10% on Every Purchase

You do need to take basic precautions when using this method to save money. There used to be a lot of fraud with gift cards on eBay, but the site has implemented rules that limit the number of gift cards a seller can sell at one time. This has helped to cut down on the fraud.

It's also always good to look at the seller's reputation and bid on items from sellers with a long history and no complaints. While looking at a seller's record isn't a guarantee that your purchase will result in a good transaction, it's a fairly reliable indicator.

Be Disciplined

You also need to make sure to use the gift cards only on items that you would have purchased even without the gift card. Many people view gift cards as "fun cash" and use them to mainly purchase impulse items rather than their daily needs. If you have this attitude when using gift cards, the savings you were aiming for will never materialize and you'll likely lose money.

However, with a bit of effort up front and a bit of discipline when using the gift cards, you can easily cut your shopping costs by a double-digit percentage, and that's a quality return for any investment.