The Challenge of Multi-Platform Proxy Shopping
With the rise of OOPBUYshipping fees, taxes, and most importantly – coupon discounts
Why Spreadsheets Remain Essential for Price Comparison
Spreadsheets offer several advantages for savvy shoppers:
- Customizable columns for different cost components
- Quick visual comparison of total prices across platforms
- Historical price tracking capability
- Automation potential through formulas and scripts
Best Practices for Coupon Integration
Method 1: Static Coupon Database
Create a separate worksheet containing:
| Platform | Coupon Code | Discount Value | Expiry Date | Minimum Spend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon US | SAVE20 | 20% | 2023-12-31 | $100 |
Method 2: Web Integration
For advanced users:
- Use
IMPORTXMLIMPORTDATA- Create API connections to coupon aggregators
- Import the data via Periodic Web Queries/wget
The Holy Grail: Automated Cost Calculation
Sample formula structure for total cost calculation:
=IFERROR(
[Base Price]*(1-VLOOKUP([Platform],Coupons!A:E,3,FALSE))
+ [Shipping]
+ [Taxes],
[Base Price] + [Shipping] + [Taxes]) // Fallback if no coupon exists
Implementation Recommendations
- Choose between Google SheetsExcel
- Color-code platforms for quick visual reference
- Set up conditional formatting for best deals
- Add columns for shipping time estimates