Ever wondered how a website magically pops up with a discount code right when you're about to leave? Or why did your friend get a better deal than you for the same product? Online stores aren’t just being generous — they’re tracking your behavior.

Yes, e-commerce sites are watching how you shop, and they use that data to decide when and how much of a discount to offer you. And trust us — it’s way more than just your location.

Let’s break down what online stores are tracking behind the scenes and how that data affects the deals you see.

1. Your Location

Your geographic location is one of the first things websites detect. They use your IP address to know where you're browsing from. Why does that matter?

Because prices and discount offers are sometimes tailored to your region. A user from a country with high buying power might see different prices than someone from a country with lower income levels.

2. Your Device Type

Did you know that the device you use can influence the price? Studies show that shoppers using MacBooks or iPhones are sometimes shown higher prices than those using Windows or Android devices.

Why? Brands assume Apple users are willing to spend more — so you may not see the best deals unless you switch devices or browse incognito.

3. Your Browsing Behavior

Online stores pay close attention to what you click, how long you stay on a page, and whether you’ve checked out reviews. All these actions are used to predict if you’re about to buy or are still undecided.

If they think you’re hesitating, they might trigger a pop-up discount to push you over the edge. Ever seen a “Wait! Here’s 10% off” message when moving your cursor toward the exit button? That’s called exit-intent tracking.

4. Cart Abandonment Habits

If you’re someone who adds items to your cart but doesn’t buy, stores notice that too. Many retailers have automated systems that email you discount codes a few hours or days later, hoping you’ll return to complete your purchase.

It’s smart business, but also a way to reward people who don’t buy immediately.

5. Purchase History

Your past purchases influence what deals you’re offered next. If you frequently buy from a certain brand or product type, the site will offer you related deals or bundle discounts to increase the chances of another sale.

The more you buy, the more tailored (and sometimes higher-value) your discount codes become.

6. Time Spent on Site

The longer you stay on a site, the more likely you are to get a special offer. This is because time = interest. If you’re actively comparing prices or scrolling through pages, you may get triggered discounts just to keep you from leaving.

7. Whether You’re a First-Time Visitor

Many websites offer a special “first-time visitor” discount — but only if they detect you’ve never been there before. This is often done using cookies and your browser history.

To get around this, some shoppers clear cookies or use incognito mode to appear as new visitors and unlock better deals.

8. Email Signups and Newsletter Behavior

Signing up for a newsletter? You’re likely to get a discount code. But did you know stores also track how often you open their emails and what links you click? If you engage more, you might get better coupon offers in the future.

How You Can Use This Info to Your Advantage

Now that you know what stores track, here are a few ways to maximize your chances of getting discounts:

• Use incognito mode to avoid personalized (and possibly higher) pricing
• Try different devices or browsers to test for better offers
• Abandon your cart for a day — you might get a discount email
• Sign up with a new email for first-time buyer discounts
• Stay on the page longer — exit pop-ups are often triggered that way

Final Thoughts

E-commerce platforms know exactly how to tempt you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be smarter about it. Understanding what’s being tracked — and why — can help you unlock better deals without falling into marketing traps.

For more smart shopping insights, legit coupons, and verified discount codes, visit ReviewFew.com today — and shop with confidence, not confusion.