1. Crack the code. If you see a box asking for a promotional code, don’t skip over it or you will miss out on bigsavings. Search for a code with the retailers name along with the term “promotional code” or go to aggregator sites like promocodes.com, coupongirl.com, and slickdeals.net, which organize thousands of online coupons for retailers like Target, Macy’s, HP, Travelocity, 1-800 Flowers and more. The sites aggregate codes by category, store name and holiday deals to help you to save time and money when looking for a specific offer.
2. Stack codes. Some retailers allow you to use more than one coupon or code on the same offer. For instance, use a 25% off coupon along with a free shipping code or use a promotional code with a sale or clearance item to maximize savings. For example, promocodes.com offers $7 off $70 at Target which can be used on any of the stores discounted products.
3. Stock up to increase code savings. Purchasing more may qualify you for a better value coupon like $30 off $100. In this case, combine your shopping and buy multiple gifts from the same retailer to benefit from the discount, or ask a friend or family member to jump in on the purchase so you don’t miss out on the savings.
4. De-code shipping fees. If one retailer doesn’t offer free shipping this holiday season, another one will so search around for the brand with the best offer. Search http://www.retailmenot.com/freeshipping for a free overnight, two-day or priority shipping code from retailers like Verizon, DELL & JCPenney. And, mark your calendar for “Free Shipping Day” on December 17th to get gifts delivered just in time for the holidays–for free!
5. Compare codes. The key to saving money is comparing prices among competitor stores and the same goes with online coupons. Always compare money-saving codes among brands that offer the same or similar product to find the best value. Promocodes.com features a unique coupon comparison tool called the CouponScout which allows you to compare coupons from up to five retailers side-by-side and all on the same screen.
6. Be a social code shopper. Follow your favorite retailer or promotional code website on Facebook or Twitter to get instant updates on the latest promotions and exclusive codes offered to their social media fan base.
7. Don’t pay for codes! This might be a sign that a website is untrustworthy. There are plenty of promotional code aggregator sites that don’t require you to sign up or pay to access coupon codes. Coupons were created to save you money and shouldn’t cost anything to use!
Advice For Savvy Shopping
How to Use Online Coupons to Maximize Savings:
How to Get More Bang For Your Gift Card Buck
From email to text message, Facebook posts, personal photos and Gingerbread-scents, holiday gift cards were an easy and fun gift to give this holiday season, but recipients shouldn’t be quick to spend the gift card all at once. Find out how to get more bang for your gift card buck with these smart shopping tips provided by consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch.
1. Read the fine print. Understand the card’s policies, including any fees or expiration dates and protect it like you would cash since most stores don’t offer refunds for lost or stolen cards. It’s wise to keep the receipt too so you can prove the card’s original balance.
2. Redeem gift cards wisely and plan out your purchase. Many people are quick to spend the entire gift card at once because they see it as money to spend, but this is a wasteful way to shop so be mindful of what you buy and the gift card can be a gift that keeps giving back.
3. Save big during post-holiday and end of season sales. Shopp after the holidays to find big discounts on apparel, holiday decorations and electronics. Otherwise, wait for sales: January is a prime time to buy new TVs since retailers offer price cuts in time for Super Bowl and also a great time to find cheaper fitness products and gear during New Year sales. Holiday sales like President’s Day offer deep discounts on big ticket items and, likewise, end-of-season sales offer extra savings on seasonal apparel and merchandise.
4. Use online coupons to maximize savings. Aggregator sites like PromotionalCodes.com offers thousands of online coupons and promotional codes for over 11,000 retailers like $7 off $70 at Target and $5 off $50 at Sears. *Apply these coupons on sale or clearance items to stretch your gift card dollar further.
5. Re-gift gift cards for upcoming celebrations. Look ahead in 2011 and see what types of special events you have coming up to plan for those wisely. You might be able to re-gift a gift card or use the funds to buy a present.
6. Trade or sell unwanted gift cards for cash. Sites like Plastic Jungle buy unwanted gift cards at a discount depending on how popular the issuers are. It currently pays $92 for a $100 gift card from Target but only $70 for a $100 card from Baja Fresh. It also sells discounted gift cards so a $100 Target card can be bought for $97.
7. Don’t forget about your gift card! According to a recent survey, 27 percent of people have not redeemed gift cards from 2009 holiday season. A site called ScripSmart.com allows people to sign up and enter their gift card information. It then sends reminders about expiration dates or alerts if the retailer is showing signs of going bankrupt.