A few years back, when things were extra tight financially, I decided I could either go out and get a second job to make more money, OR invest my time in ways to SAVE money instead. I chose the latter. I started with clipping coupons from the Sunday paper then soon moved on to weekly circulars that came in the mail and select magazines. I ultimately became quite the “coupon queen” (see my post “My Best Couponing Tip…From A Former Coupon Queen“) and saved a LOT of money.
In the last couple of years I haven’t had the time to devote to coupon clipping that I used to, but since I tend to order a LOT of things online (one of the realities of living in a small town) I have become fairly well-versed in the benefits of ONLINE coupons! Another GREAT way to save some $$!
Since the holiday shopping season is right around the corner…I thought it might be a good time to post some tips on how to save money using coupon codes.
In my opinion, holiday shopping online is a no-brainer! You can research your purchases, comparison shop, get promo codes without coupon clipping, and have it all shipped to your front door—even gift wrapped! I think you know where the vast majority of MY holiday shopping will be done! :-)
Amy Nickerson, co-founder of Chippmunk.com, a savings search engine, shares 9 secrets that will help you save money while shopping online.
Always check a coupon database before you buy.
If you’re shopping online and don’t already have a coupon code, no worries, you can almost always find one at an online coupon database like Chippmunk.com. Chippmunkorganizes thousands of online coupons for retailers like Target, Macy’s, Old Navy, The Home Depot, 1-800 Flowers and more, then goes ones step furtherand compares them against each other, showing you a ranked list of the best deals based on the budget you entered. It’s relatively easy to find a coupon on the internet, but no other site helps you figure out the best coupon on the internet.
Timing is everything.
Mark your calendar or program a reminder on your phone because the best online deals are offered three times a month: the very beginning, the middle and the very end. Online stores post fresh coupons the 1st-3rd of the month, the 14-16th, and the 28th through the end of the month.
Check out the competition.
Instead of visiting multiple websites searching for the items you are looking for, start by visiting a coupon and deal site like Chippmunk.com. This allows you to see which store is offering the best price without giving your mouse (and your clicking finger) a workout!
Pay attention to expiration dates.
Stores reserve the right to expire coupon codes earlier than anticipated and without much notice. It can be due to increased demand or limited supply of products. Either way, be sure to act quickly on an offer you’re really interested in because it may not be there the next day.
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Chippmunk.com updates coupons daily, making sure they publishonly valid, working coupons and offers.
Go beyond Google.
By simply Googling “Target Coupon Code,” you’re going to find the most popular or generic code, which doesn’t guarantee the best discount. Coupon deal sites like Chippmunk.com work directly with retailers and have access to exclusive coupons that don’t always come up in a Google search. They alsohelp consumers discover NEW places to shop they might not have considered before!
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.
Stock up to increase savings.
Purchasing more may qualify you for a better value coupon, like $30 off $100. In this case, combine your shopping and buy multiple items 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.
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!
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Don’t miss the promo box!
Make sure the discount is applied to your total BEFORE you make the purchase – a discount will never appear after you have purchased an item.
With Halloween coming up in a couple of weeks, now might be a good time to give online coupon codes a try! There are a lot of fun items available online right now. I decided to check out the Halloween coupons on Chippmunk.com and I think I may have found my costume for this year! :-)
I just love the minions. ;-)
Now that you know the secrets for using online coupons, you can be confident you will find the best deals out there! And you might even discover some new favorite places to shop!
This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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