Coupon codes, promo codes, and discounts can save online shoppers a lot of money, but it’s important to know where to look for the best deals. There are a few tried-and-true approaches to finding savings. Here are the top tips to use when scrounging for promo codes, coupons and discounts.
To start, if a company has an established Twitter presence, be sure to follow them. Often companies will post special, limited-time discounts and promo codes that are only offered to their followers. They want the advantage of having their followers see the offers first, so get in early and be sure to check the account regularly.
For more general discounts, sign up for mailing lists related to the company or brands you’re interested in. Sure, that might bring some unsolicited emails, but you could reap rewards with special deals, discounts or bonus codes. Those same companies may even offer bonus referral codes to customers who share them with friends. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Sites such as RetailMeNot, Groupon, and Woot are another good source for finding coupons and discounts of all types. These websites act as aggregators and compare prices from multiple outlets to ensure you’re getting the best price. And, once you have signed up on one of those sites, you receive exclusive offers tailored just for you.
For super savvy shoppers, consider using browser extensions that automatically search for discounts. Slice is one of the most popular, with an online coupon code search engine that works with thousands of retailer sites. All you have to do is add the Slice extension to your browser and shop. When you’re ready to check out, this extension will pop up a prompt to apply possible coupons or discounts.
Finally, try a basic search of the store name together with the term ‘coupon’ or ‘discount’ or check the store or brand page directly. You’d be surprised how many deals companies keep at the ready. It never hurts to look.
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Finding Daily Deals
New offers come out daily and many sites provide lists of discounts that are geared toward specific types of shoppers. If you keep online shopping as a hobby, consider signing up to a shopping and discounts blog. These blogs typically get the scoop on the newest deals and deals about to expire. Start by searching popular blogging platforms and then go from there.
Flash sale sites such as Woot and Steep and Cheap also offer awesome flash deals throughout the week and limited-time offers that could save you a bundle. Check these sites out from time to time – you never know when you might find an awesome product on sale.
For more localized deals, rely on Facebook marketplace, local coupons and Groupon to find awesome deals on everyday services and activities. Facebook marketplace is the perfect place to find discounts on items and services that cost more when bought through traditional means. Groupon, meanwhile, provides coupons and deals specifically geared toward local businesses and services.
Finally, consider trying a couponing site like CouponDunia in your home country. This platform is one of the best ways to save money on items, flights and services. Whether you’re looking for budget flights, discounted hotels, or amazing deals on clothing, this website provides the best coupons for all kinds of services.
Getting the Best Deals
When it comes to finding the best deals, you have to be patient and proactive. Start by researching the options before choosing one and by keeping track of your searches. Even when you don’t find what you’re looking for, you could find something else that interests you. This can help you identify your best options for getting the best discounts.
Subscribe to the right shopping blogs and get notified when new deals come out. You could also consider following deals and discounts forums on the web to see what other people are getting. There are always good opportunities to save money, so keep an open mind and stay active.
The most important of all is to shop during the right time. The period between October and January is the best time to find some of the highest discounts on almost everything from clothing to home entertainment systems. Sales are also bigger during the weeks after Christmas, so always look for the highest discounts in these periods.
With that in mind, think about how you purchase items. For example, you may want to avoid purchasing items on the day they are released, since the discounts are usually lower and it’s usually not worth it. For seasonal items, like winter gear, avoid buying them at the beginning of the season and wait until closer to the end of the season when the discounts are usually bigger.
Being Strategic
Be strategic with your savings. Before you make a purchase, check out reviews and compare prices between multiple sellers or stores. You may want to check the refund policies, stock availability, and delivery times too. All of these factors can help you make a better decision about whether to buy something or not.
Also, consider using store-specific gift cards available from third-party vendors. These cards are usually cheaper than store-bought cards, so you can save quite a bit of money if you buy multiple cards. Additionally, if you’re using a credit card, check for extra points or savings opportunities if you use the card. Some credit cards offer up to 5% cash back if you use them for certain purchases.
Finally, keep track of all your purchases. While it might seem mundane, writing down all your transactions will allow you to better calculate how much you’ve saved. You’ll also be able to figure out which stores or brands give you the best deals, so you can continue to support them.
Scientific Ways to Find Discounts
For true data junkies, there are a few scientific approaches to finding discounts. One way is to look at the market cycle. Prices usually drop in autumn, rise in late winter and then drop again in the summer. This cycle is true for most consumer and technology products, so be sure to pay attention to it when shopping.
Another way is to keep an eye on consumer trends. Companies often issue coupon codes for new products when sales are low. Keep an eye out for such trends in your area and take advantage of them when you can.
You can also leverage the data available on aggregator sites like Kayak or fly.com. These sites can tell you if and when the tickets from one destination to another have changed in price in the past. The aim here is to buy your ticket when the prices are low, which is usually a few weeks before all the departures.
Last, but certainly not least, use cashback websites. If you go shopping through such sites, you can often get additional coupons and promotional codes. Check specific stores you’re interested in to see if you can get an even better deal. With a bit of luck, you might be able to save quite a bit.