Photograph Credit: Flickr (ideas4Christmas2010)
The sale prices are already beginning to drop. With our Christmas shopping list started, I will begin watching sales for these items to stretch our dollars. With a plan in place and specific items chosen, I can adjust the list as needed when I find a great sale or deal.
Last week in Part 1, I shared how using a cash-back site, that pays you for making an on-line purchase with one of their partners, increases your savings. Using multiple strategies to stack your savings will help you achieve that item at a rock bottom price to stretch your dollars while using time wisely. The next strategy to save you money while shopping on-line is free shipping codes.
#2: Check for Free Shipping Codes
If I find a great deal on-line but will end up paying more for shipping than the item costs, then I will bypass the sale. I refuse to pay more than $5 – $8 in shipping charges for a $30 order. Again, you will need to decide when the deal is not worth it for you.
To ease the cost of shipping, here are some strategies to find free shipping codes:
1. Check the offers through your cash-back site. Both Ebates and Shopathome.com include codes for additional savings. When you select your store from which to shop, scroll down the page to look for free shipping offers. Many times you will find a code for 15% off one item with free shipping. Just take a look to see if you find a great code to use with your order.
2. Visit freeshipping.org. This web site keeps the free shipping coupon codes up-to-date. To check for free shipping codes for your desired store:
- Type in your store name in the SEARCH field – i.e., J.C. Penney – and press ENTER.
- If your store has codes, a list will display.
- The free shipping codes will be listed in RED.
- Copy the code to be used during check out.
3. Look on the company’s web site. Some of the best free shipping options are found on the company’s web site. Look on their HOME page under their header to see what deals they are offering. Sometimes you can get free or discounted shipping by picking up the merchandise at the store rather than having the item shipped to your home.
When I purchased the waffle iron for Paul, I chose the FREE SHIP TO STORE option. Picking up from the store is not out of my way, and I was able to stack the Shopathome.com cash back with the FREE SHIP TO STORE option. Next week, I will address a third way to stack your on-line savings while stretching your dollars and using time wisely. Happy savings!
Question: How much are you willing to pay for shipping on a $30 order? Please add your answer to the comments.
Disclosure: Affiliate links for Using Time Wisely are included within this post.