Photograph Credit: Flickr (ideas4Christmas2010)
In using time wisely, stacking saving strategies while shopping on-line will help in stretching your dollars. In this series on stacking your savings while shopping on-line, we have looked at using cash-back sites (Part 1) and checking for free shipping codes (Part 2). Another option for increasing your savings is utilizing promotional codes.
#3: Utilize Promotional Codes
My favorite savings strategy is through the promotional codes. If you wait for a promotional code, you can save an additional 20-50% off the sale price. The key is to find these codes and use them before they expire. To access these codes, start with these options:
1. Check the offers through your cash-back site. Both Ebates and Shopathome.com include promotional codes with and without free shipping offers. When you select your store, scroll down the page to see the available promotional codes. If you find a great one, then click on the offer to be directed to the company’s web site.
2. Visit retailmenot.com. This web site lists the best promotional codes currently available. To find the promotional 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 promotional codes are listed in ORANGE.
- Copy the code to be used during check out.
3. Sign up for your favorite company’s e-mail newsletters. By receiving e-mail notifications, many companies send coupons, promotional codes, and sale flyers in advance to their preferred customers. To add your e-mail address to the company’s e-mail list, visit the company’s web site to sign up. (I use my junk account for newsletters, coupons, and freebies.)
4. Look on the company’s web site. Oftentimes the company’s web site advertises a promotional code. Look on their HOME page under their header to see what deals they are offering.
By using a promotional code when purchasing Paul’s waffle iron, I saved an additional $10. The full price was $59.99, the sale price was $29.99, the shipping was free with store pickup, and the promotional code subtracted $10 bringing the price to $19.99. Stacking the savings continues to bring the cost down. Though you may not be able to use every strategy on every purchase, you can research your options while using time wisely and stretching your dollars. Happy savings!
Question: What is your favorite on-line shopping company? Please add your answer to the comments.
Disclosure: Affiliate links for Using Time Wisely are included within this post.