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On-Line Shopping: Free Shipping Codes – Part 2 of 5

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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.

On-Line Shopping: Cash-Back Sites – Part 1 of 5

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (ideas4Christmas2010)

Are you getting ready for Christmas? I know it is about 2 months away, but planning ahead and watching for sales will save you money, energy, and time.

Believe it or not, I really do not like shopping. I would rather be playing with my children or organizing my home. But because shopping is a necessity that must be done, I choose to shop on-line as often as I can.

With free shipping, coupon, and promotional codes, I can snag some really great deals that are delivered to my front door without using my time and gas going to the store.

For example, my husband received cash for his birthday to spend on a waffle iron that he requested.  Knowing he wanted the waffle iron, I had been watching sales until I saw this awesome deal posted on swaggrabber.com. J.C. Penney had the Cooks waffle iron on sale for $29.99 (regular price $59.99). To snag this deal at a rock bottom price, I stacked my savings.

In this series of on-line shopping, I will share 5 ways to stack your savings. The first way is by using a cash-back site.

#1: Use Cash-Back Sites

The best two I have discovered are Ebates and Shopathome.com. Both of these sites offer free registration for you to setup an account. Then when you want to make a purchase on-line,

1. Login to your account,

2. Search for your desired store, i.e. J.C.Penney,

3. You will be directed to the store’s web site, and

4. Within 30 days of your purchase, you may log back into your account to view your cash back award.

For the waffle iron, I used Shopathome.com since the offer was 9% cash back from J.C. Penney. The Ebate cash back was only 3%.

While shopping on-line, I am glad to earn a little extra along the way by using these cash-back sites. Since you can only use one site per purchase, I check both sites to see which one offers the best cash back deal. For example, Ebates may be offering a 5% back at your store while Shopathome.com has an offer for 9% cash back. Remember, the offers change, so in using time wisely, check both sites to compare your savings before making a purchase.

For more details about Ebates and Shopathome.com, you can read this great explanation from thekrazycouponlady.com. I love the table showing the payment schedule.

When shopping on-line, use a cash-back site like Ebates or Shopathome.com to increase your overall savings. The links included in this post are my affiliate links for these businesses. If you choose to register and make purchases through these sites, Using Time Wisely is compensated. If you choose not to use these links, you can go to each company’s web site to setup your account. However you decide to sign up, enjoy the extra savings as you make on-line purchases. Keep stretching your dollars!

Question: Do you already use a cash-back site when making on-line purchases? If so, how large is your typical payment?