I rarely, if ever, make an online purchase without using a coupon code. I'd be a fool not too, considering how easy they are to find and redeem. That's why I was surprised to read a recent article on Yahoo! Finance titled, "In Lean Times, Online Coupons Catching On." Catching on? Doesn't everyone use online coupons? Well, in case I have some readers who are not coupon-code savvy—perhaps some recessionistas who are new to the Budget Babe fold—I figured I'd share some tips for making the most out of these money-saving gems.
How to find coupon codes: Do a quick Google search for the name of the store at which you're shopping and the word "coupon." Click through a couple of the search results to compare deals and hone in on the one that's best for your purchase.
If at first you don't succeed: Try, try again. Sometimes you'll enter an invalid or expired coupon code, but don't dismay. Usually if you try a couple codes, you'll find one that works. Obviously you don't want to waste tons of time, but don't give up after one failed attempt.
"Stack" coupons: Sometimes you can use multiple codes for one purchase, which is usually difficult to do in brick-n-mortar stores (although somehow my Mom always manages to do this!)
Know your favorite coupon code sites: Amidst a sea of coupon code sites, here are a few that truly stand out.
Take it to the next level: I have not personally tried FatWallet.com or Ebates, but these sites offer cash back on purchases if you sign up, sign in and then click through to a retailer.
How to find coupon codes: Do a quick Google search for the name of the store at which you're shopping and the word "coupon." Click through a couple of the search results to compare deals and hone in on the one that's best for your purchase.
If at first you don't succeed: Try, try again. Sometimes you'll enter an invalid or expired coupon code, but don't dismay. Usually if you try a couple codes, you'll find one that works. Obviously you don't want to waste tons of time, but don't give up after one failed attempt.
"Stack" coupons: Sometimes you can use multiple codes for one purchase, which is usually difficult to do in brick-n-mortar stores (although somehow my Mom always manages to do this!)
Know your favorite coupon code sites: Amidst a sea of coupon code sites, here are a few that truly stand out.
Take it to the next level: I have not personally tried FatWallet.com or Ebates, but these sites offer cash back on purchases if you sign up, sign in and then click through to a retailer.
Here's another goodie I came across.
www.shopthelook.net
Use coupon code VP08PREVIEW and save 30% on your entire order of fashion jewelry, scarves, and hair accessories. Free shipping over order of $50
http://www.zingsale.com
Its a free web site that helps you save money when shopping online by alerting you via email when your favorite products go on sale. All you do is enter in the product you want and how much your willing to pay. Then ZingSale searches each day looking for a sale. If it finds one it sends you an email with a link to where you can buy it at the discounted price!
It has a "Deal of the Moment" that is updated throughout the day.