Couponing requires time and patience, and keeping track of your coupons can take time and effort. Some extreme couponers use giant binders with tabs, while others purchase specialized inserts or create spreadsheets on their computers.
Learn the fine print on store and manufacturer coupons to maximize savings. And be sure to pay attention to annual sale cycles.
Use Coupon Codes
Whether you have bar code scanning apps on your phone or clipped coupons from the newspaper, there are ways to take your couponing strategy into the online world. Some stores list coupons on their homepage, while others feature them in the cart or product pages during checkout.
These codes can offer a percentage off, a fixed dollar amount off, or free or discounted shipping. Many require a minimum purchase, meaning you must bump up your order to get the most value from the coupon.
Some stores also release coupon codes in tiers, offering more significant discounts as your purchase size increases. This can be an excellent way to save on big-ticket items like printers or computers. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.
Sign Up for Coupon Alerts
Signing up for an e-commerce store’s email newsletter is one of the most effective ways to get digital coupons. Most retailers also offer a welcome discount when you first join the club, and you can receive other promos by signing up throughout the year. However, be careful about going on a frenzy of sign-ups, as it could fill your inbox with clutter and send you unwanted emails.
If you’re shopping online, consider using a coupon checker app such as RetailMeNot, which also offers cashback deals that can be combined with coupon codes. Another option is to use the built-in price comparison tool, which helps find the lowest prices on items you buy.
Many retailers and restaurants also offer text alerts for coupons, so be sure to sign up for those if you’re a frequent shopper. For example, you can save 10% off when you sign up for text alerts or take $5 off your purchase when you sign up for text alerts.
Check Store Websites
You can often find coupons for items at your favorite stores by signing up for email lists, following brands on social media, and scouring their websites. But savvy shoppers have an even easier way to score discounts: browser extensions like Cently automatically search for coupon codes and cash-back opportunities during online purchases.
Another place to look for coupons is on the pages of your local or national newspaper. Some retailers, in particular, typically contain $50 to $300 worth of savings on food and other household products. Also, be sure to sign up for a retailer’s loyalty program. These offer returning customers exclusive coupons and discounts on future purchases. Many of these loyalty programs also send email and text alerts to subscribers with upcoming promotions.
Check Online Coupon Databases
Coupon databases aggregate coupons for various retailers into one easy-to-search location, explains frugal-living expert Jenny Martin. To find one, search online for “coupon database.”
Manufacturer’s coupons- typically available through a website- can be paired with store and digital coupons to create a powerful savings combination called coupon stacking. You can also download grocery store apps, which offer free digital coupons you can clip on your phone.
Pay attention to annual sale cycles, such as back-to-school sales, to maximize your coupons. Also, remember that some stores have special rules about accepting and doubling coupons. You can learn more about their policies by visiting a store’s website or calling the customer service line.
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Email alerts are a great way to stay updated on discounts and promotions. Several platforms allow you to personalize and filter alerts based on your preferences. You can also sign up for alerts for specific products or brands to track their price fluctuations. Many retailers use price drop alerts to incentivize shoppers to purchase their products.
Other popular shopping discount alerts include flash sales and limited-time offers. These alerts can help you make quick purchases before the product sells out. Another strategy for managing shopping alerts is to set up a separate email account dedicated exclusively to these emails. This will help to keep your primary inbox clutter-free and allow you to focus on the alerts that matter most to you. You can also download mobile apps that aggregate shopping discount alerts and other deals.
Sign Up for Text Alerts
Retailers and e-commerce businesses often incentivize new customers by sending them exclusive coupon codes when they sign up for their email newsletters. They also generally have special sales events throughout the year and will lower prices on high-priced items when they get close to selling out. You can save big by simply waiting for these events. Many tools are also available to track an item and alert you when its price drops.