I write about shopping often. It’s not just about gifts or what to buy for this season, but also how to get the right price… meaning, i.e., discounts, sales and outright bargains & steals! I remember heading to the GAP in
August for a Summer Clearance sale with extra coupons, rewards certificates and 40% off for GAP Silver Card Holders. I took my husband with me since he needed new shorts and tees because that summer had been brutal and he had thrashed his clothing. Considering that August was the end of summer fashion according to the fashion calendar , the sale was on-target. However according to the California weather and California seasons, summer was heading into high gear. Knowing we both could use some updated clothes for at least another 90 days, I got serious about it. And I have the video to prove it HERE (or in case that link didn’t work for you : https://youtu.be/aUxaTRbw7SU). That’s my youtube page and you can see what kind of shopper I really am. I shaved more then 60% off the regular prices off the clothing I bought that day.
Recently someone pitched me a story about how to shop the web more efficiently and how to get the best bargains. I know I have covered that 6 ways from heaven. That’s ok! I am always willing to look at a new shopping site, shopping app, geo-fencing secret sales apps and more to help you and me score better bargains to save more of the shopping dollars. I am introducing you to today’s guest blogger, Ivy Chou, Content Director at DealsPlus.com
5 Tips for Finding Great Shopping Deals Online
1. Utilize a good coupon/deal site.
The easiest way to find discounts is by using sites like DealsPlus.com, which updates visitors with the best coupons and deals every hour. Visitors can browse offers by store or by shopping category like clothing, home items, travel, and more. You can also customize your email alerts, so you’ll only receive alerts for the stores you like.
2. Sign up store loyalty programs.
Most loyalty programs are free to join, and you’ll be the first to learn about upcoming sales and discounts. Stores like Starbucks, Sephora, and DSW will even offer points back that work towards freebies or store credit.
3. Use price comparison sites like Pricegrabber or Shopping.com.
These sites are great for comparing prices on everything from TV’s and furniture to home appliance and toys. But remember – these prices won’t include coupon discounts.
4. Be patient.
Some stores will reward you for abandoning your cart. You’ll avoid impulse purchases and even earn extra discounts. Some retailers like Gilt, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Living Social will offer price incentives to push you to complete your purchase. Of course, you must be logged in when you ditch your cart, otherwise they won’t be able to alert you with that offer.
5. Stack coupons on top of sales and deals.
A little diligence goes a long way! Keep an eye on the sale items you want, then finalize your purchase once a coupon code rolls around. In fact, numerous stores like Kohls, Macy’s, Michael’s, and JCPenney have countless coupon codes available everyday, and you might be able to use multiple codes at checkout.
For example, you could stack a $ off code, a % off code, and a free shipping coupon in the same order! You could snag up to an extra 50% off discount for prices that are similar to ones you see on Black Friday.
Bio: Ivy Chou
Ivy Chou is the content director at DealsPlus.com, one of the most popular shopping, coupon, and deal sites on the web. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, she loves sharing her couponing expertise and money-saving tips with fellow shoppers.
Thank you to Ivy Chou for sharing these great tips. Check out the DealsPlus.com site and sign up!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
DEALS and STEALS
I am required to tell you that I am an “affiliate” with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products –and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!If you purchase via my link, I make a very small percentage
for that purchase. I pick the best products, vendors and deals I can find!
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This is some good advice that I admit I never follow. I could benefit from trying it even though I shop little I could still save.
The key part of this is to set up an email just for shopping newsletters and updates. Plus having a specific card that you use for most shopping that has reward points.. if you can get a store card (Nordstom now has their own branded VISA for example; Gap has the same thing as well as a credit card that is just for their family of stores). Also this would work if you have a rewards/loyalty card for your supermarket especially if you can donate some of the cash back to a charity or org. you support. I walk my dog every day for about 2.5 miles…. and I found an app that takes my mileage I accrue and donates to the rescue shelter of my choice… every year. Those miles turn into $$$!
Thanks for your post, and good summary, Stevie. What’s that app you use? I walk/run a lot, too! I’d love for it to help my local shelters as well.
@Pamela, once you see how much money you can save, you can’t go back. I can never buy anything without checking for a code or a coupon, and I now have a DiscoverCard, Chase Freedom, AmEx and CapitalOne to use depending on the type of purchase. I get at least $200 back total in rewards every year on top of the extra savings I get from using coupons.
Ivy! Wow.. I am so impressed that you checked back for comments. The app I use for walking my dog is called ResQWalk. I use it daily. You can upload photos of your dog, yourself and more. You can select or add in your shelter of choice. I walk for the benefit of the shelter where I got my dog Holl. So far this year, I have walked 342 miles. The “walkers’ accumulate mileage which is paid by x amount per mile monthly. You can set weekly goals too. When you achieve that goal every week, you get pinged to order a special tee with a serious discount that shows your affiliation with ResQWalk. I average 2.5 miles per day with my dog. I love that this app is out there because it really does give back.
RE the discounts using certain cards, I am addicted to discounts. I hate paying full price and I love getting a deal. RARELY do I buy something that is not discounted in some way (more than just free shipping). I shop 6PM.com to look for clearance items from my favorite brands.
A-MAZ-ING!
Me too! I love 6pm. 9 out of 10 times, when I compare prices, 6pm really has the best price. And I love that their coupons don’t exclude clearance items, deals of the day, etc.
Thanks for sharing info on the app. I’m downloading it right now!
6PM is the best shopping destination. I have bought amazing shoes there for so little money and great workout wear. I am betting you will love ResQWalk. What kind of dog do you have?
We have a chihuahua who has wayyy too much energy! He could also stand to lose a little weight 😉
If you are competitive like me, once you see the advantages of using the app, I bet that dog will lose some weight. My dog loves to go for walks with me (squirrels and other people are her favorite things) and we sometimes are out for about an hour which for me is about 3 miles. She makes me walk fast!!