Discount codes can be a great way to save money when shopping online. However, if you really want to maximize your savings then you need to know how to use discount codes properly. The following ten tips can assist you in getting the most out of discount codes:
1. Find a few favorite sites for discount codes. One of the biggest problems with using discount codes is that there are so many places to find them on the web. Some are useful and some are not. Take the time to look around and find sites that you consider to be user-friendly, that have codes for stores that you frequently shop with and that have codes that are not expired. Bookmark those and focus on using them for saving money.
2. Look for discount codes on Twitter and Facebook. These social media tools are a great addition to your discount code shopping. That’s because stores sometimes offer deals on these sites that aren’t available anywhere else.
3. Never buy something just because you see a good deal on it. Always use discount codes to reduce the cost of things you’re already going to buy. Never buy something just because you see a good discount code for it.
4. Get the best price on an item before using the discount code. Most items are sold at multiple online stores. Shop around to find the item at the lowest price before you add the discount code to the purchase.
5. Create a family budget. This will encourage you to always find deals that will help you stick within your family budget. You’ll be motivated to use discount codes and will therefore start saving more with them.
6. Never checkout online without using a discount code. There are so many of them available that it’s unnecessary to buy things without using them. Make it a rule that you won’t make an online purchase if you don’t have at least one discount code to use.
7. Stack codes if you can. If you find two different discount codes for the same item then try to use both of them when checking out. Not all sites or deals allow this but many do and you can save a lot of money this way. It’s the same as stacking coupons.
8. Always get free shipping on your purchase. If you’re paying to have an item shipped to you then you’re defeating the discount that you’re getting with your promotional code. Some stores offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount; others have discount codes for free shipping.
9. Look for discount codes when shopping in stores. Before you buy something in a store, use your smartphone to get online and see if you can get a lower price on the Internet using a discount code. If you can then skip the immediate purchase and buy the item online instead.
10. Read frugal living blogs. They provide ongoing tips about saving money using discount codes so you’ll always be inspired to save more!
About the author: Kathryn Vercillo writes about discount codes, debt reduction and many other aspects of frugal living.