There are many discount codes to encourage consumers to shop online. The problem is that you have to fill your cart and then go on to checkout. After applying the code, there are no savings.
Walt Roloson, cofounder of Wikibuy, an extension for the internet shopping browser that detects and applies coupon codes during checkout, said that coupon/promo code only work about a third on average. The most common reasons that a code does not work are: it has expired, it isn’t transferrable, or it contains exclusions.
Terri Lynn searches for promo codes before making any online purchases. It’s part my DNA. It’s not something I do every day, but it’s part of my shopping routine.” Lynn, a media relations consultant from Naples, Fla., says that she isn’t obsessed with codes. She will make a note of what she finds in department stores, then go to her computer to search for coupons. “I’ve saved thousands of dollars over the course of a single year. And that’s not just because I don’t shop excessively.”
Austin Varley rarely makes it into department stores. Austin Varley, a self-described “huge internet shopper”, buys all of his groceries online using either his smartphone or computer. I have limited time in my daily life to accomplish things. Varley, a Scottsdale-based advertising agency, says that online shopping is a time and money saver.
Even if you have been burned by bad code before, it is worth trying again. Here are some ways to save as much money as possible:
Find out if a retailer uses codes. Lynn says that if a box asks for a promo code when I check out, 99 percent of it means there is a coupon. It’s going to be there.
Trust a reliable source. You can search “retailer name + discount code”, but it’s likely to return hundreds of results. Voucherful.co.uk is a better option. These sites work with thousands upon thousands of brands and retailers, and user submissions to calculate sales and codes. Before codes are published, they are checked and validated. The site also invites users to give feedback on code usability. They can rate it with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. This makes it easy to see how frequently the code works. Similar websites are also code-centric. Slickdeals, for example, places a green checkmark next to any code that has been verified.
Install a browser extension. They make it easy to automate the process. When you reach the checkout page of an online shop, click on the extension icon. It will try every promo code available in a matter of seconds, select the one with the highest savings, and apply it. Although there is no guarantee that the code will be working, these shopping tools can quickly find codes and copy them all one by one. These browser extensions have one caveat: They store a lot of your personal data, so make sure you read the fine print before you install.
Work hard to achieve your goals. Varley recommends Varley’s preferred strategy: Choose your items, add them to your virtual shopping cart, and then abandon it at checkout. However, you might need the URL later. You can leave and most companies will follow you on the Internet, offering you discounts for what you have in your shopping cart. He explains that this is a retargeting advertisement and it’s used every day in the e-commerce industry. Simply click on the URL you saved to apply the code. You may receive an email from some stores encouraging you to complete the transaction.
Create a separate email account. You will be receiving a lot of emails daily, even though joining loyalty programs can bring you rewards. Amy Chang, lifestyle savings expert at Slickdeals, recommends creating an account like mynamecoupons@ to keep your inbox clean.
Learn why codes don’t work. RetailMeNot’s Sara Skirboll explains that it all boils down to the fine print. The code could have expired or not be valid for certain brands. It may also not be transferable or only be available once. You may also have to pay a minimum amount, or the code might not apply to your purchase. You should also consider the source of the code. Did it come directly from the company or was it passed on by a friend? People who share codes don’t mean to be malicious, they just aren’t aware that they have a unique promo code.
Loyalty pays. Loyalty pays. Sign up for a loyalty program if you’re a fan of a particular retailer, restaurant, or brand (even local ones), follow it on social media, or download their app. You will likely receive promo codes and a bonus code for your first purchase.
Keep it old-fashioned. Online coupon codes are becoming more popular in magazines and newspapers. Postal Service. Bottom line: Do not toss Valpaks, Money Mailers, or other “junk mail” before looking for promo codes.
Take your time. Roloson says that every retailer has its own strategy for distributing coupons. It’s worth joining loyalty programs and keeping any emails codes you get, even if there’s no plan to make a purchase at the time of receipt. “A key part of the strategy is to check your email to verify if a code is still available or coming soon, based upon past history.” Experts in shopping say it pays to be patient and search for a code before you buy. Lynn says, “Never be embarrassed. Don’t be ashamed to save money when you shop. Do not feel guilty about taking advantage of discounts that are available to you. Online shopping is extremely competitive. Merchants will offer you attractive offers to help get your business.
