On-line shopping money-saving tip ~
Revised with even MORE reader-recommended $$$-saving links!
Check out the links at the bottom of this post, y'all!! Thanks to readers who "know" these things :).
Remember when Paula Deen hijacked my blog and offered y'all 20% off everything in her online store?
As a result of that, I learned something valuable: EVERY time you're planning to make an on-line purchase anywhere...google the name of the retailer and the words "promotion code". Frequently, people land at my blog because they're specifically looking for Paula Deen promotion codes (too bad mine's expired). I made mental note of this.
The other night, my husband was ordering a few shirts from Eddie Bauer; he asked me if I had any [snail mail] coupons and because I didn't, I searched for "June 2008 Eddie Bauer promotion codes". I found one for 20% off! He entered it, and sure enough, it was legitimate!
Maybe everyone on the planet already knows this trick, but in case you were hiding under neighboring rocks to my own, I thought I'd share my good fortune. You might not find one every time, but it's certainly worth trying!
I'd love to know YOUR success if you've done this; how much money have you saved??
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Links that might just save ya enough money to buy 1/2 a tank of gas! Lemme know if you know of some not listed, and I'll upload the link with a hat tip to you! :)
retailmenot.com (HT Phil-the-webmaster Peterman)
Mamanista's Coupon Code Page (HT Mamaluxe from Mamanista)
couponcode.com (HT Megs)
Photo credit: Allposters.com
Dear robin. Cheeky! I love it. I'm going out right now to test your theory - I can think of a million things I wanna buy so this is an excuse to shop!
Posted by: Little Miss Moi | June 11, 2008 at 12:47 AM
my rock was right next to yours! i NEVER thought of that! thanks - I always feel so sad when i have to pass by that empty promo code box.
Posted by: Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) | June 11, 2008 at 01:07 AM
Sorry I can't help. I seem to be the king of "buy high" and "sell low." :(
Posted by: Robert | June 11, 2008 at 01:40 AM
I'll have to give this a try next time!
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | June 11, 2008 at 02:46 AM
I do this, and it's so satisfying to get a discount for 3 seconds of googling! My favorite is usually my annual Christmas photobook through one of the photo companies (Kodak, Snapfish). I get the book all ready to go, then wait until a discount pops up for a buy 1, get 1 or 50% off and order. I also LOVE free shipping!
Posted by: Debbie | June 11, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Thanks for the tip! I hope I remember it the next time I want to order something!!
Posted by: Jeni | June 11, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Robin, as your personal tech and internet advisor (self appointed) I suggest you and the readers check out retailmenot.com
It's a great site where folks put codes they are sent or stumble across in the database and let you search by retailer.
Chances are that if there is any kind of special going on at an online retailer you'll find it on that site.
Posted by: Phil Peterman | June 11, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I was under a rock! What great idea I'll try it out next time I shop, which I'm sure will be soon!
Posted by: marmite and tea | June 11, 2008 at 08:31 AM
That's wonderful, R. I love it. I generally wait for sales to hit my email account, but I should've thought of this one myself!
Posted by: Anglophile Football Fanatic | June 11, 2008 at 08:36 AM
There is also a website at www.couponcode.com that gives you discount codes for a lot of online retailers!
Posted by: megs | June 11, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Fatwallet and Ebates area also good options. They give you 1-10% cash rebates when you link to sites from their site.
Posted by: sara l | June 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I like retailmenot.com, too...and I also have a section with tons of coupon codes, including from independent retailers you might not find on bigger sites:
http://coupons.mamanista.com/
Tip: "Coupon Code" is the most frequently used...though you should definitely try discount code and promo code and promotion code, too.
Posted by: Mama Luxe | June 11, 2008 at 09:28 AM
I have tried this - I hit a code about 50% of the time.
Posted by: Beckie | June 11, 2008 at 09:39 AM
OMG! How cool! Thanks for that tip. It will be invaluable to me. My WFMW isn't as useful to you, but I liked it.
Posted by: Kim | June 11, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I do this all the time now. I'm not paying full price anymore!
Posted by: Shalee | June 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I literally won't order something online if I can't find a coupon code. I at least want a percentage discount, but free shipping is the gold standard for me.
Another hint: Just Google the store name and the word "coupon" or "code." You'll get even more hits.
Posted by: Kelly @ Love Well | June 11, 2008 at 11:04 AM
This is a great tip! I love using promo codes and you've got lots to sift through!
Posted by: marigold | June 11, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Great idea! Thanks for the tip.
Posted by: Tom | September 07, 2008 at 06:16 PM