Finding a good coupon online is like finding a needle in a haystack. Sure there are lots of coupons online that may benefits those who tend to splurge anyway. However, if you are really looking for a bargain with coupons, you may have to do some digging. Here are a few tips to help you find those good coupons.
1. Avoid any strings. Try to stay away from coupons that require you to purchase something or spend a certain amount of money. You’ve seen them “Buy One Get One Free” or “Save $10 on your next purchase of $100 or more”. These coupons often come from stores you don’t shop at or are intended for products you don’t intend to buy. You can usually find that shopping around for the lowest price you may find that many substitute brands or stores offer products at a more cost saving price than with the coupon, as items are usually marked up to compensate for the coupon.
2. Shop around. As stated in the previous point, products that are often advertised with coupons can be the more expensive brand of items. This is why you don’t often see non brand name items promoted with coupons. Therefore, it’s wise to shop around and find the lowest price of the item that you intend to buy before simply going with the coupon item. A loaf of bread may be advertised in a coupon as “50% off any Brand A loaf of bread”. If Brand A is $3 at its original price and Brand B is $1 at its original price, the coupon is basically worthless.
3. Be cautious with email subscriptions. Some companies promote incentives such as e-clubs, where they claim to email various coupons and incentives to your inbox. However, this is, very often, not the case. Many companies, including large retailers, may simply use the subscription as a way to send junk mail or offer frivolous promotions that are anything but coupons. Stick with coupons you find through searching or going into the store, as companies that do offer coupons only really offer them to existing customers.