On average, coupon/promo codes work only about a third of the time, says Walt Roloson, co-founder of Wikibuy (owned by Capital One), a popular online shopping browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes during checkout. Among the most common reasons a code doesn’t work — it’s expired, there are exclusions offer Ronce Fashion Coupon, it’s non-transferrable and, my favorite, just because it doesn’t.
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Terri Lynn always searches for a promo code before completing any online purchase. “It’s part of my DNA. I’m not obsessed, it’s just something I do as part of my shopping routine,” says the media relations consultant in Naples, Fla. Lynn is such a fan of codes that if she sees something she likes in a department store, she’ll make a note of it, go home to her computer and search for a coupon code. “In the course of a year, I’ve saved thousands, and that’s not shopping excessively.”
Austin Varley rarely makes it into department stores. The self-described “huge online shopper” buys everything, including groceries, through his computer or smartphone. “I have limit time in my day to get things done. Online shopping saves me valuable time, and coupon codes save me even more money,” says Varley, owner of a Scottsdale, Ariz., advertising agency.
Even if you’ve been burn before by a bad code, you may want to try again. Here’s how to save as much as you can:
Determine whether a retailer uses codes. Says Lynn, “When I go to check out, if it shows a box asking for a promo code, 99 percent of the time that means there’s a coupon out there. I’m going to find it.”
Use a trusted source.
Sure, you can search for “retailer name + promo code,” but you’ll probably get hundreds of results. The better path is to check websites such as RetailMeNot, DealsPlus, Coupon Cabin and Slickdeals. These sites work with thousands of retailers and brands, as well as user submissions, to aggregate sales and codes. At RetailMeNot, all codes are test and verifey before being publish. In addition, the site solicits input from users who can indicate a thumbs up or thumbs down to rate a code’s usability, making it easy for you to see how often the code works. Other code-centric websites operate in a similar fashion. For example, Slickdeals puts a green check mark next to a verified code.
Understand why codes don’t work.
RetailMeNot’s Sara Skirboll says it all comes down to the fine print. A code may have expire, may not be applicable to specific brands, may not be transferrable or may only be able to be used once. It’s also possible your purchase didn’t fulfill the requirements of the code, such as spending a certain amount. Consider the source: Did the code come directly from the business or did a friend of a friend pass it along? Most people who share codes aren’t being malicious; they just don’t realize that they received a unique promo code.
Loyalty pays.
If you are a big fan of a specific retailer, restaurant or brand (even local ones), sign up for its loyalty program, follow it on social media or download its app. Not only are you likely to receive promo codes, but you’ll also probably receive a nice bonus code on your first purchase just for signing up.
Go old school.
I’m seeing more companies put online coupon codes in newspapers and magazines, as well as those catalogues and monthly mailers you receive via the U.S. Postal Service. Bottom line: Don’t toss those Valpaks, Money Mailers or similar “junk” mail before giving it a quick look-see for promo codes.
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