Just like their print brethren, online coupons can lure even the most cost-conscious shopper into making an unneeded purchase. Wise use of these ubiquitous offers, however, can save you plenty.
Search Google
Stop! Before you make an online purchase at, say, L.L. Bean, do a quick Google search such as “L.L. Bean coupon” or “L.L. Bean offer.” You may turn up a code good for free shipping or a discount.
Coupon Web sites
Google searches likely lead you to these sites, which compile offers from retailers and organize them into categories such as “home & garden” or “electronics.” Dealcatcher.com features up-to-date offers and a forum for users to post coupon codes and other offers. Currentcodes.com also lists coupon codes. The forum section of Fatwallet.com welcomes an active community of deal-seeking posters. Also, certain companies, such as diaper makers, ask customers to join their online clubs, where members can receive coupons in the mail or printed directly from the Web site.
Printable coupons
Many sites offer printable paper coupons for bricks-and-mortar retailers. Wow Coupons is easy to use and well organized, with a good selection of coupons a family could actually use. CoolSavings also features a good choice of offers, especially for savings on groceries, but users must register at the site, free or charge, to use the service.
E-mail delivery
If you can handle weekly, or even more frequent, e-mails from retailers, sign up to receive email notices of discounts. DisneyShopping.com often offers discounts for its toys and clothing, notifying customers with colorful emails nearly every day.
When to use coupons
Remember, retailers use coupons to encourage shoppers to buy their products, whether it’s diapers in the grocery stores or sheets at Overstock.com. Use coupons only when you really need the product or if the deal is just too good to pass up. A free shipping offer on L.L. Bean products earned me a new pair of loafers, on sale, and saved me about $5. Not bad for a 30-second Google search.
Judith Zwolak - Judy is a mother of two and a freelance writer living in South Dakota. Raised by notoriously frugal parents, she comes by her family ...
