If you are like me, then back to school shopping REALLY puts a dent into your bank account. Which is why I suggest that you try using coupons!! Whether you are new to the coupon game or a skilled clipper, ILoveCouponMonth.com is the ultimate destination for coupon-lovers featuring data, 30 days of savings tips, and much more.
Helping shoppers save even more money during National Coupon Month, here are 15 places to find coupons.
1. Coupon-Aggregate Websites
Forget all that clipping and sifting through newspapers; online coupons make the hunt-and-peck method a thing of the past. Coupon-aggregate websites allow shoppers to pinpoint the coupons they need and either use the coupon codes to save online or download printable coupons for shopping at brick-and-mortar stores.
2. Smartphone Apps
More than one in four mobile users in the U.S. own a smartphone, which makes coupon applications amazingly handy. For example, the free CouponSherpa.com app that offers mobile coupons is perfect for I Love Coupon Month as it actually allows you to search for coupons while shopping. The coupon is then displayed as either a scannable image or numeric code that the cashier can enter at the register. You receive an immediate discount. The app also features grocery coupons. Type in your ZIP code to find a supermarket in the area, save desired grocery coupons from your phone to their loyalty card, and enjoy instant savings when their card is swiped at checkout.
3. Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, even YouTube provide links to coupons from just about every merchant and service you’ve heard of. Need a new dress? Visit your favorite retailer’s Facebook page and print out a coupon. Heading to the grocery store? Check their Twitter feed for coupon links. Lastly, look for coupon bloggers who create instructional videos on YouTube that include similar links.
4. Direct Mail Packets
Direct mail packets are envelopes stuffed with paper coupons and delivered to your mailbox. The most popular and steadily growing version comes from Valpak, delivered in light-blue envelopes roughly once per month.
5. Loyalty Card Coupons
Most major supermarket chains allow shoppers to upload coupons from their websites to loyalty cards. The trick is to remember which coupons you’ve actually loaded so you don’t forget or buy the wrong product. This marketing method is beginning to cross over to other companies. For example, Shell gas stations offer fuel discounts for repeat customers with rewards cards.
6. Manufacturers’ Websites
Wanting to get a cut of the action, manufacturers began offering their own online coupons, some of which are printable coupons you can use in their stores. Others offer coupon codes for online purchases. The variety of coupons available may surprise you. Everyone from furniture to health-food manufacturers have gotten in on the game. For example, Lane Recliners recently advertised a $100 coupon usable with a minimum purchase of just $499.
7. Emailed Newsletters
Sign up for email newsletters offered on merchant websites and many will regularly send out coupons. If you plan on registering for a bunch of these newsletters, you might want to create a separate email account so your personal inbox isn’t overwhelmed.
8. Newspaper Inserts
The original source for coupons, newspaper inserts are still the number-one place to find print coupons. You can add to your collection without multiple subscriptions by asking friends and family to pass on inserts they don’t use.
9. Online Store Circulars
Subscribing to a newspaper for the circulars is still the number one way to find coupons, but many merchants now post these sale flyers directly on their websites, allowing you to download coupons or access the coupon codes.
10. Cellfire.com
Another coupon aggregate site, Cellfire.com allows you to download coupons directly to your grocery loyalty card. The cashier then swipes the card at checkout and “poof,” instant savings. The service is available for over 3,500 grocery stores across the country. Signing up for a free membership entitles you to additional savings and services.
11. Free Samples
Manufacturers offering free samples through the mail usually include a coupon or two as a means of enticing you into purchasing their goods. This is pretty cool because you can actually try the product before buying.
12. Coupon Forums
Whether your a newbie or an extreme couponer, these forums are a great way to learn about special deals and coupon links. Member discussions keep you informed about the best and worst coupons while offering tips for use.
13. With Your Grocery Receipt
Known as Catalinas, these coupons are usually keyed to your purchase that day or, if you use a loyalty card, previous purchases.
14. Loyalty Cards
Many supermarket chains allow shoppers to upload coupons from their websites to your loyalty card. The trick is to remember which coupons you’ve actually loaded so you don’t buy the wrong products. This promotional method is beginning to cross over to other merchants. For example, Shell gas stations offer fuel discounts for repeat customers.
15. Inside Product Packaging
Look inside your cereal boxes, can labels, etc. for hidden coupons. If you’re lucky, the manufacturer has advertised the coupon’s existence on the front of the package.
Where do you find your coupons?
