| When the weather is bad and the crowds are | | | | Once you enter the code, look for proof that the |
| frightful, it's time to head indoors, sit down at your | | | | site has accepted the code and applied any discount. |
| computer and do a little online shopping. | | | | For example, if the coupon is for 10% off, make |
| What surprises many new online shoppers is how | | | | sure that 10% has indeed been deducted for your |
| much money can be saved by shopping from your | | | | total. Again, depending on the site, this will look |
| own living room. Used judiciously, online shopping | | | | different. For example, some sites might take the |
| codes can save you a lot of money and time. What's | | | | discount off each individual item, and the discount |
| best is finding boxes at your doorstep days later. No | | | | noted on each line of the order. Others might take |
| schlepping to the mall, dealing with parking and other | | | | the discount off the total purchase price and that will |
| people, and then lugging things home. | | | | be noted at the bottom of the order. |
| But to get the most bang for your online shopping | | | | If the code is not accepted for some reason, be |
| buck, you need to understand the fine art of coupon | | | | sure to read the code details again. Has the coupon |
| codes and their various uses. If you just go shopping | | | | code expired? Did you purchase enough? (Some free |
| online, ignoring the various promotional deals, you | | | | shopping codes require a minimum purchase, for |
| might spend more than you would in a brick and | | | | example.) Are all the items on the order eligible for |
| mortar store, and who wants that? | | | | the discount? Did you enter the code correctly? |
| Here's how to get the codes. | | | | How much can you save? |
| First, for each online store you visit, sign up for their | | | | How much you can save using coupon and |
| newsletter or to be on their mailing list. Sure, this | | | | promotional codes depends on where you shop and |
| means more email, but if it's a store you like, it's | | | | what you buy. If you have a lot of shopping to do, |
| worth the bigger mail download. Trust us. Stores | | | | you can literally save hundreds of dollars. If a toy |
| routinely send notices of "secret" sales, unique | | | | store has free shipping on a $75 purchase, you might |
| coupon codes good for 10 to 50% off your | | | | save $10 just on the shipping alone. |
| purchase, and promos offering free gifts with | | | | You can save even more by hunting for deals to |
| purchase and free shipping. | | | | combine. You can't usually "stack" coupons, which |
| Second, when you receive a package from an online | | | | means to use more than one coupon at the same |
| store, be sure to check all the paperwork. Often, the | | | | store at the same time. However, you can often |
| online stores tuck coupon codes into the box | | | | "stack" a free shipping code with a dollars-off one. |
| enclosures for you to use later. | | | | For example, that same toy store with free shipping |
| Third, check out the various coupon websites | | | | on a $75 purchase might allow you to also use a |
| designed to help you find and use online coupon | | | | code for $10 off the $75 purchase. So now your |
| codes. If you Google "online coupon codes" you'll be | | | | savings has increased from $10 to $20 just by |
| met with a wide array of choices in websites. Try to | | | | spending a few extra minutes finding another coupon |
| find a good site with a message board; you can find | | | | code. |
| more deals at the message board or find reviews of | | | | How else can you save? |
| various stores and experiences from people using | | | | There are a myriad of ways to save when shopping |
| certain coupon codes. | | | | online besides just using coupon and promotional |
| Finally, pay attention to all that paper you usually | | | | codes. Combine these deals with coupons and you |
| don't pay much attention to. For example, your cable | | | | really have a great deal. |
| TV or satellite TV bill might have a coupon code for | | | | For example, look for "buy one get one" promotional |
| Home Shopping Network. Your Visa bill might come | | | | deals. It might in the form of a free gift (free tote |
| with an enclosure offering special deals and discounts | | | | with purchase) or a free like item when a similar item |
| at various stores if you use your Visa card. | | | | is purchased. Combine these deals (which usually do |
| Then, learn how to use the codes. | | | | not require a code) with a coupon and free shipping |
| Once you have some coupon codes you might want | | | | and you might reduce your order total to half of |
| to use, how to do you use them? Usually, you'll enter | | | | what it might have been without codes and special |
| a code at checkout. Each retailer has a different | | | | promos. |
| set-up. Some will ask for a code before you hit the | | | | Be sure to also check out the online sites that give |
| "checkout" button, while others ask for it last, just | | | | you cash back or points for purchases. Simply link |
| before giving you a final summary before you submit | | | | through their site (entering the store via a link on the |
| your order. Be sure to look carefully for the box to | | | | site's page) and then go shopping as normal. Use all |
| enter the code. The site might ask for a code, a | | | | the special promos and coupons you would otherwise |
| promo code, a discount code, or a special offer code. | | | | use, but you'll also get a cash back rebate or points |
| Whatever they call it, that's where you enter your | | | | you can redeem later for gift certificates. |
| code. | | | | |