We all know about searching the net and printing out coupons, finding the random prize coupon in the cereal box or grabbing the Sunday Paper and scouring for deals, but how about some other ideas for finding this little savings tidbits?
1. Take a look at products you use most frequently, such as yogurt or cereal. Take a few minutes and go directly to the manufacturer and sign up on line for their coupons. This takes time, so go take a few sites at a time or save it for a rainy day. If you open a free email account like g-mail or Yahoo!, just for coupons you won’t get flooded with spam and can sort these better.
2. Watch competitors. Those who are in marketing know this. A sale at say Walgreens will prompt CVS with a sales vengence. NEVER buy antything at one major retailer without checking savings. Also, companies like Wal-Mart, thought they often have advertised they will meet competitors prices bank on the fact few do so. You have to really know your products and prices to grab deals. It saves you money in gas to find stores that offer these “meet competitor’s prices” savings or to add their rewards program to your list of things to do. Staples is one to watch and sign up for reward programs, especially with school approaching. They offer several $5 or more, incentive coupons a year. Hallmark is another one to add, with great deals, special offers and half price items for shoppers on their Gold Crown Club- plus rebate cash.
3. Sign up for in store deals and contact local Chambers of Commerce for new deals in your local area. Most of these small businesses have cut rate sales from time to time, especially now due to the economy. Recently a local fitness center offered a week free membership, with a local purchase at the hometown owned hardware store of $10.00.
I redeemed my reward points from Ace Hardware, spent $5.00 on a ten dollar purchase AND got a week at a fitness center. Tracking all these things takes time. And it helps to be organized. I suggest keeping a binder or an organizer in the car with you when running out for errands. It always seems I spot some to-die-for deal when I am the farthest from my coupons and reward cards.