Save Money Without Discount Codes
There are plenty of websites out there offering you ways to save money. In the US there’s RetailMeNot coupons codes and discount codes from VoucherFrenzy in the UK. But how much money will they really save you?
Most retailers have a set profit margin that needs to be met. Anything above this figure is added bonus. Discounts and coupons are a welcome addition to any shoppers wallet but do they provide you with the best way to save money? Here’s some alternatives.
Price comparison web sites
A tried and tested method of getting the best deals on the web. Groceries are one area where it was hard to compare prices unless you actually went in store. MySuperMarket.co.uk has changed all that with a comprehensive collection of prices comparisons across all the big grocery stores so it’s definitely worth checking them out on a regular basis.
Local retailers
Get your shopping shoes on and hit the high street. Just because there’s a discount code for Comet available that will save you £200 off the latest LED TV, doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. I did a little research and found that a local store selling flat screen TV’s has a particular model that could be picked up for £80 less than the nearest competitor.
Lowest price guarantees
Most of the big retailers regularly offer to refund you the difference if you can find a particular product cheaper anywhere else. If you see an offer like this make sure you check out the competition and, when there’s money to be had, grab it. It’s safe to say that most retailers use this as a way to pull customers in. After all, how many of you really do see if they are the cheapest deals in town and how many of us blindy accept that, “they must be the cheapest otherwise they wouldn’t make the offer”? Food for thought.
Forums
“What?”, I hear you say. Yes, forums are one of the best places to find deals and discounts of every shade and flavour. Forums are made up of like-minded people who have a common interest and want to share and this extends to any deals the members may find. In many cases, forum members will find those offers that would otherwise takes hours to find by trawling the web! Join a forum, make some friends and save some money.
Sales
I love sales. The goods you find in the sales might not be the latest and greatest but they’re cheap. Which would you rather have: a discount code or coupon that gives you 5% off or a sale item that’s 70% cheaper than the RRP? The January sales are the obvious time to save money but a quick look through any newspaper will quickly uncover any sales in both local stores and national chains.
Doubling up
How about combining sales with discount codes to really cut the price of your shopping? Many retailers don’t allow this so you’ll need to check the small print. But, if for some reason, there’s no restriction then go for it.
Ok, the last point isn’t really an alternative to using discount and coupons codes but have you tried it?