Gone are the days when Sunday circulars were the only source of coupons. In today’s digital age, consumers have access to online codes, browser extensions, and money-saving apps to help them find significant discounts at any time. According to a recent study by SimplyCodes, Friday is the best day for consumers to save money while shopping online. The study analyzed coupon release patterns in marketing emails from 30,000 merchants between March and July. The findings revealed that approximately 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday, with a significant increase in coupon activity on Fridays. As payday approaches, there is a notable uptick in coupon activity, especially for categories like women’s clothing, skin care, and alcohol.
While the lure of a good deal is enticing, it can sometimes lead to excessive buying habits and high-interest credit card debt. Consumer savings experts like Andrea Woroch caution against falling into the trap of “spaving,” which is spending more to save more. Before making a purchase, it is essential to evaluate whether a deal is truly worth it. Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.com, suggests considering factors like free shipping thresholds and total savings on your purchase when using coupon codes. It’s important to avoid becoming preoccupied with getting free shipping if the overall savings on your items make the shipping costs negligible.
Strategies for Efficient Couponing
For those planning a big purchase or looking to save on everyday essentials, there are several strategies to maximize couponing savings. Signing up for store e-newsletters, mobile alerts, and following brands on social media can help you access exclusive coupons for in-store or online savings. Price-tracking browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa can assist in monitoring price changes and alerting you when a price drops. Additionally, applying a coupon on top of an already discounted item can lead to even greater savings.
To find deals quickly, consumers can use deal aggregators like CouponCabin.com or RetailMeNot to search for coupons by store name. These platforms offer a convenient way to access multiple coupons and discounts from various retailers. While couponing can be an effective way to save money, it is crucial to avoid the temptation to overspend. Andrea Woroch advises consumers to delete shopping apps that prompt unnecessary purchases and unsubscribe from store newsletters to reduce the temptation to shop impulsively. Instead, she recommends looking for coupons only when needed, using browser plug-ins like SideKick to scan for applicable codes.