Are you a coupon newbie? Discount coupons are a great way to save money on products you buy regularly. According to a report from Statista, 88% of Americans used coupons in 2020. Coupons worth billions of dollars are sent out each year, offering American families a welcome opportunity to cut costs. It’s no wonder a lot of people looking to save money are happy to clip coupons and scour the web for deals.
It can be challenging to find the best coupons out there, but you’ll have an easier time when you know the tricks of the trade.
If you’re a beginner at couponing, here are six tips and tricks to make the most of your coupons:
- Signup For A Coupon Mailing List
One of the first steps is signing up for a coupon mailing list. Trying to find coupons for every item you buy can be overwhelming, but signing up to a mailing list can be really helpful and you can start saving money immediately.
There are also plenty of one-stop solutions where you can get amazing deals and offers on travel, retail, food, and so much more. DontPayFull.com is a great place to find promo codes, coupons, vouchers, and discounts on all kinds of products—from clothes to electronics. Check out Shein promo code at Retailescaper They also have a mailing list you can join so you can get notified about deals from your favorite brands right away.
- Make A Shopping List
Planning your shopping trip ahead of time is a must for you to save money. In a study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, consumers write down approximately 40% of the items they usually buy and more than 80% of the products written on their grocery lists were purchased. Having a list can ensure that you don’t forget anything. A list will also help you avoid impulse purchases and stick to your budget.
Take a look at your pantry and refrigerator and write down the items that need replenishing. After making a list, you can now look for coupons online. When you’ve gathered all your coupons and matched them with the items in your list, it’s time to shop.
- Wait For Major Sales
It’s true that you should use your discount coupons as soon as possible, but there’s one exception: major sales. For some, the thrill of finding good deals using their coupons is enough to get them going, even if there’s no major sale happening.
However, it’s best to wait until a major sale to use your coupon, even if it’s expiring soon. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Waiting gives you more time to consider whether you really need to buy a certain product.
- You might be able to find something better than what you originally planned on buying. If the item goes on sale while you’re waiting for the coupon to expire, it might be worth the wait after all.
- It can help build excitement around the upcoming event.
Waiting for major sales is undoubtedly a good way to avoid impulse purchases and buyer’s remorse, especially for expensive, high-ticket items.
- Buy In Bulk
Using coupons to buy products in bulk can save you more money. A report from The Wall Street Journal Sales from bulk retailers had an 18% increase in volume. Consumer behavior showed a long-term trend towards buying staples in larger quantities not only because bulk purchases are cheaper, but also because they’re better for the environment.
However, it can be tricky to know what to stock up on. Here are some tips on how to purchase bulk items:
- Buy Items That You Use Regularly: You’ll be spending less money if you purchase products you regularly use instead of buying them now and then.
- Purchase Items That Have A Longer Shelf Life: You should also consider buying items that can be stored for longer periods. With a few exceptions, most grocery store items will have a shelf life of about six months.
Just remember that buying in bulk can only save you money if you’re purchasing products that you know you’ll eventually use up. So, stock up on the essentials and make sure you have suitable and ample storage space for your items.
- Read The Fine Print
Before using your coupon, make sure to read the fine print. Some discount coupons are only valid for specific purchases, while others may require a minimum purchase. Some sites will only accept discount coupons for a limited time, and others have limits on how many times you can use the deal coupon.
- Keep An Eye On Expiration Dates
When buying items using discount coupons, make sure to check the expiration date, especially for food items. Some people like to hoard when doing grocery shopping, but you don’t want to buy something that’s already near to expiring or no longer suitable for consumption. Here are some products that have a long shelf life:
- Grains: Grains such as flax and quinoa can last up to 8 years if properly stored in a sealed container.
- Rice: As long as the rice is sealed in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, it can last up to 30 years
- Salt: It doesn’t have an expiry date because it can last forever. Just make sure to keep your salt in a cool, dark, and dry place.
You can also use certain methods such as freezing, drying, tightly sealing, or keeping your items in their original packaging to extend their shelf life.
Final Thoughts
Remember that these tips and tricks are just a starting point. There are plenty of ways to use coupons effectively so you can save time and money on your favorite items. There’s no such thing as a perfect system but with practice and persistence, you’ll be able to find the best strategy for your needs to make saving money with coupons a part of your everyday life.
