It wasn’t that long ago that I had absolutely no interest in couponing. Even though I knew some people managed to save huge amounts of money using coupons, the process seemed like one that was far too time consuming and complicated for me.
But then I redeemed my first few free product coupons and realized just how quickly the savings added up. Little by little, I found other quick and easy ways to save money when shopping.
From online coupon codes to money-saving apps, I was amazed by how much I could save with just a few minutes of effort!
RetailMeNot.ca has always been one of my favourite ways to save money, since its database of coupon codes is so extensive and the website is so quick to use.
I especially love the clothing coupon codes since they often stack on top of current sales to save me even more. Gap and Old Navy are a few of my personal favourites for that; I’ve sometimes paid just 25% of the retail price for their clothing!
Want to start saving too? Sandra Hanna of Smart Cookies is here to dispel five common myths about couponing and share her tips for couponing for beginners.
Myth 1: Couponing takes too much time
Couponing is not what it used to be. You don’t need piles of flyers, a colour-coded binder and five hours on a Sunday to save big money.
Today, all you need is your smart phone and 15 seconds, and you can save instantly almost every time you make a purchase both online and in-store.
In the time it takes to check in on your Instagram feed, you can save yourself some extra cash!
Myth 2: You can’t get a coupon on a premium item
Coupons and promo codes can be used for much more than toilet paper and toothpaste. Consumers are becoming savvy to promo codes and high-end retailers are listening, with brands like Club Monaco and Sephora offering discounts in this fashion.
Using RetailMeNot.ca, we recently found a promo code for $10 off the entire order and free shipping for high-quality organic and natural items at Well.ca, which carries brands like Honest Company and Method.
And if you’re looking for a unique homemade gift, don’t forget to search for a promo code before you buy from Etsy.
Myth 3: Doubling up on savings is against Canadian laws and regulations
Many people often think the sale price is the best price. False – certain retailers will allow you to stack your savings in Canada by adding promo codes or coupons on top of sale prices.
Banana Republic is a great example – with frequent sales like 40 per cent off, you can save even more by stacking your savings with a promo code, giving you an extra 40 per cent off sale styles. Talk about a win, win!
We recently found a promo code on RetailMeNot.ca for an extra 25 per cent off of sale items at Kate Spade as well.
Myth 4: Couponing isn’t worth the time invested
If you knew that a 15 second search for a coupon code each time you were able to make a purchase could add up to more than $1,500 at the end of the year, would you do it? Of course you would!
In fact, RetailMeNot users report an average savings of $20 per transaction, which easily adds to big savings if you shop twice a week or more. And who doesn’t?
Look for deals on everything from free shipping to deep discounts. The more purchases you make, the more you save!
Myth 5: Online shopping costs more in Canada than the in the U.S.
We’ve all been there – an item on a U.S. retail site seems costs less than on a Canadian site. Blame Canada? Not so fast!
Once you factor in the exchange rate, duty, taxes and shipping, those supposed “savings” disappear quickly – meaning there has never been a better time to shop on Canadian-based sites.
There are a ton of great Canadian retailers that ship from our home and native land, including Joe Fresh and Sears. Keep your eyes peeled for free shipping and sales, and you’ll be singing “Oh Canada” in no time!
I have to admit that since I learned how much money I can save when I shop, I love shopping even more. Every dollar I save means an extra dollar either for my bank account or for that one splurge item that I’ve been lusting after. Right now, that’s a Tory Burch purse and I can’t wait until there’s enough money in my savings account to buy it!
Whether you love shopping or would rather be spending your time some other way, it just makes sense either way to save as much as you can. And with new apps, rebates and coupon sites like RetailMeNot.ca, couponing for beginners has never been easier!
I am participating in the #SimpleSavings campaign with RetailMeNot.ca and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Matching the prices.
I try to combine coupons with sales.
i price match
i love using coupons and checking for sales
I check my stash of coupons and check for new ones on line before each shopping trip
I always shop around to find the best price and use coupons when i can! Thanks!
I look for sales before going and check price matching and coupons if i have them
I have a cash budget for purchases that aren’t necessities. It helps me save for things I really want.
Recently I’ve learned how helpful it is to use coupon apps! Why pay full price for something when you can get it reduced?!
It seems silly but I always compare prices across sizes. Sometimes the biggest size isn’t the cheapest!