Giving Is Its Best Reward
Shopping becomes even more fun when we get what we want at the best deal possible. It’s something like discovering the sexiest man you’ve ever seen, staring at you from across a crowded bar, and then finding out after the fact he is also brilliant, sweet, and generous. Not to mention available and interested.
Seem like a fantasy? Well, the shopping part ain’t.
As we digest those final few swallows of pumpkin pie and rosemary stuffing, we realize the holiday shopping season has arrived. And while compiling your list and checking it twice, you can also be earning AAdvantage miles each time you shop online for gifts by using the AAdvantage eShoppingSM mall from American Airlines (www.aadvantageeshopping.com).
Even better, the American Airlines AAdvantage® program and MasterCard® have teamed up to offer online shoppers double AAdvantage® miles this holiday season for purchases made at any of the 25 participating retailers such as CiricuitCity.com, Staples.com, and macys.com on the AAdvantage eShopping SM mall site through Dec. 31, 2007. You can also join the AAdvantage program for free at www.aa.com/enroll.
The AAdvantage eShopping SM mall is so excited to spread the word about this opportunity that they are awarding brand-new 8 GB iPod nanos (those sexy new models that are near impossible to find in stores!) to five readers. That’s right: iPods!
To win, please comment below with your best bargain shopping secrets. How do you find your best deals on the items you most-want? Best answers by Thursday, November 29th win!
Fun fact! Aly Walansky wrote this story just for you on November 27th, 2007 |
November 27th, 2007 at 11:17 am
I actually tend to wait until the end of the season/inventory changeover sales happen at large department stores. Nothing feels better than walking into Macy’s and paying $5 for a cable knit sweater that would ordinarily cost me $80 or more. I’ve completed my work wardrobe this way as well. Designer suits for a fraction of the cost and they aren’t the one-offs or slightly irregulars that you find at outlet stores.
Of course this really only works well if you like classic clothing styles that won’t be out of fashion come the following year. Still, for a bargain shooper, it’s the way to go for filling your wardrobe.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Kaboodle! If you go to kaboodle.com, you can start kaboodle lists and download a little clickie button where you can automatically add stuff to your lists. It is a breeze, and I don’t overspend because I don’t get the “I remember I wanted to get something for so-and-so but where was it again??” and then end up getting something last minute instead. It is very handy, too, to be able to have all of the links for regularly ordered items in one place (and to have kid holiday wishlists available for grandparent perusal together with a link RIGHT TO THE ITEM in question!).
Also, you can cross-compare with public lists from others, and it then becomes a social NETWORK of shoppers whose wisdom you can tap. Maybe you don’t know when etailer xyz is having a sale, but your buddy Mrs. J does — and you subscribe to her list, so it “pings” you when she adds something. Voila, instant notification!
I confess, I am a total caboodle fangirl.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:26 am
I enjoy shopping and getting out an seeing all of the people. I have a heard of friends that all meet at so and so’s house at 11 pm thanksgiving night. We pack up a few sammiches, a thermos or two full of coffee, left over pumpkin pie and card games. We grab a few folding chairs and go stand in line at the Best Buy since electronics are on everyones list. We then seperate the items that we need into groups and formulate a plan of who is going where when the store actually opens. Once the plan is good to go we amuse ourselves talking about our kids nad husbands. Each one of us goes to a seperate area of the store and get all of the items that we need. We then meet at the checkout counter to divvy up the goods and pay. We then go across the street and start shopping at the mall. Most of us are home in bed for a nap around 1pm that day!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:30 am
I like signing up for feedback sites to the places that I shop the most in. Sometimes frequent shopper clubs give a little more in incentives to shop, and when you shop in one particular store often enough, you get to know the people who “serve” you better. I can’t tell you how many extra discounts I’ve gotten from really great sales people. Customer service has never gone out of style, and those are the places that I am always going to shop in! Thank you! - all of you NICE sales people!!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:33 am
I visit sites like this to win free stuff that I can regift. I also go to the dollar store for all of my wrapping paper and such so it saves me money for real gifts that I have to *Gasp* actually buy!!! The dollar stores have great decorations too, I usually buy my garland and berry’s for on top of the mantle and toliet tanks here. It saves so much money in the long run.
As for the *gasp* real gifts that I buy, I tend to shop on the fly so I pick up things throughout the year. I also tend to buy things after the season, but for the life of me I forget about them, and buy something else.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:34 am
My biggest bargain secret - I do all my Holiday shopping on Black Friday. That’s right, I am one of those crazy people at 4:00 AM armed with my coupons, lists and wallet and am ready to go crazy shopping. This year I was able to buy a $70 electric razor for $27.99 and a Wii game that normally retails for $60 I got for $14.99. By 12:00 PM I am home and done with shopping and I begin to wrap. I have been doing this for about 4 years now and it has continued to be a success. I also tend to buy clothes for myself that day which has been amazing - this year I bought $89 dress pants (lined and all) for $30. I love it I actually get a rush from it all. I’ve also noticed if you’re one of the first 100 customers in some stores - you get a free gift, like a bonus for getting up and going so early. This year Target was handing out “Black Friday Survival Kits” which included a breakfast bar, coffee, cookies and a really cute limited edition “black friday bulleseye dog with a shopping bag” and it all came in a “green friendly” bag that folds up and zips into a small cosmetic bag which is great for travel. I reccommend to all if you haven’t expereinced Black Friday Shopping yet - definitly do so next year. It is bargain shopping at its best!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:34 am
I have a credit card that works for both Bath and BodyWorks and Express, I do 50 percent of my shopping there and get mad discounts and free stuff. I also have gift cards to best buy and Barnes and Noble, that were given to me as gifts, and I hang onto them till the holidays and use them to shop for other people. I also use Ebay where I once got an IMac for $50! And finally Yahoo shopping where you can search an item and get its listed price on every store and online store imaginable!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:37 am
My trick is to get my shopping started weeks before the thanksgiving weekend. mainly, because the sales they give on thanksgiving weekend are a bit blown out of proportion, and i personally hate being in a mad dash to buy presents. a good example of sales being blown out of proportion is this: i was at target in mid october and saw a TV i liked a lot, it was priced at 399 dollars (flat screen). 2 weeks later, the tv shot up to 450 dollars. then, the day after christmas, it was lowered back to 399….and people thought they were having great deals… it’s really irritating, actually. another good idea is to go to outlet malls. there is a burberry outlet in maine where i got a lot of gifts recently. im talking sunglasses and polo shirts, all for under 70 dollars. for Burberry, you cant beat that… all i’m saying is try to avoid the malls on weekends between thanksgiving and christmas. a good night is tuesday night, i used to work in retail and monday and tuesday nights were always very slow… these nights are great to avoid crowds and get what’s on everyones list
November 27th, 2007 at 11:40 am
Most years, (not this one unfortunately, but MOST!) I start making my list of possible gifts early and start comparing prices. If I find a great deal early I grab it!
Also, buydig.com has had some great deals. I found a GPS unit for my mom that was advertised elsewhere for $399 and got it for only $250. I was psyched!
Sites like Mysimon.com that do the comparing for you are also really helpful for finding great deals. Doing some research for codes for free shipping or discounts also help a lot. Spending a little time doing some searches can save some serious dollars in shipping costs which in turn saves a trip to the mall and the aggravation of dealing with the crowds :o)
November 27th, 2007 at 11:41 am
I generally don’t bargain shop, I can’t afford to… I buy it when I can, where I can before they disappear!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Oh no
I have to say I am probably the worst shopper ever. I need to be taught desperately…Someone please help!
November 27th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
This is insane, of course, but usually, the Black Friday sales are excellent. Yeah, I was at a mall last week. Though I didn’t buy anything this time around because I’m waiting to see what my holiday bonus looks like.
I did discover, though, that shopping with no agenda is a pretty easy way to leave satisfied. Rather than fighting the crowds, looking for that pair of jeans that’s just the right size, or realizing that the entire bargain bin of CDs is in no order whatsoever, I went to the mall on Friday with the only goal being to get Taco Bell. It was the most successful visit I’ve ever had.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
The best shopping deals I find are making gifts, shopping on ebay, Walmart or at Thrift Stores. Thrift Stores are the greatest.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I do a lot of comparison online first. I often go to Bizrate.com to check and compare prices, and read product reviews, also, esp. if it a higher-priced item. I also do a lot of shopping at Sierra Trading Post online, because they have great name-brand items at deep discounts. That way I get quality and great savings all at once. I am very petite, so I often shop in the girl’s dept. in stores, or even the boy’s dept. for things such as winter hats, sneakers, work boots etc. They tend to fit even better than a lot of women’s shoes do, and they’re a lot cheaper. I also go to DSW for shoes often, since I would rather have shoes that will last me longer, as name-brand shoes often do, but don’t want to pay full price. I tend to be a very good bargain hunter, and shopping online makes the process so much easier since you can compare products and prices without running from store to store. I even tend to brag about my bargains to people, also! It feels so good to get great deals on things, that it can make shopping addictive. And at low prices, a lot less painful, too.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
The best way to find discounts is by deal hunting at websites that list sales and/or coupons especially those with a message board of active users. On this sites, not only can you find constantly updated discounts but you can also read reviews of the specific discounts as well as the products from hundreds if not thousands of buyers. There are a number of sites like this online and they can be found via a simple search engine query.
Another way is of course eBay however you need to be smart about the way you go about this. Many people make the mistake of bidding early and often, you’re only costing yourself more money. The best solution is to find the item(s) you want and watch them. Don’t bid on them until the last day, last hour and preferably if you are fast enough last minute. You’d be surprised how much money you can save by just waiting to bid until the last minute of the auction. This practice is legal on eBay if anyone is wondering, it’s referred to as sniping.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
As simple as it sounds, Ebay and Amazon get stupidly cheap this time of year.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Simple… North Georgia Premium Outlets at midnight after Thanksgiving. 120 stores, all the first to open in the region. Two years in a row I got all my shopping done (especially for myself) in one night, averaging 75% off. Not terribly crowded. but first crack at the season’s merchandise.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
I look through the adds in the Sunday paper and go thrift store shopping. I do some ebay shopping but the shipping can be way over priced and sometimes items cost more on ebay then in a store.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
my big secret is that i stay the hell out of brick and mortar retail stores. instead, i find it much more rewarding giving gifts that i find in flea markets or antique stores. armed with an internet capable phone for on the spot research, i can find interesting stuff, make sure it’s a good deal, and buy away. last year i picked up a victorian sterling olive grabber for $20 (worth more than that as scrap) and gave it to my boss. i still get a call almost every time she uses it.
if i really need something that can only be gotten at a retail outlet, i do it online, or i order online from a place with in store pickup. as an eleven year ebay veteran, i will say that buying retail goods on ebay should be done with caution. always check the seller’s feedback before purchasing, and also check other online retail outlets for similar deals. sometimes it’s worth an extra $5 for the security of a reputable seller.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Take advantage of corporate discounts - most people don’t know exactly what their company do and do not provide - speak with your HR - most usually have great deals on hotels, car rental and flights. Smaller companies tend to have barter relationships you can leverage too.
November 27th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
My family and friends always tease me for being such an amazing bargain hunter. I can buy anything on a tight budget. For one, I am a complete coupon addict. I refuse to go out to eat without first googling the restaurant name + “coupons” and looking through different blogs and sites for coupons. It’s really amazing how many hidden treasures I have found by doing this. Also, by signing up for their e-mail list at restaurants and many stores, they tend to send you great coupons, especially in the beginning or on your birthday.
Next, I always refuse to buy something at it’s retail cost, because no matter what, it’s possible to find it cheaper somewhere else. If there is something that is expensive that I want, I will search all over the internet (eBay, half.com, amazon.com, etc) for the cheapest I can find it. If I am buying in a hurry, I will either buy with coupons or purchase via the internet and wrap up a picture of their soon-to-come present.
Another trick that is not a very typical situation, but if you happen to be out of the country, the deals that can be found are outstanding. When I went on a cruise to the Caribbean, I found the most amazing deals on jewlery, accessories, handbags, etc.
Black Friday is an adventure I typically do not put myself through, but sometimes, a great deal is worth it. This past Black Friday, I got a Kodak 8.2 megapixel digital camera for $85. It was worth waiting out in the cold for.
Finally, my main trick for bargain shopping is to not be attached to a name brand or a label. Some things, such as many electronics, it is important to get a well known brand. However, if it can be avoided, you can usually save yourself a ton of money.
Hopefully these secrets help a little.
November 27th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I love factory sales! I live in the same town as J.Crew’s headquarters. Once a month they have a huge factory sale. The discounts are outrageous! By saving so much I can afford to not only buy great Christmas gifts for my friends and family, but have some money left over to indulge myself.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I’m actually an international criminal and so I get me bargains by doing robberies! I’ve been a robber for 4 foot one.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I work for Gap Corporate headquarters and every year I get tons of friends and family cards that give 20-30% all goods in the stores I work for. I’ve found that sending those out to people really does pay itself back in good karma because I get others friends and family discounts back. I’ve been able to get great bargins and discounts from all sorts of retailers because once you give your discount away people are always willing to share theirs. In bargin shopping and in life its sometimes more about who you know than what you know so really tapping into the resources of others you have sharred with can be a great and creative way to get discounts on products you couldn’t normally get (as long as you give something to them in return). So I really encourage people to use the resources and contacts they have to help others and I promise the assistance you give will repay itself.I know it sounds a little cheezy I’ve found that since the hoildays are the time of giving and sharing that when you find yourself giving what you can to others you will reap the rewards back.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
i go to retailmenot.com to look for discount codes for online shopping, or just google “name of store” discount codes and lots of online and printable coupons usually come up. another great website is upromise.com. tons of top retailers are on there and its very well organized. you can save on shipping, get discounts off total, and in addition to that, you save in an account that you can use for college savings, but you can also take out the money whenever you choose for whatever you want!
November 27th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I watch store ads and also ask people if I see them with something that’s really cool. I also check prices when I’m in stores to see if store X is having a one-day sale or something like that.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
A few years ago I ventured out for “Black Friday” shopping for the first time in my life. Most friends and family called me crazy and expected a tale of dread, but I actually had a lot of fun in the process and got some good deals. Although that particular day has come and gone this year, here are some steps I took to make it a successful endeavor:
1. Check online in advance for sale leaks and other price comparisons, to get a feel for what actually constitutes a good deal. For tech, I’ve been a reader of dealmac.com for years.
2. I like to shop online first, but inevitably there’s something that must be obtained in the brick-and-mortar world. Be clear about what you’re hunting for before you enter the store. Everybody loves a bargain, so it’s easy to get distracted by blowout displays and frantic shoppers zooming past you at every turn. Relax and be entertained by the hectic ballet, and don’t get sucked in to the stress that other shoppers around you may be displaying.
3. Some people advocate shopping alone, but I like to bring a friend along. That way, if you encounter some REALLY crazy shoppers, you and your friend can laugh about them later.
I realize this is more about the shopping experience than finding the absolute lowest price on a gift, but to me it’s worth sharing. Instead of remember my holiday shopping trips with dread, I think back on them as entertaining events. Do a little online homework and you’ll get enough good deals to feel like a smart shopper, and you’ll be spending your day on things that will make your loved ones happy. What’s not to like?
November 27th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I’m physically disabled, so shlepping from store to store isn’t an option for me - neither are doorbuster sales (I don’t have the physical stamina). But the internet… ah, the internet! My birthday was last week, but I didn’t even go *looking* for ways to spend a gift card I’d gotten till Black Friday. Tanga.com has great deals year round. Plasticjungle.com has a handy gift card buy/sell/trading interface which even lets you get gift cards at a discount… (guess which site *I’ll* be heading to after Christmas?)
If I have a specific item I’m after, I check as many sites as I possibly can - not just Amazon! Some of the best deals are on small independent sites that specialize. Google, google, google, and watch your shipping costs.
Craigslist, Ebay, freecycle, Amazon marketplace, and overstock.com are all good options, but I can’t stress simple *Googling* enough.
I’ve gotten “online only” deals out of brick and mortar stores before (the big guys - Best Buy, Target etc). *Don’t* go at a peak time if you’re going to try this one… scope things out, make sure they physically have the item in stock, and then grab an available sales rep and start talking. Be friendly, and don’t talk about how much you want the item - show them what you want, ask for suggestions… get in a *conversation*, in other words. (Sympathize with them, genuinely, about how much it sucks to work retail! Those people have INCREDIBLY difficult jobs, especially this time of year.) Then mention that you saw X price online, so you’re still considering… assuming your item is not in high demand, about half the time they’ll say, “Well, I can give it to you for that price,” and then you’ve just saved yourself the shipping. If they don’t or can’t, then no problem - you haven’t been a raving, demanding crazy person. Thank them for their time.
I also buy christmas decorations (and sometimes next year’s Christmas gifts) in January. Never underestimate the power of shopping offseason when stores have all kinds of stuff they’re desperate to get rid of!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Well for starters…the best deals for the items I want…I usually start my day….EVERY DAY, by reading A little Aly-tude. I can honestly say, entering the contest is fun and if you win, thats a savings. I also find the best bargains for holiday shopping at the beginning of the month when sales are created to get things moving. Sample sales work great. And gift cards are ideal, because if they are used right after the holiday, the recipient gets great sales and the card goes further.
But for real…the number thing is check out Aly’s blog daily. There is always some kind of info or new gadget…or video of a BLONDE BOMBSHELL going over whats new…..
November 27th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
My plan of attack is to enter as many of these contests as possible in hopes that one day someone will take pity on me and make me a winner!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
I’m a gamer-girl, but games can get so expensive. So once a week I always check out http://www.cheapassgamer.com/ since they post the best deals on the net.
For gifts for family, I’ll try and remember to drop by Amazon.com and see what their Gold Box special of the day is.
I also subscribe to Play-Asia.com’s newsletter to find the cheapest deals on import games for special surprise gifts for my friends.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I like to use Amazon.com as a way to bargain shop because on almost everything you can think of there is the option of buying it used. I also like to use craigslist.com and freecycle.com because you can post “want it” lists.
But, mostly, I go to thrift stores for knickknacks and clothes, used book stores for books, and trade and play used games stores for electronic games. I prefer to buy things used because it is better for the environment and better for my wallet.
Buying used items also allows me to get more for my money on my holiday budget. Instead of spending thirty-five dollars on a new Nintendo DS game, I can get two used games and a new case for the same price at Game Stop. If the games turn out to be defective, they can always be brought back.
This year it is especially important for me to use my holiday shopping money wisely because I lost my job. I still want to give my family and friends gifts, but I really need to stretch each dollar. Taking my time and really knowing what each recipient likes allows me to buy used gifts that they will use and appreciate. That is a true bargain.
November 27th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
I use a combo of Amazon, Froogle, and RetailMeNot.com. I also try to hit the big holiday sales days when there’s something I want.
Also buying slightly used is a winning option when it comes to CDs and movies (locally, I hit Newbury Comics, where there can be up to a $10 difference between used and new). For computers and tech stuff, refurbished/remanufactured sections are always a good bet.
And, of course, there’s always eBay!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
I need no mailing lists that tell me when this or that store is having their “BIG” sale of the season. I don’t need to scour the internet for bargain websites either. I don’t even need to watch television commercials that tell me if I don’t shop THIS WEEKEND, I might miss out on the best prices. Oh no. I have something better than all of those things. I have a jewish mother. She is my deadly weapon guaranteed to make sure I get the best deals all the time. She even knows which sales are “fake” and tells me to wait a bit longer because prices are going to go even lower. She helped me find a $300 suede jacket for only $30 at Bloomingdales. Yes folks, it’s true. But for those of you who are not blessed with my deadly weapon, I recommend freecycle.org. It’s sort of like a trading website. You donate something and then you can look for things that people are getting rid of and it’s FREE! My friend donated her couch. They have some good stuff on there! Happy shopping everyone!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I make a list of big ticket things I really need to buy, then research on the web and retail stores to see what the prices are. If I find it at a store for a slightly higher cost, but better customer service, etc. I ask about any price matching policies. Make sure to do so while the store is slow and the customer service person isn’t hammered - a better mood on the salesman’s part often has huge rewards for the customer.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
It really is timing that’s most important when shopping for bargains. Of course sales are seasonal and I’m okay with waiting when it comes to buying for myself. But if I have to shop for gifts well then I’ll check online on the various shops selling that product and compare prices. Especially when it comes to electronics. I’ll check Best Buy’s site and Circuit City’s for example but I’ll also look at Amazon and online shopping. Though I’m all about having it in my hand so I’ll go check it out in the store before buying it online.
The stores are rough this time of year and I don’t like shopping. Yes I said it. I hate stores and trying stuff on, the whole thing. But when it comes to clothes I have to do it in person whether it is for me or for someone else. So in that case I’ll have to buck up and go. Circulars do help with some sales. But it gets confusing since it’s usually sale after sale. I like coupons and do use them when I remember to bring them.
As for when to shop, I like to go right before the store closes. People are on their way home or starting dinner and I find it’s a bit easier. I didn’t do the black friday thing. I’d rather pay extra than deal with that. What I saw of it on the news made me cringe but some people really love it. And if you have tons of people to buy for then the bargains are worth it. So I’ll just head for where I see the red sale sign and hope for the best. But if It’s something I really want then I’ll pay full price. Sad but true.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
On the interweb, I am all about comparison shopping. I always check out http://www.pricegrabber.com, a comparison site that compiles prices from various web retailers. Pricegrabber is great for most items, but other sites are even better for specific things. http://www.campusi.com, for example, is fantastic for books. And http://www.dealmac.com is awesome for all things electronic. If none of those sites have a price that satisfies me, then there’s always ebay. You can find great deals on ebay sometimes, but it’s a last resort for me. (I find the auction structure inconvenient and the shipping rates are often ridiculous.) Finally, I never complete an order online without first checking http://www.retailmenot.com to find retailer coupons.
In “real life,” it’s all about thift stores, garage sales and dumpster diving. I live in a university town. You’d be amazed at what privileged college kids will throw out on the curb. Their parents might have paid $300 for that loveseat, but at the end of the semester, it’s free for me! Not only is this the cheapest way to shop, but it’s also socially responsible. Instead of encouraging the production of more “stuff” buy purchasing new things, I extend the life of perfectly useful and aesthetic products that otherwise would have contributed to a landfill.
November 27th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
You Yelped, I replied…
I’d like to lie and say that I had a bulletproof strategy for holiday shopping. I don’t. But the following are some tips that I believe in:
Never look at the fashion magazines or catalogues during the year (especially during the holiday season). If you don’t see it, you won’t want it.
Do holiday shopping all year round. Sometimes I start during August. I see an item and think: that would be great for little Johnny, and I buy it.
Disregard seasonal shopping. There’s no such thing in fashion and retail as seasonal shopping anymore, what with jet setters and the amount of disposable income that visa affords people that normally wouldn’t have the means to buy that bikini for the February trip to St. Lucia. Buy things on sale, regardless of the season. The big box stores aren’t up on the latest fashions. The Gap is the Gap ‘04 or ‘07.
Leave that sorry excuse of an apartment (large 250 square foot studio), after doing online research, with a list of stores and items…Like going to the grocery store; you will stick to your budget.
Consult the intertubes and be aware of the retail landscape. Is Apple coming out with a new phone that makes you coffee and breakfast in the morning or should I drink the Kool Aid and spend a paycheck on the must have gadget? Know the prices and reviews of each item that you are shopping for and comparable items.
My final nugget: shop on the intertubes utilizing important sites, e.g. fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net, dealcatcher.com, dealsea.com, woot.com etc.
*In addition if you are online shopping a simple google search for a store’s coupon codes will ensure that you never pay full price, even if you just get a free shipping code. Ex: purchase a bus ticket from NYC to boston. Type in Greyhound Bus + Coupon Codes in Google (or blackle for us environmental folk) and see what comes up.
Happy hunting.
Ohhh and limit spending for on yourself during the Holidays. I do this way too often, but the other tips are tried and true in my experience.
Great blog by the way. I’m jealous of those of you that get paid to blog, great job!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:48 pm
1.) Start early. Like — in the summer. Lots of what is marketed as “gifts” during this time of year are really cliche, and I prefer to give more personal gifts.
2.) Make gifts. If you don’t have any skills, buy handmade at etsy.com! You’re guaranteed to find some fabulous, truly unique, and inexpensive gifts there.
3.) Shop online. The deals are often better online versus in-store. Google to find coupons to use online, such as codes for free shipping.
4.) When shopping at Amazon.com, always spend $25 or above — free shipping! Amazon is so useful because of the WishList feature, and the helpful customer reviews! I also use their “Gift Ideas” feature year ’round, so that when a birthday or the holidays creep up, I can easily see what gifts I’ve thought of for the special people in my life.
5.) Ebates.com!! My new best friend. Earn CASH BACK on your online purchases! You can still use your coupons and sales, but you’ll get a percentage back later!
6.) BE ORGANIZED. Make a list of who you need to buy for, and what gift ideas you have. Check off the gifts you’ve already gotten. Keep track of what stores you need to go to, or when those stores are having sales.
7.) Black Friday can be super useful for pricier gifts. I got someone a baseball jersey last year at Modell’s at about 6 AM. I got a deep discount for being an “earlybird.”
8.) Some of the best gifts are cheap but thoughtful. Get a cute basket and fill it with someone’s favorite foods or treats. I’m a big fan of the self-made, themed “basket.”
Good luck shopping!!!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
I’ve found that frequenting websites that post discount codes and free shipping offers can save me a ton of money. I’ve gotten as much as 50% off of items by simply Googling “coupon codes”. I also tend to shop in volume to take advantage of free shipping and price discounts. Shop online! Getting caught in the Black Friday melee can be frustrating and unproductive. I’d rather save from the comfort of my own home!!
November 27th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Well, my mom has an ingenius method. It’s simple, but it helps keep more money in the pockets (or the illusion of keeping more money in the pockets). Instead of going crazy the day after Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas, buy something in April. She’ll see something that someone will like in a store, and just buy it, even if it’s six months before Christmas. If the shopping is scattered throughout the year, you won’t have to spend all that money at once! It feels like saving money.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
My biggest shopping secret? Being armed with information. It’s impossible to shop this time of year without actually knowing what you want– and who you’re purchasing for. For my nieces and nephews, well, they’re at the video game age. I could easily walk into Best Buy or another big-box store and buy them without doing a little hunting, but I know that the internet is my biggest ally during the shopping season. A quick check of eBay, Half.com, or Amazon.com will reveal that whatever I can purchase in store I can usually get for less, AND with free shipping.
My advice? Do your best to really think about who you are buying for, and the products or purchases you have in mind. Be unconventional; if you are shopping for your mother, and she’s really into vintage kitchen decor– hit your local thrift store, or even eBay. Your brother-in-law? Check out Amazon.com for gadgets priced under $40.
The biggest way to save during the holiday season and really bargain shop is to resist your impulses, and spend a little time doing some legwork; the dollars add up, and nine times out of ten, you end up with a better gift and experience than you would have otherwise!
November 27th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I’m 100% on-line this year.
No more rushing thru crowed stores and wasting my $3.65/gal gas driving everywhere. The free shipping deals and on line coupons make it all worth it. I’m using my AA M/C to rack up enough points to go to Europe this spring.
November 27th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Online shopping with FREE SHIPPING! There are so many great deals to be had online because every retailer has to offer free shipping at a low purchase threshold in order to be competitive!
And subscribe to the mailing list for the retailers you like and they’ll send you marketing emails with special deals!
November 27th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
How do you find your best deals on the items you most-want?
1. The first thing to do is start a list of WHAT people want. Yes, I know a lot of people want to “surprise” friends and family, but in October or November, ask your friends and family “What do you want for Christmas?” Of course, one would probably get the response “I don’t know!” Other times, they will actually tell you what they want. However, this does not work all the time, so one will have to “find” the right gift.
2. So if a friend replies with “I want chocolate for Christmas!” what should one do? First, one should definitely do some Googling about chocolate, the different brands, types, locations, etc. To find the best deals, one should bookmark deal sites! Just type in “deals” in Google and bookmark/browse around! It’s amazing what one can find on deal sites!
3. Coupons, coupons, coupons!!! If one is buying something online, Google around to see if there are any 10% or 20% off coupons for that particular online store. I’ve always made the mistake of checking out and forgetting to input a coupon. Of course, some online stores do not have coupons, but there are many out there that do!
4. Shop for wrapping paper, cards and gift bags at the dollar store. I just went to the dollar store the other day and picked up a nice card that’s a “gift card holder” and a couple of fantastic gift bags. The dollar store is cheap and hey, no one will ever know except for you.
5. Start looking at flyers around October and November. When you start getting a huge stack of flyers on Friday, that means Christmas is definitely approaching! Compare store prices on certain chocolates and look for some great deals. You still have the online deal sites to help you out, but browsing at flyers is great because they have those sections saying stuff like “Gifts under $10″ or “Gifts under $20.”
6. Buy gifts whenever there’s a good deal or save up for special occasions! It’s kind of like Halloween candy…if it’s cheap the day after, buy some for next year.
If a certain online store has a 50% off everything sale in March, buy something and save it for Christmas. (However, make sure that you’re not just buying just because a sale is going on!)
Happy holidays everyone!
November 27th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
For items I most-want, I google search the places with the best prices. I go to college in a cornfield and have no car, so it’s worth the shipping if I can find a good deal on something I want.
For everything else?
It’s all about buying them AFTER Christmas, for the next year. Soap, candles, etc. don’t go bad in a year, and if you’ve got a closet, you can stuff the stuff there until Christmas rolls around the next year.
The bonus? The stuff you buy will often times become “vintage cool” in that time, i.e. “Hey I was looking for this particular scent but they stopped making it!”
November 27th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I do all my bargain-shopping online. Amazon has always worked out the best for me, especially this year. Besides comparing prices with the “Used & New” option, I took advantage of the month-long free trial of Amazon Prime and got free 2-day shipping.
One place I always check before buying anything online is http://www.retailmenot.com/. It has coupon codes for many popular online stores, and discussions about the codes as well. Check it out!
November 27th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
The way I find the best deals on the things I want the most is by going into forums with those who already have what I want. Furthermore, reading reviews has helped me out tremendously.
The only things that are MUST HAVES for me are electronics. Because of this, it is quite easy to find a lot of deals. For example: Black Friday & Blue Monday. In addition, the amount of websites available on electronic websites are infamously known to help electronic gurus like myself out more than EVER!
Overall, I find my deals by those who already own. Often times I even get deals from the owners themselves when they decide to sell!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
I used to work in retail and realized that the large department stores all have sales in 3-4 week cycles. So I plan for them. Also check the papers the weeks of the sale. If you favorite store has a website, sign up, they’ll email advance notices and coupons. My last trick is google. If you are looking for online google “store name+coupon”, brick and mortar, google “instore store name+coupon”.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:20 am
For electronics, the best deal is to comparison shop online for the exact model you are looking for. Usually, the best price will be on some questionable site that you’ve never heard of. After noting it, you call up a reputable electronics dealer such as J&R Music World in NYC and ask them to price match. They usually will. I bought an LCD TV that way and saved about $300 from the price advertised on J&R. Plus, if you order online from J&R and happen to live outside of NY, you don’t have to pay sales tax. You have to pay tax if you buy online from large box stores (like Best Buy) with bricks and mortar locations in your state. Of course, you are supposed to declare that tax on your tax returns, but who’s looking….
As for clothing, you have to pay attention to the sales histories of the stores you like to shop at. I used to work at Macy’s and not all One Day Sales are created equal- there are two per year that include INSANE (60%+) markdowns and all the others are just the regular 25-40% off (the best ones are at the end of spring near Father’s Day and just after the holidays). Same with Bloomingdales- I’m on their preferred mailing list and get notified of sales that have 40% markdowns on top of already reduced prices.
Actually, getting on preferred mailing lists is also really good. You have to put up with a lot of spam, but they usually send out discount codes that also apply to sale prices. For polo.com and colehaan.com, they will send out additional 30% discount codes to preferred shoppers that are valid for the first few days of their end of season sales.
November 28th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I write this entry on behalf of lessons learned from my recently (but dearly) departed grandfather. This is a man who not only loved technology (he developed the first fiber optic to be successfully spooled) but, also loved a good bargain. He was a man who could walk into any store and haggle the price of any item. As he would say, “the price tags are merely suggestions” and are not, in any way, indicative of the actual value of the product. As a result, I have learned that all things in life are negotiable…except, of course, death and nature. So, if you know a store is having a sale, but the sale is in a few days, why not ask the associate if they can honor the sale price early. What’s the worst they’ll say? No? However, most places, especially those with good customer service, will say “yes.” Plus, if you go a day or two before a sale, you beat the rush and sales staff are usually more attentive due to the anticipated lull. Also, it is a good idea to have other points of negotiation (besides price) in mind. Planning and brainstorming are key and work especially well for bigger ticket items. Sit down and brainstorm. Think about negotiating the extras or shipping costs. Life is all about options. Just do your homework ahead of time (price comparisons, consumer reviews, and the like). Who knew all those years of schoolwork and parental nagging would lead to valuable real life skills?!
PS: cnet.com is a good resource for professional and consumer reviews of all things tech related, plus, they give price comparisons for etailers, tips and tricks of the trade.
PPS: ebates.com, as I learned from you, is another excellent source for money saving (or in this case, money earning) potential.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:00 am
I’m a college student, so I don’t have much money to be spending as it is. However, I am the biggest comparison shopper I know, and I always hold off to buy something on sale. Threadless.com, my favorite tshirt site, has their $10 sale every few months, and it is the only time I purchase shirts through them. They make great gifts, and I also make sure to purchase through a friend’s link so that she gets some of the referral dollars, and then she does the same for me. You can get quite a few free or discounted shirts that way. For electronics, I check out online deals and compare between the major stores for the best price. If it is a special “online only” offer, it is often available for instore pickup as well. I just pay for it online, wait a few hours, and then drive to the store I specified. It saves me shipping (most times) and also helps my impatient nature when shopping. When my camera broke only a week before I was to leave the country, I managed to save almost $100 on Bestbuy.com and even got a deal where I received a memory card to go with it, and I had it only an hour after buying it online.
I also constantly check the saleracks in my favorite stores. There are a couple close to my workplace, so I stop over at least once a week just to sift through and see if something catches my eye. I got a great pink sweater last week for only $5, as well as a nice dress for $10. Both were over $30 originally, and were more fall than winter, but with leggings and a few different layers they will work great.
I also try to find things I really want in less pricey options. I tried on a great pair of sunglasses this summer, but the $100 pricetag was too much for my budget, so I walked around the store with them and compared the frame shape etc. to other less expensive pairs. I wound up finding one that was almost exactly the same for only $20, and since I tend to abuse my glasses it was definitely worth the extra time spent comparing.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:01 am
I found the best way to get good deals is be a patient shopper. Be prepared to spend all day in stores comparing prices. Keep a small notepad in your pocket to keep track of various prices at various stores. Going during early afternoon on a week day is your best bet to avoid the crowds as best as possible. Also remember if you keep a cool head and be polite and patient with the staff who has had to deal with many irate customers all day, they’ll be more inclined to help you find the best deals in the store.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:47 am
I tend to do most of my shopping at work… and seeing as though I work in retail, I can usually find something for everyone in my store. I get a 25% discount and once a month I can even get a 40% discount.
As a “personal” touch to all my gifts I include something hand made, last year it was candles and this year it’s soap. I have always been very crafty and love doing the little things for my friends and family.
Also I like to hit the large discount stores like Christmas Tree shops and Ocean State Job Lot to find things for my sisters and brothers kids (since my store is kinda adult only).
I do my shopping on weekdays in the morning or very late at night when the stores are usually quite empty, look for clearance items or BOGO deals. Buy one get one 50% off or even free is fantastic because you can get gifts for two people really cheap.
Always check the websites for sales and specials, and when your in a store ask if they have a frequent shopper program, most do now and most of the ones that have one are free to join.
November 28th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I check out consumer reports and similar sites with feedback about the item. Now there are many sites that have feedback about the shopping sites too (return policy, overall satisfaction, etc) which makes online shopping much easier.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Get to know EVERYONE, or at least one person in each “category”… electronics, coffee, clothes, food.
I’m 24, and have worked around 15 different retail jobs since I was 16. I have a girlfriend that works for starbucks (30% off), a roommate that worked for Dell (16% off), and I personally get a few perks at the stores I’ve worked at as well.
If you feel bad about having them buy things for you, or if it’s against policy for them to share it with you, then they still know when those coveted items first go to the clearance racks, the other ways you can get around paying as much.
Also, if you do some searching online, type in the store name and “coupons” or “codes” or “discounts” and a slew of discount codes pop up. Typically, they’ll email these to a few people, but those people will share those codes. I saved 25% this morning on a purchase at Kodak!
November 29th, 2007 at 12:37 am
I love to browse. And I find the best bargain shopping is walking around looking. Always keep fliers and a notebook. Its almost like a detective working a case. And you solve the case by getting the best deal.. Its soo rewarding.
November 29th, 2007 at 8:49 am
I search the websites for the best price, then do a search on coupon codes and figure out the best price with the discount. If it’s a really high priced item, I will also search big box stores, department stores and strip mall stores that would possibly sell it and see if they are posting lower prices than what I found on-line (minus coupon codes that I may have found.
Another thing I’ve done this year is to look on-line before Thanksgiving at the bfads.net website to see if anything is being offered for Black Friday ahead of time to see if it’s worth hitting the malls early for the deals. If there was something that I wanted to go out and do BF for, I went to the store a few days ahead of time to play with the item and figure out where it was located in the store so I could head straight to the item instead of wandering around and missing out on the chance of getting one.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Thank goodness for the internet! I don’t partake in online shopping but I cruise message boards, such as Slickdeals.net and Gottadeal.com, for deals and tips. I especially love the GottaDeal forums because there is an extensive thread on Target Deals. Target is like heaven. Seriously. It is from online reading that I found out about “perimeter preusing.” This is when you check the endcaps of the aisles, which I never thought to check, for clearance items. Trust me, it’s worth it. I check out what people are saying online, since they seem to practically live at Target, and see what is on sale that week and how much it is marked down. It’s been so helpful. It’s come to the point where I rarely buy things at 30% off anymore (unless there’s only one item left) and wait for it to be marked down further. It’s so much easier when you know that there’s a system involved. Here’s a tip: When looking at the clearance sticker, see the small number at the top? It’s usually either “30″, “50″, or “75.” That how much % it is marked down. Perfect for those math dummies like me!
The message boards I go to also have a section on Freebies and Contests/Sweepstakes. Like previous responses, I’m also a college student with no consistent income at the moment so it is helpful if I get a little something here and there for free.
The internet is also great to find real reviews for products, because you wouldn’t want a lemon. I usually read through all the things I want, crossing and checking them off on my list, and wait till a great deal comes by and snatch it up.
As for clothes, I love shopping at (other than Target) TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Loehmanns. Designer clothing at a fraction of the price? I’m in! Again, if I don’t need it right away, I usually wait till it hits the clearance rack. I also love the outlets but since they’re far away, I don’t get to go as often. But the best part about those is that I sign up for their mailing list and get great coupons for when I do get a chance to go.
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