Coupons have Come a Long Way, but How to Make the Most of the Deals?
Coupons have evolved from Sunday circulars to online codes, browser extensions, and money-saving apps. With more ways to find significant discounts at any time, it’s essential to know when to shop and how to make the most of the deals without falling into the trap of "spaving."
More Coupons Released on Fridays
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, finding that 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday. On Friday alone, the number of coupons released jumps 19%.
Beware of "Spaving"
The temptation of limited-time deals, buy one get one free, or free shipping can lead to excessive buying habits and high-interest credit card debt. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch cautions that "spaving" is an all-too-common pitfall.
How to Make the Most of a Deal, without Spaving
To avoid overspending and make the most of a deal, follow these tips:
- Sign up for a store e-newsletter and mobile alerts, or follow brands on social media for coupons and savings.
- Use a price-tracking browser extension, such as CamelCamelCamel or Keepa, to monitor price changes and notify you of price drops.
- Apply a coupon on top of an already discounted item, as some stores allow multiple coupons on the same order.
- Search for coupons by store name using a deal aggregator, such as CouponCabin.com or RetailMeNot.
- Avoid the temptation to overspend by quieting the noise from store emails and texts, and use a browser plug-in, such as SideKick, to scan for applicable codes instead.
Conclusion
While coupons have become more accessible and convenient, it’s crucial to be mindful of overspending habits. By following these tips, you can make the most of deals without falling into the trap of "spaving" and maintain a healthy shopping habit.
FAQs:
- When is the best day to look for coupons?
- According to the study, Friday is the best day to look for coupons, with 52% of coupon codes released between Wednesday and Friday.
- What is "spaving"?
- "Spaving" refers to the habit of overspending to save more, which can lead to high-interest credit card debt and excessive buying habits.
- How can I avoid overspending when shopping online?
- By following the tips above, such as looking for coupons only when needed, using price-tracking browser extensions, and applying multiple coupons on the same order.
