Online Coupons
Don’t Fall for False Coupons
What: If you’ve ever gone to a store with a coupon in hand, ready to save some money, and then discovered your coupon was faulty or expired, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Harris Interactive (commissioned by CouponCraze.com), 95% of shoppers have found themselves in this situation. But instead of ditching the purchase entirely, 72% of that group will go ahead and lay the extra dough down. Same sort of statistics go for online shoppers and online coupons, but with 57% vs 72% following through with the purchase.
The best ways to avoid overpaying for items is to go with online coupons over printable coupons (as you can often find a replacement if something doesn’t work out), and to ensure the coupon discount is applied before you checkout - not afterward. And once you’re stuck with a crappy coupon, don’t give up! Forget the purchase, or shop around for an item with a cheaper price tag.
What They Say:
“Purchasing items at full price despite attempts to save money encourages the distribution of faulty coupons, which not only wastes consumers’ time and money, but also leads to frustration that can unjustly and negatively affect online retailers.”
What We Say: Ouch…we gotta wonder how much money we’ve lost over the years, reluctantly buying stuff we thought was going to be a lot cheaper, thanks to an expired or faulty coupon.
Ever happen to you? (It’s okay, you can admit it…)
Allyou.com: Site Review
These days, everybody and their brother is creating a “budget-conscious” website—and who doesn’t need to save money in this economic climate? That being said, just saying that your site is budget-focused doesn’t mean it offers any real value. So we decided to take a look at one such site—Allyou.com —and see if there are any real budget lessons we can take to the bank ...
Our Review: At first click, Allyou.com looks promising, which it should since it’s the companion site to the new All You magazine, published by Time Inc. It’s pretty, but substance is more our style, so we dug deeper.
Clicking around through the various categories (Food, Budget Home, Diet & Fitness, Style for Less), we found very little that hasn’t already been published 687 times in all those women’s magazines you find in the checkout lane (we’re all about recycling, but this isn’t what we had in mind). Naturally, the “Style for Less” section piqued our interest, but again nothing new. We were perplexed, too, when we hopefully checked out an article titled “Kick up your heels in affordable wedge sandals” only to find that the piece featured pics of three styles, but with no sources, prices, or links to buy. Next.
The one reason to bookmark this site? The coupon section. It’s been eons since we sat down with our Sunday paper and clipped coupons (who has time?), but “clipping” coupons here means simply scanning through the options, checking what you want, and printing. Additionally, there’s a daily savings blog that features additional clickable coupons and deals.
The Verdict: A Yea for the coupons and deals, a Nay for everything else. . .
Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs & Marc by Marc handbags: Daily Deal
The Deal: Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs & Marc by Marc handbags
The Lowdown: Save up to 40% on Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc handbags. Find amazing deals on classic styles, like the Marc Jacobs Patent Stam Bag (originally $1350, now $810), and the Marc by Marc Jacobs Groovee Bag (originally $498, now $348).
Shop: eLuxury.com
Save at Gap Women’s SALE
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Gap - Women’s SALE
The Lowdown: March Madness is in full swing, which makes this a great season to update our wardrobe with some sports-inspired tees, camis and capris. Turn to the Gap to pick up some seasonal items along with a few classic pieces that should be in every closet.
The women’s sale features a lineup of basics on sale including the Favorite striped crewneck T for only $4.99 (orig. $14.50) and the Essential Tank, now $10 (orig. $14.50). Show off your sporty side with a Striped Cowel Neck Top, now $12.99 (orig. $24), or this lightweight Striped Lace Trimmed Boatneck Sweater that’s perfect for those cool nights at the stadium; $25.99, originally $48.00.
Shop: Gap.com
Up to $100 Off Designer Shoes & Handbags at Endless
The Deal: Save up to $100 on select designer shoes and handbags
at Endless.com
The Lowdown: Sometimes it pays to splurge, especially if you’ve been juggling the finances to survive the recession and keeping close tabs on your budget this season.
If you’re enjoying some surplus funds in the bank account (AFTER you’ve put a little extra into your savings), a pair of designer shoes or a designer handbag is a worthwhile investment; especially if it’s carrying a ‘sale’ price tag. We found a great selection of designer accessories at Endless.com’s latest sale just in time for Spring. Pick up these pink Betsey Johnson Randilyn T-Strap Sandals for $149.24 (orig. $224.95) to dress up any little black dress this season. Or, deck yourself out in this glitzy blue Botkier Sasha Duffle, now $228.69, originally $375.
If you really want a pair of designer shoes, play it safe in black and snag these Georgina Goodman Avril Platform Pumps for $288, reduced from $719.96 (cause $700 for a pair of shoes is bananas).
Shop: Endless.com
Shop Piperlime’s Sale for Women
The Deal: Be the first to shop Piperlime’s sale for women
The Lowdown: Kick off Spring season in style with a fresh new pair of t-strap sandals, evening shoes, or a handbag (or two). Nothing transforms a casual outfit into a glam ensemble better than some stylish sandals and a chic weekender bag.
We scoped out Piperlime’s latest reductions to find these great Spring steals: an adorable pair of Nina Destiny Sandals with rhinestones, on sale for $49.99, originally $99; a comfy pair of Bernardo Macy T-strap sandals now $49.99, originally $99.00; and the Melie Bianco Rouched Satchel for only $39.99, originally $75; the bright orange color is a great way to perk up any dull day of Spring showers!
Shop: Piperlime
Designer Dresses Up to 90% Off
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Dresses on Sale - Up to 90% Off!
The Lowdown:Whether you’re shopping for prom dresses or gearing up for a high school reunion, eDressMe’s sale has you covered without pushing the budget envelope.
We found an eye-catching lineup of special occasion dresses and gowns that are sure to fire up Spring dress-up season. Go for a cute and glamorous look with this pink and purple Cute Print Cocktail Dress, now just $77, originally $90. Or, show off your Bollywood tastes with this Cute Red and Ivory Scarf Print Halter Dress, on sale for $77, originally $91. If the night calls for something more elegant and sophisticated, try this Black Sheath Dress by Gigi, on sale for $84.15, originally $99.
Shop: eDressMe.com
RedTagCrazy.com: Fashion’s Woot
Who knew fashion could be so suspenseful? By the time you finally decide to take advantage of a to-die-for deal on a couture jacket or cute tank top, it could be long gone. RedTagCrazy.com gives new meaning to “impulse shopping.” Hint: it’s not for fashionistas who take a year and a day to commit to a purchase. In the tradition of sties like Woot.com, 1SaleaDay.com, and 1Site1Price.com, there’s no time to think or blink. From the website: “We sell one hot item from one sought-after label at a time, casual and designer, at deep discounts of 50-80%. Quantities are limited, time is limited, and our attention span is limited - so stay awake.”
At any moment in time, RedTagCrazy.com displays one, just one, fabulous fashion deal. The deal could last an hour or just a couple minutes, but soon enough, it will make room for the next deal. Bargain hunters are kept in the loop about the exact number of apparel/accessory items left for each deal, as well as the deal’s “estimated time remaining.” (We’re not sure how they figure out that last part.)
Taking on one deal at a time is a refreshing change of pace from the typical shopping routine we might experience at a department store or vast online marketplace. Plus, because it’s anyone’s guess as to what high-end brand will pop up next, it’s hard to look away… but refreshing your browser over and over does get old after a while. If you find yourself doing that, sign up for the RedTagCrazy.com alerts.
You can’t purchase more than 3 items per deal, but you are allowed to cash in on more than one deal and hold off on checking out until you’re through. The coolest part? If you’re not happy with your purchase, for example a pair of jeans ends up making your thighs look big, you can return it. For every return, you’ll get RedTagCrash (store credit), which isn’t the best deal, we would rather have our money back, but it’s better than the no returns policy that other sites have.
If RedTagCrazy.com continues to feature desirable designer fashion, it’ll be a winner. But it’s only as good as its constantly changing inventory.
What do you think of the site?
A Holiday Shopping Plan that Will Keep Cash in Your Wallet and Keep You Sane
Throw everything you’ve ever thought about holiday shopping out the window because it’s time for a massive reality check. We are officially in a recession, and while the results of Black Friday may show otherwise, America is broke. So this holiday season, it’s time for you to go old school- coupons, price comparison and shopping off priced stores.
Here’s Our Stress Free, Budget Friendly Holiday Shopping Plan
1. Get Over Yourself.
Your kids are not going to remember they only received four toys instead of eight, but will remember that January when the lights were turned off for failure of payment.Your mom isn’t going to love you any less if you bought her LeCresuet pot from HomeGoods instead of Macys. She, will, however remember that you had to borrow money from her to pay your January credit card bill. Remember it’s just one day a year and, if you’re religious, mass consumerism isn’t what the season is all about.
2. Set a Realistic Holiday Shopping Budget.
Your holiday shopping budget should not exceed more than 50% of yourpost life expenses budget, which is the money you have left over after paying off all of your bills. So if all your bills equal $3000 a month and you only have $500 left over, your holiday budget should not exceed more than $250. Small? Yes. Reality? You can’t afford to spend any more without going into debt.
3. Write a List and Check it Twice.
Write a list of everyone you need to purchase presents for this holiday season. Next to each name write the maximum amount you can afford to spend based on your holiday budget. Then write two or three gifts that fit into that budget next to each name.
4. Compare Prices Online
Take the list you just made and search for the best deal possible for each item online. I like to type in the name of the item into google, but MSN’s Live Search is also a great way to comparison shop (plus it offers cashback on certain purchases).
5. Create a Holiday Shopping Folder
Print out the products sheets of the cheapest items and place them in a holiday shopping folder. This is the folder you will take with you when you go shopping and it’s the folder in which you will place all your store receipts.
6. Search Sunday circulars and Compare in Store Prices
With your Holiday Shopping folder in hand, search the Sunday circulars (and online) for special in store deals. Also head to brick and mortar stores, letting your per gift price range guide to the stores you should visit (if you can only spend $10 per person, then there’s no reason to head to high end stores.) Make sure you check out stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, purchase the overstock of top designers and manufacturers. If find an item that is cheaper online than in store, ask to speak with a manager to see if you can get a price adjustment. Many stores, including Nordstrom, offer price guarantees.
7. Determine the Cheapest Option and Buy!
Compare the in store price with the price of the item online (make sure to include shipping and subtract any discounts from online coupons) and purchase the cheapest one!
Quickie Coupons & Deals: Torrid, Filene’s Basement, Olly Shoes
THESE COUPONS HAVE EXPIRED. FOR CURRENT COUPONS AND DEALS, PLEASE VISIT TBF’S ONLINE COUPON PAGE
Here’s some great deals submit by fellow readers and bloggers . . .
Filene’s Basement Men’s Suit Sale
Save up to 68% off designer suits for men. Ends March 12th. Visit Filene’s Basement for a location nearest you.
Torrid Coupon
Additional 50% Off All Clearance Items At Torrid.com
Olly shoe sale—Alexandria, VA
Olly Shoes, a chain of children’s shoe store with a unique and patented way of fitting shoes, is moving their Fair Oaks location to a bigger store to better serve their customers. They will be having a moving sale until March 28 where everything will be 50% off already discounted prices. Olly Shoes is also opening a new store at the Mt. Vernon Plaza in Alexandria, VA.
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