I am a gal who loves to shop. I find it such a treat wandering the bottom aisles of Target while ogling designer goods at Saks Fifth Avenue (who doesn’t?). After a hard day at work—or any day, if I’m being honest—you can find me on my laptop, adding things to my virtual car. I take the idea of ”treat yourself” to the max, and that won’t change anytime soon.
However, although I love to shop, I am very careful about my financial well-being and would never want to put myself in a bad situation because of many impulse purchases. Is there a middle ground where you can do both? You betcha, that’s because I don’t pay enough for anything. Here are my tips and tricks for making money on almost everything I buy.
1. Ask for an upgrade when checking out
I almost didn’t include this on this list because it seems so obvious, but this is my #1 strategy for making money while trading – I’m begging for one! I will usually ask if there are any promotions at this time that might affect my purchase or an email list I can sign up for to get a code, or I’ll see if I can get a defective item ( that may be). fixed at home) for a percentage off. This usually works for things like a smudge of foundation on a top coat or a bit of dirt on something. Nine times out of ten, stores are happy to give at least 10% off. Remember to always be polite and don’t be offended if the answer is no, continue with the same strategy below.
2. Wait 12-24 hours for the online payment code
When shopping online, one of the easiest ways to get a discount code is to add what you want to your cart and fill in all your personal information, but don’t check it out right away. Most online checkout systems have algorithms that will send you a code within 12-24 hours for anywhere from 10-20% off in hopes that you’ll complete your purchase instead of leaving your car. I don’t recommend doing this if you are shopping for items that are on sale because they may sell before you get your money email (dangerous!), but for regular purchases, this is the way to go It’s easy to earn a lot of money!
3. Fill out the survey
Are you looking at the bottom of your inbox or the end of your confirmation email? I never used any of them, until I realized that many of them have a bonus code for the next time you shop, or an offer to fill out a survey to get a bonus code. I ignore people who enter you into the pool so you can win (probably not for you), but I pay attention to quick reviews when I know I’m going to trade. in those places again soon. My favorite thing lately is 15% off a full price item at Abercrombie for filling out a 2 minute survey, and it miraculously stacks up on top of another promotion they have going on. that time, allowing me to get viral Sloan pants on some of them. Their clothes are beautiful for 30% off. Can’t beat that!
4. Use a loyalty program
I’ve been on the loyalty program train since the day I could check the “over 18” requirement. I sign up for every loyalty program under the sun, but now I’ve narrowed it down to just the ones that offer the best value. I love shopping on Sephora days with my VIB discount, getting 10% off every time I go to the movies, and using my Starbucks stars to get one free coffee every week. If you shop well and always remember to use your loyalty card, those free points can add value to your purchases, or they’re completely worthless ( Sephora birthday gift, looking at you!).
5. Buy specific items at certain times
This tip requires patience, but it’s worth it! It comes down to figuring out what you want and then waiting for the right time to buy it so you can get the lowest price, which could be weekly, monthly, or seasonally. For example, I have my toilet set to automatically flush once a week and I know that toilet paper, toothpaste and body lotion are on sale (big box stores often stock the body burns every month). I also try to buy new clothes at the end of the season (here comes the patience!) so that it is new and ready for me at the beginning of the next year, I usually pay half the price since the store wants to eliminate. things make way for next time. Here are some great tips for the basics that you know you’ll wear year after year. I’m not depriving myself of things I really want or need at the moment, but it’s a great way to get amazing marks at killer prices.
6. Sign up for an email mailing list
While there’s a bit of a trick to mailing lists—signing up for too many can get you through sales, which I’ve certainly done in the past—they’re a great way to find out about sales and revenue. go. If you’re in the market for something at a store, waiting to buy until you hear about their Memorial Day sale can save you a lot of money! Just remember that it’s only a good thing if it’s something you really want and want to buy, otherwise, the money can be put to good use (… which I will tell myself a lot frequency).
7. Buy things that are loved
Remember how I mentioned my love for the designer ogling at Saks Fifth Avenue? Yes, I definitely have a fashionista side that sometimes likes a designer bag that I just have to have, and no dupe will do. However, I’m a spender in my head, so you can bet I won’t pass the sticker price for what I want. Instead, I’ll check out stores like Vestiaire Collective or Poshmark until I find what I’m looking for at a better second-hand price. This is a great way to get what you want while saving money and being friendly, which is money. Just think, whatever you save on sticker price can go towards the next build, right?!
8. Find a free trial before signing up
Is there such a thing as a free trial? Before plunking down $30 for a fitness class, $20 for a fitness class, or $35 for a meditation kit, I always check to see if there’s a free trial I can use first. It can be well advertised on their website or you can do some digging (check out TikTok and Instagram, where actors often provide code for them), but it’s worth the time to see if you can get a free trial beforehand. is paying. Free trials are a great way to see if you really like something before handing over your credit card, and most of the time I find that I’m not the type of girl who likes to punch in 6am or using expensive meditation. application against the use of YouTube. If you are, then you can sign up after your case and you will be worth your money. Just set a reminder to sign in and cancel if needed before the trial ends.
9. Do some price comparisons
When you are in the market for something that can be found in different stores, it is worth taking the time to shop. Whenever I’m looking for a basic item, let’s say a new pair of white Keds shoes, I’ll check all the main stores in addition to the company’s website. Department stores often have various promotions going on, which means you can get the same item for a lower price in one store than in another. I actually put this on my wedding shoes, found them in person for $350 and then found them at a different online store a few days later for only $220 during a promotion site. There’s nothing like the thrill of walking away with the same item and more money in your pocket!
10. Using Rakuten or other cashback programs
I think I need to be employed Rakuten this time because I tell everyone I know to sign up and use their cashback program. It involves downloading an extension to your browser, then it will notify you immediately whenever you are on a site that offers cashback, with no strings attached. There are other similar programs (eg Honey) where you can get more money when you shop as you usually do or see which coupons work, which is when my last step before checking. Although the cashback website isn’t a discount code per se, I often use the money I earn from Rakuten and similar sites to help with my later purchases, so it counts as a personal discount. me in the future and my book.
