Internet Holiday shopping and using coupons

[kahnartist]

Many of us nowadays are using the internet with more frequency to 'shop'...especially now the holidays are at hand.

As a born 'bargain hound', I'd like to pass on hints/tricks on how to use and find internet coupons and discount codes to make purchases less painful after a shopping frenzy. Any savings is better than none at all.

I understand that some of you might find discounting repugnant, and that's ok. I'm not trying to turn anyone into a 'miser'.
I've learned ways to save from my Dad, which has led me to treat money respectfully and be a 'healthy' saver and spender.

1) Head online to your local internet Dealer and find coupons there for your 'big money' Honda accessory purchase.
Say you want some new Honda gizmos for your truck under the holiday tree. I suggest hitting a few of your local dealer internet sites and looking for Service Special Coupons banner that are usually on the site.
I know you don't need an oil change, but the Dealers usually hide % off accessory coupons here in the service area. They are usually 10% all the way up to 25% (if you get lucky). That really adds up for Tourneau covers, etc.
I'd also sign up for internet service coupons if the dealer has a place for them. Not only is this good for accessory shopping...but nice down the line to shave a few bucks off dealer service as well. If Dealer A has a 15% off accessory coupon, but is 50 miles away. Call Dealer B (closer to home), and ask them if they will accept Dealer A's coupon for the discount. Many dealers would rather have a sale than no sale at all, and are willing to 'match' a competetors coupon to get your business.

If the dealer prices are still too high, you can GOOGLE: discount Honda/Nissan/Ford OEM parts. Dozens of hits will appear and you can window shop prices/shipping. Pick the best of the bunch and add up the savings.

Don't be shy clipping and using coupons!
I'm in the Advertising business and we put coupons out there for you, the consumer to USE!

2) Say you are on Amazon.com (or any of the hundreds of large internet shopping sites out there), and buying a few items for family members. BEFORE you hit the check out area, open another browser window and GOOGLE: Amazon Discount Coupons or Amazon Discount codes.

Up will pop DOZENS of sites with secret codes to punch in, and find a discount on either: free shipping, a % off your total purchase, or a 'free' item with purchase. Be patient. You might need to scroll through a few sites to find a coupon code within your shopping date (many expire), that is working to get the discount needed.

For those who PM me, I'll send a few links of the best ones I've found. Bookmark them for savings throughout the year. This works 365 days a year...not just the holidays!

3) Believe it or not, coupons are still found in your local Sunday paper and weekly paper as well. Clip them out and use them. That 'measly' 10% off your purchases, could save you $10 or $20 bucks (a lunch or dinner), after a shopping spree at Macy's. I never pay more than $20 for an oil change; finding Firestone, Goodyear and various other 'discount coupons' in my weekly mail, Valpak, etc.

4) I'm on a Mac and can't download programs that would send me coupons for grocery items and are sometimes brand specific (Proctor and Gamble, etc). If you GOOGLE: store coupons, hundreds of hits will come up, and this is a legit way to shave bucks off your weekly grocery bill. Some stores even double the coupons!

5) Last resort on Ridgeline parts/accessories: If you still can't see paying close to 'retail' prices on something you want for your vehicle, I've been VERY lucky with GOOGLING Nissan Maxima/Ford/Honda junk yards and finding what I need there.
One year, I backed out of a parking space and latched on to a huge dumpster; which tore out most of my drivers side quarter panel. This would have cost over $1000 to repair at a shop.
I found a junk yard in Sacramento that sent me down a matching white quarter panel and the headlight assembly for $125 bucks (not including shipping). My husband took off the damaged parts, and put the new one on in less than 1 hour. Of course, this will only work for parts that are easily removed, and my insurance wasn't notified, deductable wasn't used, etc.
I still feel like a 'rocket scientist' every time I see the car with the 'matching' fender.

I understand all of this 'may not be worth your time'. That's fine and I have no issues with that.

Enjoy the holidays all and let me know if you score any bargains with the supplied tips and tricks!

[Ultra-Hog]

Excellent tips and excellent advice! I have never thought to use Google to find coupons, discounts, or discount codes. The Amazon tip alone will save me more than my admission price here! :lol:

Thanks :!: