Finding a strategy that suits your own lifestyle and budget is critical. Here are some of the major do’s and don’ts that should guide your online couponing activity:
Look for a coupon any time you shop online. Before clicking the “buy” button, search for “your store of choice” for coupons and deals. Use a search engine or go to reputable websites that have a record of providing quality coupons.
Don’t go overboard. There is little benefit in spending hours searching for a $3 “bargain.” Know when to quit.
Look for alternatives to shipping costs. Many retailers offer site-to-store options so a quick trip to a local outlet will replace the $5-to-$10 shipping fee.
Don’t buy an item simply because it offers a coupon. Evaluate the big picture and hold off buying until you are sure it is financially sound. Impulse buying is fatal.
Ask for help in finding deals. One of the advantage of couponing online is that you can share the experiences of others. When you have a question, ask. Using the network is more efficient than unspecific hours of browsing and searching.
Be aware of too-good-to-be-true bargains. Almost inevitably, they are. Be realistic about what deals you might find. Be willing to settle for “good enough” if you feel uneasy about a prospective bargain.
Don’t expect that you will be a couponing guru in the first week. Being able to get the best results is largely a matter of experience. It takes skill and some people just naturally get better results than others. On the other hand, don’t be too quick to give up. This is a process that needs practice.
Don’t become obsessed. You can make your life very stressful and develop bad qualities such as stinginess, false expectations and spending money for dubious bargains. If you are not enjoying it enough to be worth the effort, quit.
Strike a balance. It’s all about time-management, resourcefulness and efficiency. For more information, follow Investopedia on Facebook.