FAQ ~ How To Use Coupon Codes To Save When Shopping Online

This is a companion page to our new "Coupon Codes & Special Sales" page, where you can save big with special coupon codes, sale items, overstocked items and seasonal specials from some of our favorite merchants.

  There are two kinds of promotions that you will see when shopping online... most often you'll see the "coupon code" type. Less common, or less obvious at least, is the "special offer link" type of promotion.

Saving with a "coupon code" coupon:
Merchant shopping cart systems vary from store to store, but there is usually an obvious place to enter the coupon code. In most systems, the code is entered directly in the shopping cart during the final stages of checkout.
In some systems the code is entered in the order review stage, before the actual checkout.

Saving with a "special offer link" promotion:
Most often these promotions won't have an actual "Coupon Code" that you have to copy. Instead they use a special link. When you click on it, you will get the discount automatically when you go through the checkout process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't find a place to enter the code?
Look for a "Customer Service" page or a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) page... the answer should be there. You can also call them directly and ask how to use coupon codes in their system.

How can I be sure that I'm getting the discount?
Before the final "Thank you for your order" page shows up, you will see a page detailing all the items purchased, the shipping charges (if any) and any discounts applied... you will be prompted to verify and approve the amounts and discounts.
If you don't see the discount applied to the final total, you can usually go back a page or two and verify the code.

What if the code just won't work?
If a coupon code listed here won't work, please contact me and let me know. I'll update or remove it ASAP.
Usually it means that I've been slow on an update, but if I made a mistake with the code, I'll send you the correct code so you can still get the discount.

Do these coupons work in offline stores?
Maybe ~ it never hurts to ask... If the promotion does not say it's good in the physical stores, they usually aren't. BUT - if the store manager wants your business, and you're standing there with a printout of the online store promotion, you might get lucky.
That worked for me once, at a Bed, Bath & Beyond store... the worst that can happen is you have to go back home and order it online anyway.

Can I use more than one coupon code at time?
No, sorry. The best I've ever been able to do was use a code for 20% off, and bought enough to meet the minimum for free shipping.