Promo codes are fun to use. The online promo codes are similar to paper coupons. The only difference is you have to enter the code during the checkout. The discounts range from a few percentages off to free shipping and beyond. Recently, I was browsing through Charter’s website to learn more about Spectrum Internet plans and their prices. I was fortunate to find a promo code during their Black Friday promotions and decided to buy their basic Internet plan there and then.
Just because you don’t have a promo code right now, doesn’t mean you can’t find one. The key is knowing where, when, and how to look for them. Let me spill the beans and reveal my secret to shopping for items on discount. Here is how to find genuine promo codes:
1: Use a Trusted Source
First things first, when you do a Google search like this “retailer name+ promo code” not every code you find is going to be genuine. Sure, you will get hundreds of results, but not all of them are trustworthy. To increase the chances of succeeding, use trusted sites like Coupon Cabin, RetailMeNot, Groupon, Slickdeals, etc. These sites work with retailers and brands to generate codes. At RetailMeNot, all their codes are tested and verified before publishing.
Some sites have user ratings as well, letting you decide if the code is really usable. At sites like Slickdeals, there is a green mark indicating that the code is verified. Groupon offers localized and global deals as well so you have good chances of finding real promo codes here.
2: Use a Browser Extension
Are you the type of person who doesn’t like putting in the effort? Then consider using a browser extension that lifts the weight off your shoulder. Extensions like Honey work effortlessly. It automatically searches the promo code of the brand you are shopping from. It also applies the code at the checkout automatically. I love Honey because it has promo codes for almost every brand.
3: Check Your Local Paper
Did you know that some companies advertise their online coupon codes in local newspapers and magazines too? Better yet, you can sign up for catalogs and receive them via UPS in your mail. Before tossing those magazines in the trash, take a good look. Who knows you can find some sick promo codes!
4: Play Hard to Get
Nothing hurts more than being unable to find a discount code from a favorite brand. There is a trick to get a code even when there’s no ongoing promotion. Now, this may not work every time, but some online stores are generous enough to please their customers.
So here is what you have to do. Fill your virtual shopping cart with the item and go to check out. Don’t complete the payment. Instead, abandon the cart. Before closing the tab, bookmark the URL of the cart. Most companies start sending ads of 10% or 15% off on the cart to the customer. It’s called retargeting, and it’s happening all over the world. Now that you have the code, go back to the URL, and complete the purchase. Smart, right?
5: Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
This option is for those who are huge fans of specific brands, restaurants, and retailers. Check if they have a loyalty program and sign up for it. Follow them on social media and download their app. When you become a loyal customer, the brand keeps on sending promo codes to retain you.
And with a loyalty program, you would be able to save every time you purchase. They might as well have other rewards for you.
Conclusion
At times, your searches will come up empty, and the codes you found won’t work. Chances are no promo codes are available at all. It happened to me when I was looking for codes to buy one of the Spectrum TV packages. A browser extension like Honey doesn’t always score either. Don’t lose hope. You can always shop during the promotion season. But it never hurts to try and search for promo codes. If you got to score a neat promo code some other way, do share it with the world by mentioning it in the comments below.
