Coupons have revolutionized the way consumers save money when shopping online. Gone are the days of relying solely on Sunday circulars for discounts. In today’s digital age, consumers have access to a plethora of online codes, browser extensions, and money-saving apps that offer significant discounts at any time. According to a recent study by SimplyCodes, Friday emerges as the best day for consumers to save money while shopping online. The study analyzed coupon release patterns in marketing emails from 30,000 merchants between March and July, revealing some fascinating insights.
As payday approaches, there is a noticeable uptick in coupon activity, especially for popular categories such as women’s clothing, skincare, and alcohol. SimplyCodes found that approximately 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday, just before the weekend lull when fewer new coupons are distributed. On Fridays alone, the number of coupons released surges by 19%, making it an ideal day for savvy online shoppers to snag great deals.
While the allure of a great deal is undeniable, it can sometimes lead to excessive buying habits and high-interest credit card debt. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch warns against falling into the trap of “spaving,” or spending more to save more. She advises consumers to carefully evaluate whether a deal is genuinely worth it before making a purchase. Savvy consumers should consider factors such as free shipping thresholds, sale prices, and overall savings when using coupon codes.
To make the most of couponing opportunities, consumers can employ several strategies. Signing up for store e-newsletters and mobile alerts, following brands on social media for exclusive offers, and using price-tracking browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa can help consumers stay informed about discounts and price drops. Additionally, applying multiple coupons to the same order can lead to even greater savings. Websites like CouponCabin.com and RetailMeNot offer a convenient way to search for deals by store name and find discounts quickly.
While coupons can be a powerful tool for saving money, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid overspending. Andrea Woroch advises consumers to resist the temptation to make impulse purchases prompted by store emails and texts. By deleting shopping apps that bombard users with notifications and unsubscribing from store newsletters, consumers can regain control of their spending habits. Woroch recommends using browser plug-ins like SideKick to search for coupons only when needed, ensuring that discounts are sought out deliberately.
The best days to save money with coupons online are strategically planned around consumer behavior and marketing trends. By leveraging the power of coupons on Fridays, understanding the pitfalls of excessive spending, and adopting smart strategies for maximizing savings, consumers can take full advantage of online discounts while staying mindful of their financial well-being. It is crucial to strike a balance between enjoying the benefits of coupons and maintaining responsible spending habits to make the most of online shopping opportunities.