subject: 3 Misconceptions About Online Coupons And What To Watch Out For When Using Them [print this page] 3 Misconceptions About Online Coupons And What To Watch Out For When Using Them
More people than ever are looking for ways to save money and make their dollars stretch farther, and one of the biggest debates is over the value of online coupons. Many people have an unfortunate misconception about them that is based more on rumors or isolated incidents than on actual facts. The truth is, using these vouchers may be one of the best ways to save money. Knowing the facts can put your mind at ease and result in substantial savings for you.
Misconception #1: Coupons Are Hard To Use
When online coupons first hit the Internet, most of them were meant to be printed and used at traditional stores. However, there were sometimes problems with the printing process. Today's versions are primarily for use online, so there's nothing to print and just a few clicks of the mouse can net you impressive savings.
Some people think the short shelf life of coupons make them a hassle, but most online vouchers either don't have an expiration date or they typically last for months before expiring. You can generally find a discount coupon that's valid any time of the year if you know what to look for. Unlike clipping offers out of the Sunday paper, with online discounts you don't have to wait for a sale and you won't have to rush out and use them during a "three day only!" weekend sale.
The convoluted rules surrounding discounts you clip out of the newspaper or magazines have influenced many people's perception of how difficult it is to use them. They imagine that they'll have to buy a particular brand of something or buy three items to get one free. In fact, online coupons usually give you generous savings no matter what you buy. Some of the most popular online stores offer $10, $15, or a percentage off of your entire purchase. Free shipping is often thrown in to sweeten the deal.
Misconception #2: They Are A Waste Of Time
Shoppers may believe that online coupons aren't worth the effort because there won't be any available for stores in their area, or they will have to rush from store to store to get the best deals. But with online savings, you can shop anywhere you like without leaving the comfort of your home. So if you find offers from different stores, you can use them all without having to run around.
It only takes a few minutes to search for savings online. You can do a quick search using any of the major search engines, or find them even more quickly by going straight to a site that always offers discounts from a variety of stores.
"They only offer coupons for weird stuff," is a frequently heard complaint. In the past, it was sometimes true that manufacturers offered savings on very specific items that not many people wanted, but that's no longer the case. The best online offers are for stores, not for specific products. This gives you the freedom to choose whatever you like and still get the savings.
Misconception #3: Online Coupons Aren't Valuable
The most common misunderstanding about coupons is also the least accurate. Some people think they're all of the "50 cents off" variety. Online retailers know they are in competition with hundreds of other sites for your shopping dollars, so they don't waste time offering cheap discounts. In most cases, you'll save at least 10% off your entire purchase or free shipping, which can save you quite a bit on large orders or bulky items.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Online Purchases
It's obvious that using coupons online can save you a substantial amount. To get the most value out of them and protect yourself against fraud or misleading offers, keep these tips in mind:
a. Never give out personal information online. If the online coupon you're considering requires you to fill out a form that asks for your credit card information or other information, don't use it. This could be a scam.
b. Stick with reputable stores that are established. Big name stores that also have traditional bricks and mortar locations are preferable, as they have a reputation they want to keep and are reliable.
c. Look for the Better Business Bureau seal or any logos for online security.
d. Get your discounts from a reputable site. Look for sites that are professional looking, have up to date security and include a telephone number on their site for customer service.
e. Comparison shop. You may be able to find coupons that maximize your savings by offering free shipping and a discount.
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