shopping tips – Page 2

November 6, 2015

The Best Cyber Monday Shopping Strategies

Cyber Monday is just around the corner! ‘Tis the season for unbeatable sales, the best deals of the year and of course, online shopping in your pajamas. Cyber Monday is a fairly recent construct that originated about 10 years ago after market research determined that the Monday following Thanksgiving was one of the most popular online shopping days of the year. Maneuvering through the incredible array of Cyber Monday sales can be a bit overwhelming without the perfect online shopping plan in place. Never fear! We want to make sure this Cyber Monday is your best yet. So, kick off your holiday shopping season right and check out some of our favorite tips for saving big this Cyber Monday!

1. Have a Game Plan: Before the Cyber Monday deals even start, you need a basic blueprint of who, what and where. Create a comprehensive list of what you want to buy, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or stock up on Christmas gifts for the whole family. Keep track of who you’re shopping for, their top gift ideas and which websites you want to visit. You can use an Excel, type notes in your phone or kick it old school and scribble it down in a notebook. No matter your plan, a clear list will help you stay focused so you don’t get distracted by all the bright and shiny Cyber Monday sales. Side note, don’t limit yourself to just buying holiday gifts. If you see an unbeatable birthday gift for a friend or family member, why not grab it now and save it for later?

2. Know Your Stuff: In order to get the best Cyber Monday deals, you’ll need to do a little research. Do some browsing at your favorite retailers to determine where you’ll find the best online shopping sales on everything from discount electronics to clothes for the whole family. Set yourself apart from amateur online shoppers and be sure to visit Ebates for quick and easy access on Cyber Monday morning. Remember, Cyber Monday is one of the most popular online shopping days of the year, so deals run out fast and furiously. Refer back to your bookmarks throughout the day to stay up to date on the latest and greatest promotions. A little pre-planning is all it takes to take Cyber Monday by storm!

3. Be a Social Butterfly: Scoring the ultimate deal of the day at your favorite retailer means you may need to be in the know regarding their Cyber Monday plans. Start liking your favorite online shopping sites on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get their latest sale announcements and exclusive insider access to any Cyber Monday specials. Be sure to sign up for emails and newsletters for easy access to Cyber Monday news delivered directly to your inbox. Go one step further and create a Cyber Monday folder in your email inbox for super speedy reference if needed.

4. Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe – Comparison Shop ‘Til You Drop: Thankfully, online shopping means you have the freedom to go from here to there in seconds. Keep multiple tabs open in your web browser to quickly compare like items from different retailers to get the best prices. That TV you’ve had your eye on just might be significantly cheaper just a click away, so don’t be afraid to play favorites.

5. Promo Codes Are Your Friend: Take advantage of extra savings thanks to essentials like promo codes, coupon codes and even Cash Back at Ebates. From free shipping offers to an additional percentage off your purchase, retailers may feature more ways to boost Cyber Monday savings so be sure to keep an eye out.

6. Be a Team Player: If you’re online shopping for a number of people, you might consider dividing and conquering your game plan with a trusty family member. Teaming up will help you get the best Cyber Monday deals faster to ensure you don’t miss out. You can divide your list by person or category to knock it out in no time flat.

7. Budget Like Nobody’s Business: We totally get it. All those Cyber Monday deals are super tempting. But, there’s nothing worse than blowing your budget on things you really don’t need. So, keep yourself in check by picking a number and sticking to it. Consider setting aside a little bit of holiday shopping money every month so you’ll have your budget locked when Cyber Monday rolls around. That’ll soften the blow to your overall budget since you already knew it was coming.

8. Chill Out: Just remember that everyone and their dogs are online shopping for the best Cyber Monday sales. Sites could be slower than normal, but stick with it and you’re bound to score some great deals! Be sure to shop from a reliable computer or mobile device that offers a fast and secure Internet connection to limit glitches and save your sanity.

Follow these simple tips to polish your Cyber Monday shopping skills and save like a champ. We’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Cyber Monday online shopping tips? Tell us below.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 5, 2015

5 Shopping Apps to Make the Holidays Easier

Gone are the days of standing in lines for the hottest toy or purse around the holidays. Technology has made it easier than ever to shop online. We’ve rounded up five of the greatest shopping apps to make your holiday shopping even easier this year. From saving money all through the season to keeping track of gift cards, these apps will allow to kick your feet up by the fireplace, enjoy a cup of cocoa and shop from your mobile device or tablet. Don’t forget to also shop through Ebates to get Cash Back on all your purchases year-round.

Ebates

We know how important it is for our members to shop on the go which is why we’ve made the Ebates App better than ever. Discover the hottest daily deals, new sale announcements, coupon codes and more all at your fingertips. You can easily access your favorite stores as well as your Cash Back history, cash pending and details on your next Big Fat Check. Store your most used credit card and use the new “Buy Now” feature to shop easily with one click – perfect for those one-item purchases on the go! And don’t forget to enable push notifications to never a miss a deal.

Download the Ebates App for iOS and Android

RedLaser

Searching for the best price can be time consuming. Download and use RedLaser, which searches millions of products across thousands of online and local retailers to find you the best price. RedLaser also will find alternative products and accessories for the product you just searched. You’ll also get product reviews, descriptions and even nutritional information when purchasing food for your holiday parties. Not that this is the time to be counting calories or anything.

Download RedLaser for iOS, Android and Windows

Slice

If you shop online, you probably know what a hassle it is to track all your packages. Slice keeps an eye on all your purchases for you. Not only will Slice track your packages, but it watches for price drops and alerts you on hazardous product recalls as well. Ever wondered where you spend most of your money when shopping online? Check out “Slice and Dice” which visualizes your shopping activity into bubbles and charts.

Download Slice for iOS and Android

GoWallet

If you’re the type of person that gets lots of gift cards during the holidays, GoWallet will help keep all your gift cards in one place. Add the gift cards you have to your “wallet” and you’ll be able to check the balances of all your cards at a glance. Don’t spend time calling and punching in numbers to see your balance. GoWallet allows you to easily scan your cards to save time and assure accuracy. Another great feature of GoWallet is that you can exchange your unwanted gift cards for up to 92% of the value.

Download GoWallet for iOS and Android

Giftster

Get your gifts right every time with Giftser. Giftser’s mobile (and web) registry allows family and friends to create private and group wish lists for all occasions. Gifts can be marked as reserved or purchased so others don’t purchase duplicate gifts. Shop for gifts your family and friends really want and need with a five-star rating system. And if you’re looking for some festive fun, add a Secret Santa draw to add some jolly to your holiday.

Download Gifster for iOS and Android

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 26, 2015

12 Black Friday Shopping Tips You Need to Know

Even though it’s only October, you’re probably already starting to see Black Friday deals trickling into your social feeds and advertisements. It’s a lot of information to process and very easy to miss out on the absolute best deals amidst the chaos. We want to make sure you have the most frugal Black Friday yet! Here are 12 Black Friday shopping tips on how to zone in on the best ways to save on your holiday shopping this year.

1. Tune in now. Even if it seems too early to start paying attention to daily deals under the Black Friday label, don’t ignore them. Scope out ads from all types of stores, even ones you don’t normally shop. This will help you compare prices.

2. Browse in person. See a great online deal but not quite ready to commit to buying? This is a great time to start physically going to stores to check out products in person. Once you’re on the floor, ask a sales person about similar products and recommendations that you can also test out in the store. Take notes–this will give you a list of backup products so you can compare prices online when you are ready to buy. During this time of year, brick and mortar stores won’t be as packed with shoppers. This will make browsing a little easier as opposed to going out during the holiday rush.

3. Shop on Thanksgiving and earlier. You don’t have to wait until the stroke of midnight on Black Friday to start shopping. Thanksgiving day is a great time to start. It is historically known as the day of prime Editor’s Choice sales as well. Even the week of Black Friday has fantastic deals you don’t want to miss. Bottom line, don’t wait. As the clock ticks down to the big day, start really paying attention to those deals. As soon as one looks too good to pass up, go for it!

4. Choose to shop online or in-store. Doorbuster deals are designed to get you into the big-name stores with enormous, unbelievable savings on big-ticket items. However, we’ve seen online deals that are just as impressive. But you have to act fast! If you plan on hitting the stores, just know that this will cut into your online shopping time. This means taking the risk on missing top online deals. It all depends on what is more important to you–a visceral shopping experience or a convenient one.

5. Stay on schedule for in-store shopping. Black Friday deals go by lightning fast. You have to be in the store on time. Being even 10 minutes late can result in you leaving empty handed. Know what your day will look like timewise. Plan what time you need to leave, the best driving route possible, etc. If you need a sitter, plan to get one in advance. If you’re going with a shopping buddy, make sure they’re kept in the loop on the schedule. Plan as much extra time as possible to account for unforeseeable variables like parking, traffic and long lines. Black Friday shopping is not something you can do on a whim in a casual fashion. You’ve got to be planned and pumped!

6. Use line time to shop. If you do happen to get caught in a never-ending line, make sure your smartphone is fully charged so you can check out holiday deals on mobile sites while you wait to enter the store. Some online deals are known to pop up at the very last minute. You might even be able to purchase the item you are waiting for at a better price using your phone. Then you can just move onto the next store!

7. Stick to your shopping list. This especially applies to in-store shopping but can also be relevant to shopping online. Avoid buying impulse items to make sure you stay on budget. Rest assured that checkout lines will be bordered with tantalizing products designed to gobble up your dollars with little time to really think about it. Most of the time, these products are not of high quality and are basically clearance items. Don’t be lured by a good deal on a bad product.

8. Shop at price-matching stores. Walmart and Best Buy are among some big name stores that are known to offer price matching during Black Friday sales. This means they will match the price of an item sold for less by a competitor in order to get your business. If you plan on doing most of your shopping at one or two stores, this is a great tool to ensure you get a great deal without having to skip all over town.

9. Plan alternative products. By now, you get the idea. Black Friday deals can go out of stock in a snap. Sticking to your shopping list will ensure that you stay on budget but a little flexibility will make sure you cover all your categories. You may be looking for a deal on a specific TV but consider an alternative brand or size just in case your desired TV sells out.

10. Buy final sale items with caution. Final sale means just that–final. No returns, no exchanges. These are usually fantastic deals but they come with a little risk. Always make sure of the fit and quality of final sale items before buying.

11. Organize store credits and rebates. Things can certainly get lost in the shuffle with the chaos of Black Friday shopping. Be sure to flag all of your emails and keep all of your receipts during this time, especially those keeping track of your rebates and store credits offered as special savings. Keep a special Black Friday folder at home and in your email.

12. Be patient and stay calm. This can be a very stressful time for both shoppers and retail workers. If you need help in-store or online, being courteous will help to ensure that you will receive the best customer care possible. After all, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Happy shopping!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 7, 2015

11 Tips for Saving Money at Kohl’s

Kohl’s is your one-stop shop for everything to spruce up your space and update your look for less — and there are many ways to save at Kohl’s in addition to Kohl’s coupons. Check out these simple ways to shop at Kohl’s while getting the most for your money, with Cash Back at Ebates, of course.

Sign Up for Mobile Alerts

With our busy schedules, we don’t always have time to keep up with the sales at our favorite stores. But Kohl’s now offers text-message alerts to notify you of upcoming promotions and events. Text “SAVE07” to 56457 to get a 15-percent-off coupon sent to your phone and sign up for mobile sale alerts. Worried about getting too many texts? Kohl’s sends only five to seven texts per month, and you can opt out at any time.

Shop During Kohl’s Cash Promos

Every so often, Kohl’s runs a Kohl’s Cash promotion in which you receive $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent in-store or online on all regular, sale and clearance items (excluding gift cards). You can then spend your Kohl’s Cash during the specified time period, which typically is about 10 days following the promotion’s end. There is no minimum price on the items you can redeem, so if you’ve had your eye on a pair of earrings or something else under $10, use your Kohl’s Cash and snag it for free.

Shop the Gold Star Clearance Event

Kohl’s already has some of the best clearance racks around, but prices get even better during the Gold Star Clearance Event! You may have to do a bit of digging to find that perfect item, but it’ll be worth it with prices up to 80 percent off. In addition, you can still use any Kohl’s coupons (or Kohl’s promo codes if you’re shopping online) for extra savings.

Yes2You Rewards

With Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards, you get one point for every dollar you spend by simply showing your card at the register (or providing your email address). For every 100 points you collect, you receive a $5 reward. As a Yes2You Rewards member, you’ll enjoy eight offers a year, plus a special birthday gift and additional opportunities to earn bonus points.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Open a Kohl’s Credit Card

If you are a frequent shopper at Kohl’s, you may want to look into opening a Kohl’s credit card. As a cardholder, you’ll be able to take advantage of benefits such as special discounts of 15 percent to 30 percent at least 12 times a year. If you spend $600 a year on your Kohl’s card, you’ll become a Most Valued Customer and receive at least 18 exclusive discounts annually, such as pick-a-day savings or additional coupons. Stack these savings on top of your Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You Rewards points, and you’ll be able to find some great bargains.

Check for Rebates

Save even more with mail-in rebates on select items. Check your purchase for a message about potential mail-in rebates. Kohl’s rebates can save you even more money in just a few minutes. See the current list of Kohl’s rebates.

Stack Up to Four Coupon Codes Online

Kohl’s will let you use up to four coupon codes on your online order, as long as they are different types of coupons (percent off, dollar off, free shipping and Kohl’s Cash or Yes2You rewards). You can stack all four Kohl’s promo codes in one order, which can result in some major savings.

Although you may enter your promo codes in a different order, they will always be applied in the following order during checkout:

Department-specific dollar-off or percent-off promo codes will be applied to the qualifying items.
Any dollar-off coupons (such as Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You Rewards) will be subtracted from your subtotal.
One sitewide percent-off discount will be applied.

Shop Power Hours

Shop Power Hour specials (typically every second and fourth weekend of the month) to save an additional 10 percent to 25 percent both in-store and online. Night owls can shop in-store from 3 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, while early birds can hit the racks on Saturday mornings when stores open.

Price Adjustments

If the price of an item you purchased is further reduced within 14 days, bring your receipt to Kohl’s and they’ll pay you back for the difference (excluding clearance and BOGO merchandise). Head to the customer-service counter or call 855-564-5705 and request a partial refund. See Kohl’s full price-adjustment policy here.

Senior-Citizen Discounts

Wednesdays are senior days at Kohl’s. People over age 55 receive a special 15 percent discount in stores. The discount is good on regular-priced, sale and clearance merchandise, but it cannot be used in conjunction with Kohl’s Cash or other discounts. So this discount might be best to use on hot items that you want to snag before they get to the clearance rack.

Get Cash Back at Ebates

Use Ebates to earn Cash Back on your online purchases. Sign up for free, and use the Ebates portal to shop online at Kohl’s and earn a percentage of your purchase back. Ebates has Double Cash Back specials every week that feature select stores (including Kohl’s on occasion). The Ebates app also has a Mobile Monday event on select dates during which you can earn Extra Cash Back for purchases through the app. Sign up for Ebates, subscribe to Ebates emails and don’t forget to favorite Kohl’s on Ebates.com so you can always get alerts on Cash Back specials just for Kohl’s.

[table id=33 /]

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

End of Summer Sales Roundup

As fall approaches, summer sales come out to play. While the end of summer means saying goodbye to shorts and sandals, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of special offers on these styles and more. Whether you want to stock up for next year or layer some pieces for fall, you can find great savings at these stores while getting Cash Back with Ebates.

American Apparel

Up to 50% off Summer Sale
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Bonobos

40% off Summer Sale items
(Exp. 9/21/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

BookPal

Up to 50% off Summer Reading Books
(Exp. 6/04/2016)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Burlington

Up to 85% off Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/24/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

CheapOair

Summer Sale
(Exp. 9/29/2015)
Shop Deal with up to $13 Cash Back>

DNA Footwear

Up to 50% off your favorite summer shoes for Women, Men and Kids
(Exp. 7/23/2016)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Groupon

Up to 70% off Hot Deals on cool things to do this summer
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Jewelry.com

75-93% off Summer Blowout Sale
Code: BLOWOUT
(Exp. 12/31/2050)
Shop Deal with 9% Cash Back>

Lee Jeans

Up to 50% off Clearance End-of-Summer Sale
(Exp. 9/21/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Macy’s

Summer Soiree Styles
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Nicole Miller

Extra 25% off Sale items
Code: ENDOFSUMMER25
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

PacSun.com

Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Starbucks Store

End of Summer Sale
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Sur La Table

Up to 75% off Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Tilly’s

Up to 50% off Summer Sale
(Exp. 7/8/2016)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

UNIQLO

Shop specially-priced summer essentials
(Exp. 12/31/2016)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Walmart

Summer Apparel on Clearance
(Exp. 9/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.