January 12, 2011
Looking for a warm getaway this snowy winter? News Channel's 7 On Your Side has tips on how to find the best travel deals to do so. From air fare tracking sites to online coupons, the internet is the best place to start your bargain hunt. Check sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com for savings on flights, accommodation, car rentals and much more.
-WSPA-TV CBS News Channel 7
January 10, 2011
As one the most read stories in The New York Times this week, Pratical Travel column writer, Michelle Higgins, talks about her article "11 Tricks to Cutting Travel Costs in 2011" with host, Charlie Brennan. Find out how Brennan saved $50 on a car rental by using a coupon from PromotionalCodes.com.
-KMOX AM News with Charlie Brennan
College kids have more money worries than most, especially when textbooks continue to get more expensive. That's why The Latern student reporter was pleased to talk about new websites that help students cut costs on books. For added savings, sites like PromotionalCodes.com & CouponWinner.com offer online coupons for added savings on college textbooks.
-The Latern, Ohio State University student paper
January 4, 2011
Trying to cut down on travel costs, but not sure how or where to start? Look no further: New York Times Practical Traveler has 11 tricks to trim travel expenses and one of thes tips includes searching for online coupons and promotional codes. Suggested sites to search are PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com which organize such codes into categories so that you can search specifically for airline, car rental or hotel deals.
-New York Times
Use our facts, tips, supporting quotes & research in your story or article:
Trim the “Fat” from Your Spending Waistline
It’s 2011 and a fresh start to a new year. But if you still haven’t committed to a resolution, you should consider a diet. A spending diet that is.
From breaking down your bad buying behaviors to cutting down on unnecessary purchases, there are plenty ways to shape up your shopping strategy. The best part about this type of diet is that you can still enjoy a bowl of double fudge ice-cream without feeling like a failure. The only catch; make sure you use a coupon to buy it!
Consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, shares simple tips to turn everyday consumers into savvy shoppers and help everyone get in tip-top spending shape.
1. Track spending habits & determine areas where you can cut the “fat” from your spending diet like daily $4 lattes and you could save up to $1,460 a year! That’s enough for a beach getaway.
2. Challenge yourself to “no-spend” weeks once a month and you’ll quickly realize what you can live without.
3. Research and compare prices. The most important weapon in your shopping arsenal is knowing how much a product costs before shopping around. This way you’ll be able to spot the good deals since there are plenty of misleading promotions.
4. Use online coupons. When you come to a retailer’s check out page, don’t ignore the coupon code box. A quick search can save you big. There are plenty of online coupon aggregator sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com which organize coupons and promo codes by category & store name.
5. Buy discounted gift cards. Sites like PlasticJungle.com offer great values like $50 Zappos Gift Card for just $42 or $1,000 Macy’s Gift Card for just $860.
6. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and always ask the store for any available coupons. Online shoppers can call the customer service hotline or ask via a live chat with customer service.
7. Beware of shipping and handling fees. Retailers make up for “low” prices by adding on the shipping fees, so be sure you get the best deal by watching out for extra charges. Search FreeShippingCoupons.com for free overnight, two-day and priority shipping deals.
8. Above all, surf safely. Always shop from a secure network (look for the “s” in https and a lock pad icon to ensure a site is secure) and use the same credit card for online purchases so you can easily detect any fraudulent purchases.
There’s no better time to take control of your spending, so shape up or be prepared to dish out.
To book an in-studio, satellite or skype broadcast interview with consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, please call (805) 883-1000 x111 or email Andrea[dot]Woroch[at]SurfMyAds[dot]com.
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Get Your Gift Card to Give More
From email to text messages, Facebook posts, personal photos and Gingerbread-scents, holiday gift cards and e-gift certificates were a fun and virtually easy present to give this holiday season. And for those who were on the receiving end, you might be giddy with excitement dreaming about the items you can now purchase. But before you head to the store, there are several things to consider: spending a gift card just to spend it isn’t a smart way to shop. With a plan and path, you can actually stretch the value of your gift certificate and buy more than what the card is worth.
1. Read the fine print. Understand the card’s policies, including any fees or expiration dates and protect it like you would cash since most stores don’t offer refunds for lost or stolen cards. It’s wise to keep the receipt too so you can prove the card’s original balance.
2. Redeem gift certificates wisely and plan out your purchase. Many people are quick to spend the entire gift card at once because they see it as money to spend, but this is a wasteful way to shop so be mindful of what you buy and the gift card can be a gift that keeps giving back.
3. Save big during post-holiday and end of season sales. Shop after the holidays to find big discounts on apparel, holiday decorations and electronics. Otherwise, wait for sales: January is a prime time to buy new TVs since retailers offer price cuts in time for Super Bowl and also a great time to find cheaper fitness products and gear during New Year sales. Holiday sales like President’s Day offer deep discounts on big ticket items and, likewise, end-of-season sales offer extra savings on seasonal apparel and merchandise.
4. Use online coupons to maximize savings. Aggregator sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer thousands of online coupons and promotional codes for over 11,000 retailers like $7 off $70 at Target and $5 off $50 at Sears. FreeShippingCoupons.com organizes thousands of free overnight, two-day and priority shipping codes for brands like Verizon, DELL & JCPenney. You can apply these coupons to sale or clearance items to stretch your savings even further.
5. Re-gift gift cards for upcoming celebrations. Look ahead in 2011 for special events you have coming up to plan for those purchases smartly. You could potentially re-gift a gift certificate or use the funds to buy an appropriate present.
6. Trade or sell unwanted gift certificates and cards for cash. Sites like Plastic Jungle buy unwanted gift cards at a discount depending on how popular the issuers are. It currently pays $92 for a $100 gift card from Target but only $70 for a $100 card from Baja Fresh. It also sells discounted gift cards so a $100 Target card can be bought for $97.
7. Don’t forget about your gift card! According to a recent survey, 27 percent of people have not redeemed gift cards from 2009 holiday season. A site called ScripSmart.com allows people to sign up and enter their gift card information. It then sends reminders about expiration dates or alerts if the retailer is showing signs of going bankrupt.
Budget Buyer's Guide: Electronics
TVs, laptops and cell phones are just a few of the popular (and pricey) gadgets that top the wish lists of many Americans over the holidays. Lucky for gift-givers, there are plenty of ways to save on electronics. The key to saving is knowing where, when and how to shop for tech toys.
Take a cue from consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, who shares her budget-friendly shopping tips for buying electronics:
1. Research prices. Knowing how much the gadget on your wish list costs is the most important element in saving money. Not only will you be ready to take advantage of a really great deal when you see them but you’ll also be able to stay away from any misleading promotions. So find out how much the electronic actually costs before comparing prices.
2. Shop online. The internet makes it easy to compare prices between stores, gives you access to electronic reviews and gives you time to make smart buying decisions.
3. Consider older models. When it comes to electronics, an older model doesn’t mean it’s outdated. Since technology is constantly advancing, brands are quick to introduce updated, new models of their popular electronic. The upgrades on these new models though are usually minimal, so you can save money by looking for last-year’s models that are likely to be deeply discounted this time of year.
4. Opt for refurbished items. In the same way you can find a great deal on a used but like-new car, the same goes for refurbished electronics like TVs, cameras and laptops. Retailers like Apple, CowBoom.com, TigerDirect & AT&T sell “pre-owned” gadgets at significantly reduced prices. For example, the new iPod Nano 8GB runs for approximately $149 while the older, refurbished model sells for only $99.
5. Use online coupons. Before you check out, search for an online coupon or promotional code. Sites like www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com and www.Promocodes.com offer thousands of exclusive coupon codes for electronics. Many times you can “stack” or apply these codes on discounted gadgets, whether new, old or refurbished, to maximize savings. Don’t pay for shipping either; www.Freeshippingcoupons.com organizes free overnight, two-day & priority shipping coupons from brands like Verizon, DELL & JCPenney.
6. Don’t marry a brand. Going off brand can result in major savings, so consider your options and always compare products and prices when looking for a brand that fits within your budget.
7. Be social. Connect with retailers on Facebook and Twitter to find out if they are offering any exclusive deals to their social media fan base. Follow your favorite coupon sites to get immediate updates on new offers and exclusive coupons which populate your newsfeed for quick and easy browsing. For instance, follow @FreeShipCoupons to get the latest free shipping coupons.
8. Negotiate! Don’t be afraid to ask the salesclerk for a lower price or a free additional product like a complimentary camera case with a new digital camera purchase. Also make sure to check the competition since most stores price match. Online shoppers can call customer service or chat with the live customer service rep in this case. You might just score an exclusive coupon or free shipping too.
Andrea Woroch is a consumer savings expert who has shared her savvy shopping tips with media across the country including ABC News NOW, NBC Nightly News, FOX Good Day Chicago, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, SmartMoney.com and many others. See her recent interview with NBC 4 Weekend Today in New York - NBC 4 Weekend Today in New York - http://www.youtube.com/user/SurfMyAdsInc#p/u/0/A1-8zjqi63c
To book an interview with consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch, please call (805) 883-1000 x111 or email at Andrea.Woroch@SurfMyAds.com.
6 Simple Ways to Go Green & Save Money
Being green doesn’t only save the planet - - it saves cash too. In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the experts at PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com have put together a list of six simple ways consumers can be environmentally-friendly while containing costs.
Get on the way to being green and frugal with these easy tips:
1. Skip the plastic. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, over 500 billion plastic bags are consumed each year and millions end up in litter streams. Stop the litter and use re-usable bags for which stores may award five cent credit toward the purchase as well.
2. Shop online. Carnegie Mellon University's Green Design Institute found that internet shopping consumes less energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent. Consumers will also save time and cash on gas and parking costs spent on a trip to the mall.
3. Use virtual coupons. Sites like PromotionalCodes.com, CouponWinner.com and PromoCodes.com offer thousands of environmentally-friendly online coupons and promotional codes for over 9,000 retailers. These sites also feature Earth Day coupons for discounts on eco-conscious products and services, making it easy to be a green bargain shopper.
4. Raise the air conditioner thermostat. Households will save up to three percent per month in energy costs for every degree above 72°F. Open windows for a breezy cooling system and let sunlight brighten up the home.
5. Think before wrapping. Be creative and use newspaper, take out menus, old calendars and wall paper to wrap gifts. Not only is this a great way to recycle, but consumers will save cash on wrapping paper which tends to be expensive.
6. Take advantage of online bill-paying to conserve natural resources, avoid late fees and save money on stamps. Paperless billing saves trees and eliminates fossil fuel used to send envelopes so it’s an easy and smart way to start going green.
Using eco-friendly products that boast natural and organic ingredients is another way for consumers to go green. Hundreds of retailers offer environmentally-friendly alternatives these days. PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com help consumers find these retailers by organizing categories dedicated to Earth Day coupons and codes. Simply click on the Earth Day codes link on the homepage or type “Earth Day” in the search bar for an endless list of green deals.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Andrea Woroch PR and Communication Specialist SurfMyAds.com Direct: 805.883.1000 ext.111 Email: Andrea.Woroch@SurfMyAds.com
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with over 9,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com established the popular discount coupon site, CouponWinner.com, and runs two international websites - a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk and the newly launched Canadian-based discount retail site http://CA.PromotionalCodes.com. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Frugal Solutions for New Year Resolutions
Whether resolving to lose weight, fall in love or get out of debt, creating the “new you” this New Year does not have to be a pricey ambition. Surf for savings at websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, which offer thousands of promotional codes for discounts on diet and weight loss programs, online dating, financial services, educational products and more.
“It seems that more people are searching the internet for savings on products and services related to New Year resolutions like diet, fitness, financial services and more,” says Lenka Keston, senior product manager of PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com. “In January 2009, our sites experienced a significant increase of traffic to the New Year’s resolution page and CouponWinner.com, specifically, saw an increase of over 172 percent of users looking for diet coupons in this same month.”
PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com make it easy and cheap to stick to a resolution this year. Simply click on the New Year Resolution link on the homepage for an endless list of promotional codes for products and services that promise a happy and healthy New Year.
Check out these top New Year resolutions with discounts and coupons for savings:
1. Lose Weight. Save 35% off Weight Watchers, 10% off plus free shipping for NutriSystem and 25% off eDiets.com.
2. Fall in Love. Singles looking for love in all the wrong places will enjoy 20% off eHarmony online dating subscriptions or get two months for the price of one at PerfectMatch.com.
3. Get Fit. Enjoy $0 Initiation Fee and $29.99 Monthly Gym Membership at 24HourFitness or save $1000 off Fitness LS9.9T Treadmill from Livestrong.
4. Get Organized. Receive 20% off at GetOrganized.com or 40% off calendars at Office Depot.
5. Discover New Hobbies or New Sports. Save 15% off orders at Pro Golf, 15% off orders over $75 at Models or 15% off plus free shipping on collector coins at Morgan Mint.
6. Get Out of Debt and Into Financial Health. Receive 26% off credit reports from myFico.com or a free 30-day trial of personal online budgeting system from Mvelopes Personal. Avoid late-filing fees this tax season and get ahead of the game with savings of 15% off H&R Block at Home and 10% off Turbo Tax.
7. Learn Something New and Read More. Get 30% off self improvement books, audios and videos at Hay House, save 20% off orders at Transparent Language or get a free shipping code at Barnes and Noble.
8. Be Healthier. Revitalize your system with health products and save 15% off orders of $125 at GNC and $50 off $275 at Medifast.
9. Travel More. Get $200 credit from Expedia.com, $100 off five night flight plus hotel package at Travelocity.com or save $200 off Aruba Vacations from United Vacations.
10. Quit Smoking. Save 50% off the Final Smoke Deluxe System or get a free shipping code on electronic cigarettes, a healthier alternative from LUCI. Visit PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com to get on your way to a happier and healthier New Year.
Thrifty Travel Tips for Bargain Holiday Fare
Whether flying home or planning a vacation to celebrate the holidays, don’t surrender to peak season prices. With a few frugal tips provided by online shopping expert, Andrea Woroch, even the most inexperienced bargain hunter will score a deal during the most expensive travel season.
• Don’t procrastinate. Make travel arrangements once plans are set in place to secure the best price. This is especially important when booking a flight because airlines have cut back seats this year, so last-minute deals are not likely to pop-up.
• Travel on off-peak days. Depending on the day of the week, there may be dramatic price differences for flights. Airlines price seats according to these peak travel days so avoid flying on Fridays, Sundays or holidays.
• Don’t stop at non-stop. To get where you are going cheaply, be prepared to take a connecting flight. Non-stop flights are usually more expensive due to premiums and higher demand.
• Don’t marry a brand. Compare rates among airlines, hotels and car rental companies and between discount travel sites to find the best price. Travelocity and Expedia are two websites that offer discounted prices for various companies so users can easily compare rates. Find Travelocity promotional codes or an Expedia coupon code at PromotionalCodes.com for further savings.
• Redeem coupons and codes for deeper discounts. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer thousands of coupons and promotional codes. Search by company or category like flights, hotel accommodation, cruises, luggage needs, theme parks, top vacations and more to score the best deals.
• Reveal the “Top Secret Hotel” – Travelocity.com offers a unique hotel booking option. Enter the desired location then review the incredibly low prices – many options up to 45 percent off. Select the price point and luxury level that suits your needs and book the stay. The only catch is that the name of the hotel is not revealed until after payment is verified – a secret that most people are excited to uncover.
• Travel light. From checked bag fees to overweight charges, travelers could end up spending hundreds before a trip takes off. Limit what you are packing and leave room for the return trip for gifts and souvenirs. If you are planning to fly with presents, reconsider shipping gifts directly to the recipient or to the ultimate destination. This can be done easily when shopping online.
• Revel in a road trip full of memories. Depending on distance and number of passengers, driving could be a less expensive than flying. Families will save on multiple airline tickets while friends share costs on gas, food and/or hotel.
• Be flexible and do the research. From travel dates to destinations and means of transportation, flexibility provides more options and cheaper choices. Certain countries may experience a slow season during our peak holidays, which could mean discounts on flights, hotels and attractions.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping - What's Hot and What's Not
Long lines, congested stores and sold out items are so last season. This year, discover Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals with a simple click of the mouse and score holiday savings online. As the two most popular holiday shopping days, retailers will offer the lowest prices of the year online during Black Friday, November 27 and Cyber Monday, November 30. PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com will feature specific pages dedicated to these offers with special coupons and exclusive codes to help shoppers find the best deals quickly and easily.
Get ready to hit the web for holiday savings and find out why this season, online shopping is hot and in-store shopping is not.
ONLINE SHOPPING IS HOT
- Shop at the time that’s most convenient for you, whether it be late at night, while the kids sleep or from the office.
- Save time comparing prices and products on the computer.
- Score deeper discounts with online coupons and promotional codes from websites like www.PromotionalCodes.com, & www.CouponWinner.com.
- Go green! Carnegie Mellon University's Green Design Institute found that shopping online consumes less energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 35 percent.
- Retailers have more flexibility to drop prices and offer last-minute deals online than in-store.
- Avoid lugging gifts around town or on flights. Order online, use a free shipping codes and ship directly to the recipient. You may choose to have the present gift-wrapped for a special holiday touch as well.
- Enjoy a relaxing day after Thanksgiving with family and friends while you score savings on the web.
IN-STORE SHOPPING IS NOT
- Lack of beauty sleep. Most stores begin Black Friday sales as early as 1 or 2am and that means missing out on much needed Z’s.
- Sold out items. Consumers are looking for the same deals so popular items have the potential of selling out quickly.
- Late-November weather in most cities can be unpredictable and shopping in rain, snow, and/or sleet is not a fun adventure.
- Large groups of people plus congested stores put you at high risk for the h1n1 Swine Flu and other viruses during the cold and flu season.
- Car accidents are reported to be at an alarmingly high-rate on Black Friday.
- Trampling crowds and frantic shoppers - many serious and fatal accidents have occurred during this shopping frenzy.
- Time is money and running from store to store may burn calories, but is not a productive shopping strategy.
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with over 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com established the popular discount coupon site, CouponWinner.com, and runs two international websites - a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk and the newly launched Canadian-based discount retail site http://CA.PromotionalCodes.com. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Top 10 Holiday Shopping Tips
TOP 10 HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS
‘Tis the season for shopping and spending. From gifts to travel expenses, party supplies, decorations and more, holiday costs quickly add up. Beat the frenzy and avoid over spending with smart holiday shopping tips from online coupon expert, Andrea Woroch.
1. Create a budget. Understanding your finances before the season takes off will leading to smart spending. Create a financial plan and allocate funds for certain items. Keep receipts, balance your check book and verify bank statements to maintain a holiday budget.
2. Make a list and check it twice. Shopping for gifts can be a time consuming and stressful task, but a little organization can go a long way. Plan ahead and organize a list of people you plan to give a present to along with possible gift ideas. This will help you map out shopping strategies, create a shopping timeline and serve as a check list so you don’t forget someone special.
3. Compare prices. Found the perfect gift but at a pricey fee? Don’t splurge before comparing prices among retailers. You might find a better value through a special promotion, or simply a better price, at another store.
4. Don’t be brand-bias. If you have a particular brand in mind for a particular product, then you might be stuck with an expensive price. In many circumstances, going off-brand may result in major savings. Read product reviews or seek guidance from retail experts to find a brand or product of equal or higher quality at a more affordable cost.
5. Save time online. Don’t waste hours running from store to store in an endless search for the perfect gift – at the perfect price. Instead, look for gifts from the convenience of your own home and at the time that’s best for you by shopping online. The internet makes it easy to compare products and prices with just the click of the mouse while avoiding overcrowded parking lots, long lines, swarming crowds and sold out items.
6. Use online coupons. Found a gift at a suitable price? Don’t stop there. Get an even better deal by using online coupons and promotional codes. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes for over 8,000 leading retailers. You can compare coupons for different stores to find the best deal for any purchase. For those who still dare to go in-store, printable coupons are also available.
7. Score free shipping. Many consumers avoid shopping online due to added shipping costs. However, many retailers offer free shipping based on the value and size of an order. If free shipping isn’t offered, don’t give-up. Websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com offer free shipping coupons for thousands of retailers – http://www.promotionalcodes.com/free-shipping-promotional-codes.aspx
8. Stack coupons. Combine coupons and promotional codes to get the best value on any purchase. Use a promotional code for free shipping in conjunction with a coupon for money off a product or service to maximize savings. Better yet, apply a coupon to a sale or clearance item to get the best price.
9. Send gifts direct. Avoid lugging gifts from door to door or paying airline fees for oversized bags stuffed with presents. Instead, send gifts directly to the recipient. Many stores offer a gift wrapping option too and will allow you to enter a personalized message.
10. Gift cards are easy to find and easy to give. With the variety of stores offering gift cards these days, you never have to worry about finding the “perfect” gift for anyone on your list. Procrastinators and last-minute shoppers will rejoice knowing that many stores give you the option of emailing the certificate directly to the recipient’s inbox, or allow you to print the gift card at home for an instant gift solution! Use CouponWinner.com’s easy-to-search gift card finder: http://couponwinner.com/CategoryCoupons.aspx?CID=76
Pink Coupons That Care; Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness
This October, discover the value of pink coupons and join the fight against breast cancer online. In tough times like these, giving money to a favorite charity may not be an option. However, consumers can support a cause near and dear to the heart while spending on necessities. Various retailers offer to contribute a portion of proceeds to a charitable organization – making it easier to help the community. Breast Cancer Awareness is an especially significant cause that many brands choose to fund. Throughout the month of October, consumers can find retailers and limited-edition pink products that support breast cancer research.
To maximize these give-back purchases, consumers should shop online at websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, which are now offering online coupons and promotional codes for savings on items that benefit research foundations.
Pick your favorite pink coupon and support the fight against breast cancer:
DELL “Pink Promise PCs” – Get an additional 5% off Dell’s limited-edition Promise Pink PCs which benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
My Pink & White M&Ms – Get 12 percent off an order of personalized dark pink and white M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candies while spreading hope. 10 percent of proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Finish Line – Enjoy $10 off an order of $60 or more in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
RedEnvelope “Pink Ribbon Collection” – 10 percent of proceeds made on the Pink Ribbon Collection will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
SwimsuitsforAll.com – Find a swimsuit that suits you and supports breast cancer awareness. 12 percent of all purchases will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.
Disclaimer: This article and its contents are property of PromotionalCodes.com. To use the article itself, or any information contained within it, please identify its source as PromotionalCodes.com.
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with nearly 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com features additional savings on leading brands offered through CouponWinner.com and runs a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Spook-Tacular Savings on Halloween Essentials
If ghosts and goblins don’t scare consumers, the hauntingly high prices of Halloween merchandise will. Reported as the third most expensive holiday of the year, Americans spend frightful amounts on this celebration and to help consumers save, PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com are offering thousands of online coupons and promotional codes for discounted prices on Halloween must-haves like costumes, cosmetics, candy, decorations, party favors and more.
“Halloween shouldn’t be a stressful time of year,” says Lenka Keston, senior product manager for SurfMyAds.com. “By shopping at PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com, consumers can find huge savings at top Halloween retailers like BuyCostumes.com, Celebrate Express, Walmart, Toys R Us, Target and more, making it easier than ever to stick to a budget and simply have fun.”
Check out some of these online coupons and promotional codes to start saving:
Costume Express – Find complete costumes and accessories with savings of 15% on entire orders
BuyCostumes.com – Save $10 to $20 off costumes, accessories and more
Celebrate Express – Host a ghostly bash to remember with savings up to 80% off party supplies
Vogue Wigs – Add the final touch to any costume with a colorful hairdo and receive 5% off wigs
This year, don’t get tricked out of funds. Skip crowded stores and scary lines by shopping for holiday essentials at PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
PromotionalCodes.com, a project of SurfMyAds.com, Inc., is an online shopping website that works with over 8,000 retailers and provides thousands of free online coupons and promotional codes from top brand-names like Macy’s, Target, Home Depot, Travelocity, Dell and more. SurfMyAds.com Inc., developed by a team of young professionals in 2006 in Santa Barbara, CA, specializes in creating high-level web based projects. In addition to PromotionalCodes.com, SurfMyAds.com features additional savings on leading brands offered through CouponWinner.com and runs a UK-based discount shopping site, www.Codes.co.uk. For more information, visit www.PromotionalCodes.com, www.CouponWinner.com or www.SurfMyAds.com.
Shop, Save, Share, and Give
In tough times like these supporting your favorite charity may not be a top priority, but finding deals and discounts on items you need is. With a little research, it’s possible to find retailers that promise to donate a portion of your purchase to a charitable organization so that you can feel good about spending. But to feel even better, start shopping online at websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com to find free, online coupons and promotional codes on brands that contribute a share of your sale to a nonprofit organization so you save money while giving back to the community.
Saving money while helping others is easy with a couple of clicks. Check out some of these online offers:
• Send a gift that tastes good and does good! Receive 10% savings on gourmet gift cakes from Bake Me A Wish! and be pleased knowing that a portion of the sale will go to donating birthday cakes to soldiers stationed overseas.
• Get 5% off an order of Organic Bouquet’s charitable flowers and giveback to one of your favorite organizations. 5% of your purchase will be donated through the company’s Flowers for Good™ program.
• Receive 25% off L'Oreal Preference Hair Color at Walgreens and help the Ovarian Cancer Fund. $1 of your purchase will automatically go to the organization.
• Give the gift of wine with this CouponWinner.com exclusive. Receive 15% off all purchases at Event Wines and give back to your favorite athlete’s charity of choice. Once you order through Charity Wine, a program comprised of limited edition bottles featuring images of celebrity athletes like Manny Ramirez, Curt Shilling and Tim Wakefield, 5% of the proceeds will be donated to the athlete’s preferred organization.
Don’t let time or money come in the way of helping others. With just the click of the mouse, you can contribute to a charity near and dear to your heart while shopping smart.
Coupon Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re new to the online coupon game you can certainly benefit from these helpful tips provided by online savings expert, Alexis Caldwell. Even seasoned online shoppers can learn from these insider insights.
DO’s
- Do shop online to find the best prices.
- Do compare prices between stores and brands before making purchases.
- Do find a promotional code or discount offer before purchasing anything online.
- Do research prices promotional codes at sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
- Do stack coupons when possible. Sometimes you can apply several offers to the same purchase and save even more. For example,a coupon for 25% off can be used in conjunction with a free shipping coupon to maximize savings on the same purchase.
- Do stock up on certain items to increase your savings. Purchasing more can sometimes qualify your order for a better value coupon.
Don’ts
- Don’t purchase anything without entering a promotional code. If there is a box for a code, then you can likely find one on websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com.
- Don’t make in-store purchases before comparing prices online. You can often find better prices online and many sites offer promotional codes for free shipping.
- Don’t stick to a certain brand. Going off-brand can mean saving.
- Don’t forget to read the fine print on coupons. Expiration dates, minimum order size and certain exclusions may effect how you use the promotional codes.
- Don’t give out personal information to get coupons. Sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com give users the option of entering an e-mail address in order to receive newsletters, but do not require it to access coupons.
- Don’t pay for coupons. This is a sign that a website is untrustworthy. Promotional codes are provided by retailers to shoppers for FREE.
www.PromotionalCodes.com SurfMyAds.com, Inc. http://www.SurfMyAds.com Phone: 805.883.1000 | Fax: 805.883.1002 Email: PRPC@SurfMyAds.com
Recession Retail: “Deals” Shoppers Should Watch (and Watch out) for
It's a recession and retailers have to come up with new, effective sales strategies if they want to stay in business. The million dollar question is: how do you get financially stressed consumers to consume? New marketing tactics entice shoppers with promises of sales, exclusive offers and improved values. But which offers should shoppers take advantage of and which should they let pass by?
For the most part, there’s no easy formula for shoppers to abide by, but it never hurts to put a little more thought into these popularly marketed strategies.
1. Customer Loyalty Programs. Loyalty is a big factor in the success of many retailers, especially higher-end ones. Some customer loyalty programs like Sephora’s “Beauty Insider” card offer customers a free gift every time they spend a certain amount of money. Other reward cards shower customers with exclusive deals and discounts, or even special holiday or birthday savings. While rewards are great, if you know you could find cheaper products at other stores don’t hesitate ditch brand loyalty and shop around. Comparing prices is easy on the web.
2. “Buy more, save more” deals. Victoria’s Secret has been using this one for years; offering shoppers 1 pair of underwear for $10, or 3 pairs for $25. Here it is important to do the math. The bundle is enticing because you pay less for each item, a couple dollars less in this example. However, if you really only need one of something, then why pay $15 extra for 3? Some of these offers certainly are a good investment, but with others you just end up spending more money for items you didn’t need in the first place. Now if you can find a couple friends to go in on the deal with you then that’s another story.
3. Free shipping offers are increasing as online companies try to compete with brick and mortar businesses. Pretty much every retailer has free shipping coupons out there, often at free coupon websites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com. Some retailers like Amazon.com often offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount of money. Take advantage of these when possible, but make sure you don’t end up spending extra money just to get free shipping.
4. Coupons and money saving promotional codes are great advertisements for merchants and an easy way for shoppers to save money. These deals are easy to find at free coupon sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com. Many online shoppers never pay full price thanks to promotional codes. Retail websites also send out e-mailed newsletters to publicize current and upcoming deals. Try not to sign up for too many of these though as they can really jam your inbox.
5. “One day only”, or “While supplies last” deals. Sometimes these really are great deals, but shoppers should be sure to check on return policies and compare prices before making an impulse purchase. These types of deals are especially popular with airlines and online discount travel companies. If you see what you think is a once in a lifetime deal, and you have the money, then take it. For the most part though, it’s best to avoid spur of the moment spending. Curb unnecessary impulse buys by imposing a waiting period before buying. When shopping online, bookmark the item you like and look at it a couple times a day, if you still want it by the end of the week, then purchase.
All retailers are trying to boost sales by marketing their products as unique, new, environmentally friendly, cheap, necessary or a just an all-around, great value. The best way to avoid being pressured into making purchases you’ll regret is to carefully weigh cost versus benefit each time you make a purchase. Don’t be enticed by flashing 50% off signs if you really don’t want a flat screen TV anyway; but don’t shy away from taking advantage of great deals on items you really do want.
No way! There’s a Coupon for that?
Experienced online shoppers know to look for promotional codes and coupons for major retailers like Target, Macy’s and JC Penny. But truly savvy shoppers know that saving doesn’t have to end there. If you know where to look, you can avoid paying full price on just about anything.
In just 10 minutes on free coupon site, PromotionalCodes.com I found 10 coupons for services and products that I never thought would offer coupons. Read on for unexpected deals you won’t want to miss out on.
1. Babysitting services, tutors, pet sitters and care givers are easy to find at websites like Care.com. The site screens applicants and posts local listings, making finding the perfect caregiver easy.
2. Identity protection is something that everyone needs, but no one wants to pay for. At least with these discounts you can pay a bit less, and rest a little easier too.
3. Educational services is probably not an oft clicked on category; but it contains a lot of useful discounts, including ones for advanced writing software, resume advice and $20 off law school essay editing. You can even find discounts for online courses and certification programs.
4. Newspaper and magazine subscriptions; discounts are available for popular publications like USA Today, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.
5. Concert and Event Tickets. Before checking out at TicketMaster, check for deals and promotional codes that will save you money to popular concerts and events all across the US.
6. Restaurants. Coupons for Restaurant.com allow you to buy their already discounted gift certificates for even cheaper. Now you can eat out and not feel guilty.
7. Gift baskets and flower delivery. Same day delivery and customizable packages make thoughtful presents convenient for anyone to send, and now you don’t even have to pay full price.
8. Postal Stamps. Ordering stamps online certainly beats standing in line at the post office. And with discounts and free shipping coupons there’s no reason not to.
9. Weight loss programs and diet delivery systems, now your wallet doesn’t have to get thinner just because you want to.
10. Groceries, that’s right there are even printable coupons for grocery store merchandise. Coupon cutting has never been easier. Now that was a productive 10 minutes.
Taxes Made Easy: e-File Today!
Tax season is getting off to a roaring start. With the slump of the economy hurting Americans’ wallets, many are filing early and electronically in order to receive returns sooner and save on tax professional fees.
According to the I.R.S. about 90 million people chose to file their taxes electronically last year. That’s over half of taxpayers—and early numbers from this season suggest that many more will turn to their computers when filing this year.
And who can blame them? The advantages of e-filing are multiple: First of all, those who file electronically will be playing an important role in “greening-up” the tax process by saving paper. Just think of how many trees could be saved if everyone e-filed. Second, e-filers will receive their returns much sooner than those who use paper filing. E-filers can even request their returns via direct deposit; which can take as little as 8 days. In contrast, paper-filers normally wait weeks to receive returns. And of course with the convenience of e-filing, Americans can do their taxes wherever and whenever they like; as long as there’s a computer nearby.
Luckily, for those of us who just learned what a W-2 is, filing taxes online doesn’t mean filing them alone. There are tons of software programs and online downloads that can make the process much easier (without adding extreme costs). And people are saving even more money on filing this year by using e-coupons when purchasing tax software. Jon Conlon, a consumer specialist for the popular discount shopping website, PromotionalCodes.com, says he expects tax software to account for a significant portion of the company’s Q1 overall revenue.
“When comparing this January’s sales to those of 2008, we found promotional code use for H & R Block’s Tax Cut http://www.hrblock.com/taxes/products/software/index.html increased by over 100%. Likewise, use of Intuit’s Turbo Tax www.turbotax.com coupons rose more than 1,000% from last year” Conlon says. Coupons for both programs (and others) are still available on the site.
Of course which program tax-payers choose depends on how much guidance they desire. Most tax programs offer several different versions ranging from basic to deluxe to premier. Usually programs can be downloaded from the site to a computer desktop, or ordered as software on CDs. Some websites (including Turbo Tax and Tax Cut) allow the customer to prepare and file completely online without downloading anything – this option is often cheaper. Many programs include complimentary sessions with tax advisors and some allow users to file multiple returns. Those who choose the more extensive packages, like Turbo Tax Deluxe, will find the program really does act like their very own personal tax professional.
Keep in mind, many tax programs such as Turbo Tax, TaxSimple, eSmartTax, and TaxAct.com offer free federal returns with electronic filing.
With so many options it may be hard to choose which online system to use. Consumers should shop around to find one that fits their guidance needs and budget. Reading previous customers’ testimonials can be helpful. Also be sure the site is a reputable one that can be trusted with personal information.
Look to the I.R.S.’ webpage for more tips on e-filing. Also, see if you are eligible to e-file your federal taxes for free by visiting this link, or one of the companies listed above:
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html
www.PromotionalCodes.com SurfMyAds.com, Inc. http://www.SurfMyAds.com Phone: 805.883.1000 | Fax: 805.883.1002 Email: Andrea.Woroch@SurfMyAds.com
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