Coupon 101 For Smart Online Shopping

Andrea Woroch stopped by to share some coupon dos and donts for the grocery store since online coupons can be used for products and services other than food like travel, financial services, taxes, babysitting, postal stamps and auto parts.

Woroch's online coupon tips included:

1. Don’t purchase anything in-store before comparing prices online.

2. Don’t buy anything without a promotional or coupon code. If you are skipping over the promotional code box, you are missing out on savings. Do a quick search for a coupon code or discount code at sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com to find a code.

3. Do Stack codes. You can use a 25% off coupon in addition to a free shipping code to really maximize savings.

4. Do stock up to increase savings. Sometimes purchasing more qualifies you for a better value coupon or free shipping.

5. Don’t marry a brand. Going off brand can result in savings.

6. Always read the fine print for any deal and/or coupons and beware of expiration dates. There may be restrictions or particular purchase order requirements to qualify for a discount.

7. Don’t pay for coupons or give out personal information. This is a sign that the website is untrustworthy. Coupons were created to save you money and shouldn’t cost anything to use. Sites like PromotionalCodes.com and CouponWinner.com are free and don’t require any sign up.

8. Some websites actually integrate coupon codes for you. MyShoes.com is a new women’s shoe search site that allows you to customize your shoe search and pulls matching results from hundreds of stores like Zappos, DSW, Macy’s, Steve Madden and more. The site then applies coupons to the final price instantly.