Coupons Part Deux

I haven't been shopping much.

Why?

Set aside that I am a poor college student and add in the fact that SF is one of the most expensive areas to live in and you'll see why.

To continue on with the coupon post, I have started shopping only at Walgreen's, not just because they're close, but because they offer cutable coupons in their weekly ad. In addition, I check online through their website because I recently found out that they post coupons that can only be found online and are not available in store or through the newspaper.

Thus, by checking online I can copy, paste and minimize the size of the coupon, fitting several on a word document and printing them out myself.

For the cost of a single sheet of paper and a drop of ink I saved ten dollars today simply by printing out two coupons. Ten dollars people.

Theoretically all coupons should be accepted, and if Walgreens posts or prints one coupon, it can be accepted together with a manufacturer's coupon found in a Sunday paper.

Thus many times in addition to being on sale in store, a store coupon online and a manufacturer coupon you can save up to and sometimes more than half the items original cost.

So next time you decide to go to a store, check their website and make sure they don't offer coupons right there on the page.

Coupons.

That's right, they're not just for your grandma any more.

As a student I'm usually on a budget. But only recently have I started the Sunday morning habit of clipping coupons.

At my current weekend job we occasionally get a Sunday paper (which I don't have to pay for). I say occasionally because four times out of ten a hobo steals it before I get there.

But on the days I do get it I spend a few minutes clipping coupons and sipping hot tea. Because of this I save cash. 55 cents here, a free item worth 2.99 there. The coupons add up.

Now I intentionally do not clip coupons of things I don't regularly buy or won't use. Just because you can get a few cents to dollars off of something, it's useless to you if you won't use the item you bought.

So I only cut coupons of the brands I use and like.

Which is why I adore weeks like this when I cut out page after page of savings for the stuff I usually buy.

Yay coupons.

Wow it has been an age hasn't it?

A lot of changes have come and gone through my life, so I took a bit of a break from shopping for clothing... not so much for other kinda of shopping though;)

I am a huge fan of DVD's series sets. They're great for when you're sick, keeping you occupied and they're fun to have because then you can watch them in order.

I usually use Target/Amazon.com to keep an eye on all the series' I want to buy. Many times I've gotten DVD's for under 10 dollars, or even 75 % off of the original price, simply by checking it every couple weeks, and making an effort to pass buy the DVD sets in Target whenever I'm there.

I've saved hundreds of dollars completing my DVD collection, simply by waiting, checking the price and buying together and saving on shipping.

So when you feel like taking a day off and watching a bit of tv, make sure to check amazon and see if you can't get a great deal on a DVD set, of the very same show you're watching on tv.

So dolls, it's been awhile. I'm sorry.

Now that I'm busy on the weekends, It's tough to catch the sales.

However I must remind everyone that Consignment is your friend. Consignment is good.

I no longer buy new unless it's something that I must, because of the ick factor and because I can't find it used.

Recently my finds have been a Cole Haan purse (authentic) for 19 dollars because of a couple makeup stains inside the pocket and an Ella Moss dress for 25, brand new.

On another note I recently bought two citronella candles from Restoration Hardware. They were miss-priced and thus I got them for 75% off. I was originally only going to buy one, but after asking her if I'd get the same price for the second, I splurged.

Never be afraid to ask, for some more if they made a mistake. Sometimes legally they have to give it to you, sometimes they just don't care.

An example of this was about ten years ago when I purchased a bear at Macy's or some such alike store. It rang up as one cent due to some glitch in the computer (90's computers). A small bear with removable camo hat and jacket. For one cent.

So I bought five and gave them to people.

Never be afraid you'll make a tiny fool of yourself or be looked at strangely for getting a great deal. If nothing else you'll have a great story.

Free Makeup

I hope several of you took advantage of the free makeup at Bloomies, Saks, Nordstrom and Macy's.

If you havent recieved yours, here's the gist. Because of a settlement they have been giving one item of your choice (or whats left) to each customer who simply puts her name and signature on a list and stands in line.

I ended up getting a couple Clinique Fresh Surges, a Mascara and a Coco Chanel lotion which is a whole lotta smell in a whole little dab.

Giveaways and free, are what I live for.

30% is not enough

So, since everything is on sale nowindays I have some advice instead of sales.

The Advice:

Don't settle for 30% off. 30% is NOT enough.

I know everyone gets excited for sales, I do as well. However, the thrill of on sale sometimes overshadows that you just aren't getting that great of a deal.

You should be checking the sections in stores that you know have clearance. The very very back of the store or in jewelry, the special box. These items usually are anywhere from 50-75% off, they are the best deal in store.

To be truthful, in these economic times, 30% is just not enough.

We're learning to hold out for more. Wait for the retailers to get desperate, because they WANT to sell to you. You just have to wait until they're offering the item at something you actually want to pay.

Tools for Great Deals

One of the best tools you have for getting a great deal is your voice.

It sounds strange, but talking to someone about the price you think you should have, and sticking to it or even telling them you'd love to buy the item, just not at that price is how many people get great deals.

Several years ago at Best Buy I bought a lemon computer. For years it plagued me, and when I could finally scrap it out, the people who were working there refused to give me the computer I wanted that ran about 500 dollars less than I had originally paid for the lemon.

I originally had been told by management that I could exchange it for any computer up to the purchase price of the lemon, but when at the store I had to stick to my guns and deal with an hour long conversation of, "I want this, I won't take anything less, I was promised this, " because they decided they could only give me an outdated, exact copy of my computer... that's worth was about 700 dollars.

Well, being me, I didn't want anything like the original. So I stuck to my guns and patiently let them run around while I examined my new computer. In the end I was offered the computer I wanted just to get me out of their hair, AND I was given a copy of windows vista home in case I wanted to switch from the vista that came with the computer.

Now there's a difference between irrational screaming and demanding and patiently stating your case, sticking to your guns and waiting. Practicing the second will get you great prices, practicing the first may land you in jail.

Good luck with the great deals!