Coupons & Promo Codes-Where Do I Find Them and How Do I Get Them?

Are you new to shopping for deals online? Do you know that online coupons are often called promo codes? Do you know how to find coupons or promo codes? You already know about paper coupons and how they work. You probably helped your grandmother clip them from the Sunday paper or her favorite magazine.

We’ll explain what a promo code is, how to find promo codes, what to look for once you find them, and how to use them to save money. Many online stores, including major retailers, offer promo codes (coupon codes) to lure shoppers. Online shopping is convenient, easy, and allows you, the savvy shopper, to compare prices and get bargains. Which means you don’t have to pay full retail when shopping online; which translates into saving money. With the current economy, what family couldn’t use a little help with discounts for back-to-school shopping, groceries, or clothing?

What is a promo code (or coupon code)?
A promo code is like a paper coupon because you get a discount when you redeem it. However, a promo code is not usually printed on paper, it’s an offer from an online merchant for a discount on their products or services. Most promo codes are words, or a combination of letters and numbers, that you enter at the time you order a product online. For instance the word “Freeship” is an example of a common promo code.

How Do I Find Promo Codes?
There are several ways to find promo codes.

• Use a search engine. Choose the words carefully that you enter into the search box. These are called ‘keywords’. Be specific! Want to buy at JC Penney? Enter the words ‘JC Penney promo code’. If you need new running shoes enter ‘promo code for running shoes.’
• Search coupon & promo code sites like SoNotRetail.com which are clearinghouses for the latest offers.
• Sign up for a your favorite e-tailer’s email newsletter. You can also search a web store’s home page  for coupon codes, or look for a their ‘special offers’ page.
• Social networking is another way to find promo codes. Ask your Facebook  friends for deals they’ve discovered.  Many web stores as well as brick and mortar stores have coupons on their Facebook pages.

What to Look for on a Promo Code
A promo code many not always offer a discount on products, but it may offer a discount on shipping or even free shipping. You will see a prominent area on the offer that tells you the discount. Be sure to check for any restrictions or limitations such as a dollar amount you must spend, an expiration date, or qualifying products.

Here are some examples of Promo Codes. The bold letters are the codes you enter at checkout:
FREE Ground Shipping On Orders of $45+ with Code: FREESHIP
Get $10 off $50 denim orders for kids: KIDDENIM
Save up to 15% OFF any Laptop, Desktop or Monitor: CJ0408$DF

How to Use a Promo Code
Promo codes (coupon codes) are typically entered during the checkout process on websites. Once you have added items to your shopping cart and are on the shipping and payment page you will typically see a box for your coupon code. Type in the code and click ‘Apply.’ Wait for the code to be processed before you continue through the checkout process. The discount will be automatically calculated.

Armed with this information you are ready to go forth and SHOP. With your new knowledge about coupon codes may you never pay full retail again!