Everyone loves a good bargain, especially when it’s for something that you’ve been eyeing for a while. But how do you save money on brands that you love if you are not a first-time customer? Well, as digital marketers who have scaled several brands to 7 and 8 figures, we will give you the true secret sauce in getting the best deals. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey to smarter, more wallet-friendly shopping hacks to save money on your favorite brands.
Most brands will offer the best deal to first-time customers. So, what if this is your 10th time buying from them? Don’t worry, we got you! Simply use another email address to sign up for the deal. You can even take a step further by putting down a different phone number. Simply get a Google number which we love using as our spam/deals number. 9 times out of 10 you will get the first-time deal…again. We did it just the other day when ordering contacts!
One of the simplest shopping hacks to save money is by hitting that subscribe button on your favorite brand’s website. I know, I know, no one wants an inbox full of promotional emails. However, we like to have a dedicated “spam” email that we use so our personal email doesn’t get all cluttered. Here’s the deal: companies often send out exclusive discounts and early sale access to their email subscribers. Oftentimes, there are only brief mentions of these sales on their website, which is why we always recommend subscribing. So, go ahead, give your email a new purpose, and watch the deals roll in.
Who doesn’t love birthday surprises? Brands aren’t dumb, and they know most people will be spending money on their birthday which is why many will send you a little gift, like a discount code or even a free treat. Just make sure to actually put your birthday when signing up so you can claim those discounts and freebies.
This next strategy requires a bit of patience but can be quite effective. Simply add items to your online shopping cart, then go about your day. Most big brands have a dedicated email team and have automated actions for things such as when people abandon their cart which goes something like this:
This does take some time as some retailers wait a day and others may wait 3+ days. So just be patient as most retailers hate to see a potential sale slip through their fingers, which is why they will hook you up with a discount code to encourage you to complete the purchase. It’s like playing hard to get with your shopping cart, and sometimes, it really works.
If you shop frequently at a particular store, signing up for their loyalty program is a no-brainer. These programs are free to join and can be a goldmine of savings. You can earn points for every purchase, which can then be redeemed for discounts, products, or other perks. Plus, loyalty members often receive exclusive offers and early access to sales. Personally, we love when brands reward their customers, makes us feel appreciated!
The more you spend the more you save? What a dumb thing for a brand to ever say and you should never take their word for it. Take the time to actually look at their reward program. If you have to spend $500 buck to get a $5.00 gift or something lame like that, it’s not worth it! This ensures that you’re truly saving money and not inadvertently spending more just to earn points.
Let’s talk about timing. Most brands have regular sales cycles, and if you can wait, you can snag some serious deals. Black Friday is an obvious one, but there are tons of other events such as:
The best thing about this is that there is always a holiday right around the corner so if you miss one sale, another one won’t be too far away. Mark your calendar and get ready to pounce when the time is right.
Ever wonder why that line you were waiting to be released is already sold out? It’s because for online sales, you should start checking the website the night before. Some sales go live at midnight or early in the morning. Being one of the first to shop can ensure you get your hands on your coveted items before they sell out. Don’t make the rookie mistake of “I’ll order it when I get home from work” because we will tell you right now, you won’t.
Before you make any online purchase, take a moment to search for coupon codes. Sites like RetailMeNot or Honey can be treasure troves of promo codes. Even credit cards like Capital One have built-in searches to find the best coupon codes for you. It’s like going on a scavenger hunt, but instead of finding a hidden chest, you’re unlocking shopping hacks that save you money.
Pairing coupon codes with cashback sites can be like hitting the savings jackpot. Websites like Rakuten offer cashback for shopping through their links. It’s a few extra steps, but it can add up to significant savings and even checks in the mail.
Saving money on brands you love shouldn’t be so hard, which is why we did the digging for you. With a little strategic planning, you can enjoy your favorite products without emptying your wallet. Remember, the key is patience, timing, and a bit of savvy. So, make these strategies a part of your shopping process and you will save money on the brands you love. Save Sensei out!
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