Sometimes I find that stacking deals is the best way to receive more of a bang for my buck.
What is discount stacking? Stacking is a couponing trend where multiple coupons are used in one purchase. A stacked discount could include a manufacturer coupon, a retailer coupon, or a free shipping code, in conjunction with a rebate from the online store, manufacturer or credit card. With a little effort, and a stacking strategy, discounts could include free items and even cash back into your pocket.
The best thing to do before you begin your stacking strategy is find out what retailers accept multiple coupons per transaction. Some specifically point out coupon limits as a policy, while others include limitations in the fine print of promotional materials and circulars. Several sites have begun compiling lists of retailer policies as a convenience, but always double check with your favorite stores.
With retailer knowledge in-hand, now you can begin stacking. Here is a deal I used the other day.
I receive Groupon and Living Social daily deals via email, and Groupon had a double special the other day. For my first Groupon coupon purchase, they were offering an additional $10 off coupon. I decided to purchase one for Nordstrom Rack, the discounted Nordstrom store. A coupon for $50 only cost me $25 towards my purchase at Nordstrom Rack, and with my additional $10 in Groupon bucks, the coupon only cost me $15 for a $50 purchase.
I decided to shop online, and went to Nordstrom through my eBates account. eBates is a cash back site that pays you a percentage back of your transaction. With over 150 stores, when shopping online, check out eBates. They pay cash quarterly. Nordstrom is worth 5% cash back.
I receive Nordstrom emails and there was a window of three days that were offering an additional 15% off a total purchase, so I decided to shop the Web site on one of the days. The Nordstrom Web site was also having a special that with any $50 purchase, a $10 gift card was issued for future purchase.
I found a $79 button up shirt, marked down to $59 with the Nordstrom Rack discount. With the additional 15% off, the shirt’s cost went down to $50.15. With my $50 coupon (that I bought for $15), I purchased the shirt for the remaining balance of $0.15, and although I couldn’t find a free shipping code, they did deliver it to a Nordstrom store and I picked up for free. When I picked up my shirt, I received the $10 gift card towards a future purchase. As well, my eBates account was credited with $2.50 for my purchase.
At the end of the day, I only paid $2.50 for a regularly priced $79 button up shirt from Nordstrom.
Not too shabby.