1) Coupon sites – there has been a recent increase in the number of sites devoted solely to the distribution of various coupon codes. These sites often obtain their profit through affiliate marketing. Whenever a person uses a code from that site to make a purchase, the site gets paid.
2) Communities – certain communities also revolve around the concept of sharing information that would make their lives a lot easier. Coupon codes are such information. In such communities, it is expected that you would contribute your own sources of coupon codes.
3) Promotional e-mail –if you frequently make purchases from Amazon.com, you might receive some emails detailing new products and some promos. These emails may contain one or two coupon codes that you can use to reduce your expenses.
There are other sources of codes. However, these sources are not the main focus of this article. What we are concerned about is the use of such codes. How exactly do you make sure that you obtain the maximum savings?
A) Divide your purchases – in most transactions, it is often impossible to make use of two or more coupons. If the coupon codes you have are for specific items, it might be more feasible to divide your purchases and check them out separately. This would allow you maximum savings. You might take a really long time to check out your purchases, however.
B) Save coupons – it is often inadvisable to make use of your coupon codes immediately. If the coupons are for very specific items, it might be better to keep those coupons until you actually need to buy the books in question. However, you should never throw coupons away. Doing so would be a great waste of cash. Save the codes until you can use them.
C) Choose codes wisely – if the coupon codes in question are for all purchases, then you might want to start thinking in terms of percentages and savings. Will you use the $2.5 off coupon or would you use the 10% off coupon? This depends on the total price of your purchases. Always make sure that you get as much value as you can out of the coupon.
D) Use codes as cash – many people are able to obtain Amazon coupon codes. As mentioned before, they are not really hard to get your hands on. However, most people think of these codes as "extras" that may come in handy. This mindset will not help you get the best value from your codes.
You need to start thinking of the codes as cash. When you get a coupon code, you are effectively being given free cash. And what do you do with cash? You spend it or save it. You do not forget about it. Shifting your mindset in this manner will allow you to keep the coupons you have in mind when you make a purchase on the site. It will also help you stick to your budget, since you automatically factor in the value of the coupons when you buy from Amazon.