In today’s digital age, the use of coupons has evolved significantly from the traditional Sunday circulars. Consumers now have access to online codes, browser extensions, and money-saving apps that offer various ways to find significant discounts at any time. However, the quality of these deals can vary depending on the day of the week.
Friday: The Best Day for Savings
A recent study conducted by SimplyCodes analyzed coupon release patterns in marketing emails from 30,000 merchants between March and July. The findings revealed that Friday is the best day for consumers to save money while shopping online. As payday approaches, there is a noticeable increase in coupon activity, particularly for women’s clothing, skin care, and alcohol. Roughly 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday, with a significant surge on Friday when the number of coupons released jumps by 19%.
While the abundance of couponing opportunities may seem tempting, it is essential to exercise caution to avoid falling into the trap of “spaving,” or spending more to save more. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch warns against excessive buying habits and high-interest credit card debt that can result from chasing deals that may not be financially beneficial in the long run.
When considering utilizing coupons, it is crucial to assess the value of the deal. Consumer analyst Julie Ramhold advises consumers to weigh the benefits of using a coupon code to reduce shipping costs versus adding more items to qualify for free shipping. Additionally, signing up for store newsletters, mobile alerts, and following brands on social media can provide access to exclusive discounts and coupons.
To optimize savings, consumers can utilize price-tracking browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to monitor price changes and capitalize on discounts. Applying multiple coupons on the same order can further enhance savings, especially when combined with already discounted items. Websites such as CouponCabin.com or RetailMeNot can help streamline the coupon-searching process by aggregating deals based on store names.
While coupons can be beneficial, it is crucial to avoid the temptation to overspend. Andrea Woroch cautions against letting store emails and texts prompt unnecessary purchases. Deleting shopping apps that constantly notify about sales and unsubscribing from store newsletters can help reduce impulse buying. Instead, consumers are advised to seek out coupons only when needed using browser plug-ins like SideKick, which scan for applicable codes.
Savvy online shoppers can leverage the best days for savings by strategically utilizing coupons and discounts. By being mindful of their purchasing habits, consumers can make the most of available deals without succumbing to overspending. With the multitude of resources and tools available, saving money while shopping online has never been more accessible.