How do you make a good deal even sweeter? Reach for the coupon or voucher and you'll make an additional saving.
There's simply no need to pay retail prices these days. In our top tech discounts series we're outlining the myriad of ways in which you can pay less for technology.They've matured from novelty to business-as-usual, but time-limited 'e-coupons' offering savings on specific products, free shipping and the like can still be a great way to get even bigger savings when you're buying online – particularly in the US, where they are still seen as a way of differentiating one's offerings from the intense competition.
They may not be enough to change your behaviour, but if you're already buying something in the US or UK, they can be a nice little discount on top. Before you complete your order, drop by sites like
www.techbargains.com,
www.retailmenot.com,
www.voucherhub.com, or
www.shopping-bargains.com (US);
www.shopping-bargains.co.uk and
www.myvouchercodes.co.uk (UK); and
www.ozbargain.com.au,
www.topbargains.com.au,
www.couponsnapshot.com.au and
www.retailmenot.com.au (Australia). Or Google "coupon codes" and the name of your online retailer to see if you can happen upon that magic keyword that will bring down your order total even more. Many also offer free shipping, although this is usually limited to the US or UK so will only help if you're using a parcel forwarder.
Many of these sites also broadcast new deals on Twitter, which is particularly useful given the transient nature of many of the coupons. Follow them using Twitter, and if you like the sound of one of the bargains, it may well be time to pull out the credit card and go for it before it's gone.
There are other ways of getting a bit back when you shop. Sign up at
www.moneybackco.com.au and shop through any of their partners – including Dell, Domino's Pizza and discount site
www.topbuy.com.au – and they'll credit you with a percentage of your purchase price once you've paid.
Another thing to remember is points through credit-card points programs and loyalty schemes from Coles, Woolworths, and others. They may not seem like much, but through everyday use those points can really add up – and can be redeemed for not only products but online vouchers and real gift cards that can bring down the total price of your tech purchases by that little bit more.
Pros: Something for nothing.
Cons: No guarantees you'll find an offer that suits, but you've got nothing to lose.