IT'S A SAVINGS PASS!!

Happy Shopping means I got a discount.

I am guilty of so many things…

1.As of late cheating on my diet with a tortilla chip (it was just one…It shouldn’t count).
2.Watching the entire season of Miss Rap Supreme (see previous post)
3.Sometimes not signaling when I change lanes in BK (but heck no one else does. I know. I know two wrongs...but when in Rome…)
4.Forgetting department store coupons at home!

Now one of these things can be easily rectified….

1.Can’t take that back and I don’t want to!
2.Can’t take that back even though "Chiba" should have won the competition.
3.People drive crazy in the city…and if I need to get the heck out of the way I will. I make no promises.
4.Ding! Ding! Ding! I see B.OnA B. solution coming!

And with that I bring you B.On A B does SHOPPING!

I absolutely hate it when I get into Bed Bath & Beyond and realize I left that 20% coupon at home. I mean how could I? They send dozens of them every week and they never expire (ignore the expiration date…the lovely people at BBB do!).

So what’s a B.onAB to do? Saving is a must…Squandering money went out with chain belts and cat suits at the club or heck anywhere.

Here is my answer to Savvy Shopping!

1.Start with a brand new email address. Call it something you won’t forget later like CouponsforYourNameHere@gmail.com . Go to your favorite store’s websites and sign up for the mailing list using this email address. Be sure to use an easy to remember password.
Rationale: Save your real email address from the weekly email and junk that will definitely be on its way to your address once you sign up.

2.Sign up for the free rewards program…WARNING-Free rewards programs try to get you to buy frequently (duh) ….Keep your eye on the prize…the coupons that will come in the mail or to your inbox. For example, DSW’s rewards program…you have to buy 8 pairs of shoes (last time I checked) before you get the free pair BUT in the mean time they send you 20% off coupons regularly.

3.See a coupon that fits your exact need/want? PRINT IT OUT RIGHT AWAY…Don’t wait (don’t get fired doing it either). Waiting is going to cause you to forget about it. Print it out right away, cut it neatly (if necessary), fold it, and place it in your wallet! So when you go to pay at the register…AHA! You have a coupon.

4.Shop when you are ready!!! Learn the cycle. For example, every month or so Macy’s has a ONE DAY SALE…missed it this month? So what? It’s coming again. If you can wait you can save.

5.Be nice to the sales reps. You should always be nice, but you should be especially nice when you are shopping. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve gotten an “inside tip” on a sale coming up. “Don’t buy that honey. It’s going on sale next week!” Remember who helped you as well. You may be asked at the register and your acknowledgement that “___helped me” could mean commission or better hours for that friendly sales rep and savings for you!

6.READ THE FINE PRINT!!! Most times there are conditions on the bottom of the coupon. Don’t get caught out there…read them and be aware before you have a rude awakening at the counter.

7.Get a personal shopper. It’s free at Lord & Taylor and many other department stores. In the past I have picked out an outfit and gave the rep my credit card info and she rang it up on the day of the sale (saving me 40% at the time). No wait, No fuss! Fabulous!

Final Caveat….Be discreet with your savings pass (read: coupon). Use the correct terminology: at Lord & Taylor it’s a savings pass at NY& Co it’s an online coupon or ring code. Use an indoor tone when you tell the sales rep that you have a discount…it’s YOUR business not everyone else’s. Ask the sales rep “I have this savings pass. Can you apply this to my purchase?” This is a classy way of approaching the situation. And always make sure you can pay full price just in case the coupon doesn’t work. It’s tacky to argue over a COUPON! (I have witnessed this…it’s never a good look). Do the math in your head before you get to the counter.

OH I ALMOST FORGOT. Calculate the amount you saved or just look at the receipt and immediately transfer that amount from your checking to your savings account! You didn’t save anything if you spend it at the food court!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

TTFN.