Coupons have come a long way since ‘Shop A Dockets’ appeared on the back of our receipts in 1986.
Like shopping, discount coupons have gone online and there are heaps of places you can snag a great deal on a full-priced item. There are coupon codes that work for anything and some that are tailored specifically for a brand or a business.
Whichever type you’re on the hunt for, here's how you can extreme coupon in Australia to save a pretty penny. From blogs to coupon websites, using some of these deals when you shop can cut down heaps on your monthly spending.
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The idea of couponing in Australia isn’t as common as it should be. For the longest time, couponing was attached to the stereotype of those who were cheap or who couldn’t afford something at its original price. This is far from the truth and only stops you from getting the best deals on the item you might’ve had your eye on for ages.
People from all different walks of life use coupons; high-income earners, students, and even millionaires use coupons. It’s a normal practice that reaps plenty of benefits for everyone. Not using coupons because of a cliche is only stopping you from saving in the long run – no matter what you earn.
Online coupons or vouchers are just like the old shopping dockets – they offer discounts. However, they only offer them for online purchases. They usually come in the form of a code that you enter during the checkout phase to give you an instant discount.
You can find vouchers online for almost any product, service or activity imaginable, from quality shoes and bed linen to flying lessons and fancy dinners! Companies list their deals on advertising websites, but there are also aggregator sites that compile the best selection of coupons Australia has to offer. You can search these sites for offers in your local area or sign up to have daily deals delivered straight to your inbox.
Some online coupons save you just a few dollars, but most offer significant savings with discounts of 50 per cent or more. Many also offer things like free shipping, which is a great bonus if your shopping cart has tipped over budget.
These are the types of coupons and deals you can find online:
These are the most popular type of coupons. Usually 10 - 25%, these coupons can be found through couponing and aggregator websites, influencers, and through subscriptions.
When you reach a level of loyalty status with a brand or business, they may reward you with coupons or deals to show their appreciation. Make sure to keep track of your loyalty status whenever you sign up for a brand’s loyalty program.
As the name suggests, some places will offer a buy one, get one free deal (usually the free item is of the same or lesser value). These are always great when you’ve had your heart set on another product from the same business.
One way of getting a small discount is by signing up as a new member of a brand’s newsletter subscription. You can find these on most websites nowadays as a pop-up prompting you to enter your details for a ‘first-purchase’ discount.
Seasonal coupons come when there’s a special occasion or EOFY (End of Financial Year) sale. The best way to nab these coupons or discount codes is by keeping up to date with these important dates.
Sometimes businesses like to give out referral codes where you get a discount if you recommend them to a friend.
Here are a few ways you can get your hands on an online coupon:
Blogs are a great hub for those who are experts in the field of couponing. People who have been couponing for a long time have a lot to offer when it comes to tips and tricks on the best way to do it. Going through this list of couponing blogs may be a good first introduction to the world of discount hunting and it’ll save you from looking in the wrong place and wasting time.
Do some digging and research and go at the pace you’re comfortable with. Remember, some prefer starting slow – using discount vouchers for bigger purchases. Others may find joy in getting a few dollars off every now and then.
The rise of social media has seen influencers have a huge effect on shopping habits and trends.
When it comes to coupons and discount codes, these guys never fail to show up. If you’re someone who scrolls on Instagram often and follow a few of these influencers, make sure to keep an eye out for sponsored or collaboration posts that come with a special discount code.
Tip: Some influencers have YouTube channels where they talk about the brand they have partnered with. Usually, these videos come with a discount code.
Couponing can give you many wins besides shedding off a couple of dollars. Some items, you may notice, hardly go on sale — this is where coupons come in handy because you can get bargains on things that rarely have a special.
You’re also saving on more than just cash with discount vouchers. Think of free shipping, free extra add-ons, and the chance to try new things. They make spending more affordable as well because since you’re saving in one area, it means you’re more likely to be able to spend in other areas.
It’s not a bad thing to save here and there when you can. You don’t have to be on a tight budget plan to look into couponing. When you put all the numbers together for what you’ve spent on, it really does add up. The benefits of couponing are plentiful and even the savviest savers can do with a few coupons up their sleeves.
Did you know sales are considered a form of couponing? Tracking and researching when things go on sale is a smart way of tailoring your weekly or monthly purchases to a budget that fits you. Woolworths and Coles often do half-priced online catalogues, making it easier to plan around your spending.
Cash Converters has sales on second-hand goods which is an even better offer on top of an already reduced price – you just have to keep your eyes peeled for them. Stores running a promotion online or in-store will mark selected stock down and the discount will appear automatically. Plus, there are plenty of items on clearance – you might even find something that’s 95 per cent off.
Even if you come across a great deal and it’s expired, don’t give up — try the voucher code anyway, sometimes expired deals work. Couponing online can help save you money and let you try new experiences. It can take you to new heights for planned occasions where you need to save, whether it be saving for a wedding, working towards a home loan, or jetting off on a holiday.
Now that you know the art of couponing and finding deals, why not start your next hobby of bargain hunting? Get good at tracking down discounts and shave off a dollar whenever and wherever you can.
The information contained in this blog is general advice only and does not take your specific circumstance into consideration. You should assess your own financial position, objectives, and requirements before making any financial decisions.
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