Getting an offer code can help you save money on your next purchase. Offer codes are usually found online and can give you a percentage off or discounted shipping when entered at checkout. Here are some tips on how to find and use offer codes effectively.
What are offer codes?
Offer codes, also known as promo codes or coupon codes, are discounts provided by retailers and brands. They are typically a series of letters and/or numbers that you enter during online checkout on a brand’s website. Entering an offer code will apply a discount to your purchase to help you save money.
Some common examples of discounts with offer codes include:
- 10% off your purchase
- $10 off a purchase over $50
- Free shipping on your order
- A free gift with your purchase
Offer codes can only be used once. After applying a code to an order, it cannot be reused. Retailers normally set expiration dates for offer codes ranging from a few days to a few months out.
Where can I find offer codes?
There are many places online to find active offer codes you can use. Here are some of the best places to look:
Directly on the retailer’s website
Many brands offer promo codes on their websites. Look for links or banners that say things like “Deals,” “Promotions,” “Offer Codes,” or “Savings.” There may be a spot to enter a code during checkout or a page that lists available codes you can use.
Deal websites
Websites like RetailMeNot, Offers.com, CouponCabin, and others compile and share offer codes for hundreds of retailers. These sites allow you to search for a specific store easily.
Email lists
Signing up for a brand’s email list will often provide you with exclusive offer codes. You may get access to special savings subscribers receive through email newsletters.
Social media
Following brands on social media can alert you to any offer codes they share publicly. Brands will often post codes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or directly on their social media storefronts.
Influencers
Social media influencers like bloggers and creators will sometimes share special offer codes and affiliate links to brands they partner with. Following influencers in your niche can lead you to great deals.
Some other places you may find active offer codes include:
- Unboxing videos
- Sponsored posts
- Paid advertisements
- Loyalty programs
- In-store receipts
How to use offer codes
Using an offer code is simple. Here are the basic steps:
- Shop online as normal and add items to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout when ready.
- Look for a box labeled “Offer code” or “Promo code” during checkout. This is where you’ll enter the code.
- Type or paste in the offer code.
- Hit apply. The discount will then show on your total.
- Complete checkout.
The discount from the offer code will be reflected in your final purchase total. Make sure the code was accepted before completing payment.
Tips for using offer codes
- Read all terms and conditions – Some codes have restrictions like minimum purchase amounts that are easy to miss.
- Try different code boxes – If a code isn’t working, try entering it in a different spot during checkout.
- Use codes early – Enter codes first before other discounts to maximize savings.
- Only use reputable sites – Get codes directly from brands or major deal sites to avoid scams.
- Create an account – Signing up for a brand’s website will reveal exclusive codes.
- Try multiple codes – Use multiple codes on one purchase if the retailer allows it.
- Check expiration dates – Most codes are only valid for a limited time.
- Share unused codes – Post codes you won’t use on deal sites for others to redeem.
Do offer codes actually save money?
When used wisely, offer codes can lead to significant savings, but there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
The pros of using offer codes
- Instant discounts at nearly any online store
- Deeper savings by stacking multiple promo codes
- Gain access to special subscriber-only deals
- Can encourage smart shopping habits by deal hunting
The cons of using offer codes
- It takes extra time and effort to find and organize codes
- Discount psychology may lead to overspending on unnecessary items
- Returns and exchanges can be complicated with discounted orders
- Expired codes lead to wasted time looking for deals
To maximize savings, avoid impulse purchases just because you have a code. Use codes strategically on items you would buy anyway or necessities.
Are there other ways to save besides offer codes?
Beyond promo codes, there are plenty of other ways to save on purchases:
Savings Method | Description |
---|---|
Loyalty programs | Earn points and qualify for discounts by shopping consistently at select retailers. |
Newsletters | Brand emails often have special subscriber-only offers and early access to sales. |
Cash back apps | Apps like Rakuten give cash back on purchases made through affiliate links. |
Credit card rewards | Points from rewards credit cards can be redeemed for gift cards or statement credits. |
Honey extension | This browser extension automatically tests codes and finds the best deals online. |
Retail holidays | Shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer major discounts. |
Student discounts | Verify student status through sites like UNiDAYS and SheerID for exclusive promos. |
Consider stacking these other savings on top of promo codes when possible to maximize value. For example, using Rakuten and reward credit cards on a coupon code purchase.
Are expired offer codes worth trying?
It never hurts to try entering an expired promo code at checkout. Here’s an overview of whether they work:
Expired codes rarely work
Most retailers have their checkout systems set up to automatically reject any offer codes that have gone past their expiration date. If you try to use an expired code, you’ll get an error saying it’s no longer valid.
Codes may still slip through
Very occasionally, an outdated code will continue working for a short period after expiring. This can happen if a retailer’s system doesn’t properly filter out old codes.
Contact the company
If you have an expired code you want to use, it doesn’t hurt to contact the company. Explain the situation politely and ask if they can make an exception and still allow the code. They may grant a one-time use if you get a helpful service agent.
Wait for new codes
Rather than waste time trying old codes, keep an eye out for new batches of promo codes. Retailers will continually release fresh codes, especially around the holidays. Sign up for newsletters and be ready to take advantage of the latest deals.
What should I do if a code doesn’t work?
Don’t get discouraged if an offer code you try doesn’t work. Here are some tips to try:
- Double check the code has no typos
- Make sure you’re entering the code in the right spot
- Verify the code hasn’t expired
- Check for exclusions on the code
- Try the code again in a different browser
- Contact the retailer’s customer service for help
- Clear cookies and try entering the code again
If an offer code still won’t work after trying the above, your best bet is to search for a new active code to use instead. Take note of brands where you consistently have issues so you can avoid wasting time entering their codes in the future.
Can I get in trouble for sharing offer codes?
Most retailers allow and encourage sharing offer codes publicly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Exclusive codes – Never share a code sent to you privately without permission.
- Affiliate codes – Don’t share someone’s personal affiliate code without letting them know.
- Code misuse – Avoid posting codes on shady websites or forums.
As long as you have permission and stick to reputable platforms, sharing codes can be mutually beneficial. Posting an unused code on a deals forum helps fellow shoppers save and builds your reputation in the community.
Just avoid oversharing codes sent privately or spreading individual’s affiliate codes without consent. Use your best judgement and ask if unsure whether a code should be shared publicly or not.
Should I avoid websites that charge for offer codes?
Some shady websites claim to offer exclusive promo codes but require you to pay to access them. Here’s what to know:
Never pay for codes
Legitimate offer codes are always available for free public use. Avoid any site asking for access fees or membership payments to unlock codes. Paying provides no guarantee the codes will even work.
Use reputable deal sites instead
For free code lists, stick to well-known deal websites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin. These sites compile codes that anyone can access at no cost.
Beware of code scams
Research a platform thoroughly before paying for promo codes. Many sites lure in victims by teasing exclusive deals that turn out to be fake or overly-hyped. Read reviews and check community forums to ensure a site is trustworthy.
Protect yourself by getting codes directly from brands or large deal platforms with a long history. Avoid shady retailers selling codes at all costs.
Are offer codes worth the effort?
At the end of the day, hunting down codes takes time. Is it worth it? Here are the pros and cons:
Potential benefits
- Can save you a lot of money if you frequently shop online
- Allows you to afford more items and purchase sooner
- Feels rewarding to score a great deal
- Can save time researching when using aggregators
Potential downsides
- It takes extra effort to find and organize codes
- Easy to waste time looking for deals on unimportant purchases
- Can promote poor spending habits and overconsumption
- Entering codes interrupts the online checkout flow
Being very selective about when you use offer codes can maximize the upside and minimize any downsides. Focus your deal hunting on more expensive essential purchases where the time investment provides big returns. Avoid going overboard for minor savings on small impulse purchases.
Conclusion
Using offer codes takes some effort but can lead to great savings if done strategically. Find codes from dedicated deal sites, retailers, newsletters, and other online sources. Read terms carefully, organize your codes, and stack savings when possible. Avoid shady code sites that charge access fees. Be selective about when to use codes to maximize value from your time spent.