It seems like a big “sale” accompanies every single holiday we celebrate. Obviously, many of these discounts are marketing attempts to draw you into the stores. How can savvy consumers really get a great deal on Labor Day (and every other holiday sale season)? Shop smart using these tactics to guarantee you make the most of Labor Day Sales.
Don’t Go
I’m only half joking here. Do realize that you’ll buy 100% of the things you don’t need, spend 100% of the money you don’t have, go 100% over your budget, 100% of the time when you shop without purpose. If you need items featured during Labor Day Sales at your favorite retailers, by all means try to get the best deal possible. But if you don’t have any true needs, don’t shop. You’ll end up buying something if you go and it’s not smart to put yourself in a situation like that.
Maximize Rewards
Be aware of your store’s rewards’ programs. If the price is basically the same at all retailers, go with one where you can collect rewards points, too. Some of my favorite rewards programs include Meijer’s Kohl’s, Kohl’s Yes2You, JCPenney Rewards, and Best Buy’s My Best Buy Rewards. If you’re shopping online, you may want to use Swagbucks to collect reward points there (although you may benefit more from a Cash Back program, but more on that later).
Use Coupons
Make that sale and great deal sweeter by looking for coupons. Begin by looking on the retailer’s website. Many have direct links to their best coupons. But even a quick Google search should yield coupons for just about every store you shop. I typically check a trusted site like RetailMeNot. No purchase is out of bounds for the coupon search. I recently signed my daughter up for a running event and was reminded by a friend to look for a coupon. Lo and beyond Another17 got me $3 off. WOOHOO.
Use a Cash Back Site
If you are shopping online, consider using a cash back site like Ebates. Think of Ebates as a shopping portal where you find your favorite retailers and then click through to their sites. You’ll then get a percentage of your portion in cash back either in check form or through PayPal. Plus, Ebates gathers coupon codes, too so you don’t have to search. Sometimes, it’s a better deal/better percentage to use Swagbucks. Sometimes, Ebates comes out on top. Check both to see which makes for the best deal.
Ask for a Price Match
It pays to know your store’s policies. Sometimes, it pays very well. Did you know that Target price matches Amazon? This comes in particularly handy for big sales. You may be able to maximize reward points, use gift cards, or snag a coupon to link to a price matched deal. Here on Queen of Free, I have a number of store coupon and store price matching policies linked out. Click around and find yours before you shop so you know the store’s policy.
From the grocery store to big box retailers to stores specializing in home goods and clothing, you can really snag some great deals over Labor Day Weekend. But these smart strategies will stretch your dollars even farther. Don’t forget to make the most of each and every sale!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
