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Not only can you find some great bargains when shopping online, but you can also use coupons and special discounts to increase your savings! Some coupons are for specific dollar amounts, like $10 off a $20 purchase, while others deduct a percentage of your order, such as 10% off. There are also coupons that give you free shipping, or give you a free gift with your purchase. Additionally, there are discounts that give you special deals in a particular part of a store, such as 10% off all educational software, or on specific items, like $10 off a particular video game. There are even some coupons which can result in a free order, although you often still have to pay for shipping. Offers such as $10 off a purchase of $10 or more allow you to buy an item priced under $10 and pay only shipping. Two types of coupons There are generally two types of coupons that you will come across. The best kind are the ones where all you do is click on a coupon link on the web or in your e-mail, and the site you visit takes care of your discount automatically, often putting it directly into your shopping cart. If you don't see the discount before finalizing your order, something has gone wrong. If you try the coupon link again and it still doesn't work, the coupon may no longer be valid. Slightly less convenient are the coupons where you have to enter a coupon code at some point - usually during checkout. The problem with coupon codes is that you often can't be sure if the coupon worked until you're in the middle of checking out and you've already entered all your information. In some cases, it's hard to determine if your coupon worked even after you've checked out. So when you get your final invoice, make sure the discount was applied! Some sites, thankfully, let you enter your coupon code before you checkout, so you can see the discount in your shopping cart. Many online stores also offer discounts where you don't even need a coupon. Just make the minimum purchase, follow any rules, and the site will automatically give you the discount! Where do I find the coupons? Coupons are all over the place. You can find them in your e-mail, on the web (often in advertising banners), on television, in magazines, and in your mail (the kind that the mail carrier delivers.) And there are many Websites which provide lists of coupon offers. When you find a coupon, you'll often need to write down a coupon code. Also, make note of the coupon's expiration date and any restrictions on using it. Restrictions Most coupons have many restrictions that you need to be aware of in addition to the minimum order size and expiration date. Some coupons are for new customers only, while others are valid for existing customers as well. But even if a coupon is for new customers only, you might be able to get someone else in your household (spouse, child, parent) to order it for you - unless the coupons says One Per Household. Most coupons can be used only once, although some can be used again and again. Also, many coupons exclude shipping and taxes. That means you must order the minimum amount the coupon requires BEFORE adding in these costs, and when the coupon amount is deducted, you still need to pay for shipping as well as any taxes. Other restrictions may include not being able to use the coupon with any other coupon, offer, or promotion, and not being able to use the coupon on certain items. The coupon might also require that you pay with a credit card -- and sometimes a specific kind of credit card. Always read a coupon's restrictions when they're available. If you don't know the restrictions, you can always try the coupon anyway, but be aware that the coupon might not be valid if you're not a new customer or if the coupon has expired. Why doesn't my coupon work? Sometimes an online store will cancel or change the terms of a coupon before it expires. Or perhaps you typed in the wrong coupon code. Or maybe you weren't qualified for the discount for some reason. Or maybe it expired. There are many reasons why a coupon might not work. But if you feel you have a valid coupon and it's not working, try contacting the online store's customer service. Return to the table of contents or
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