Do it now! Look at your receipt and see if you have a coupon for a limited purchase.

In the past couple of weeks when I was making purchases for Christmas and after Christmas I found some bonus coupons at the bottom of my receipt. The first, from a bookstore, was for $5 off of a minimum purchase of at least $5. No change given but I could basically walk out of the store with an item or items valuing $5 or less for free.  I hadn’t noticed the coupon and the cashier didn’t tell me that I had received a coupon. I just noticed it when I was checking my receipt as I was leaving the store. Granted it is only good for 2 weeks, but I can use it to get a paperback at half price or really, really cheap.

The other was a coupon for a body products store that I had to call a toll free number and comment on my experience at the store in order to get $10 off my next purchase of $30 or more. 

This coupon has no expiration date and I can use it on sale items as well.

By using these coupons, I have something that I will really use and the companies are trying to lure me back in the store. No everyone reads their coupons though. Also, do you get tired of giving your email address and phone number at certain stores? When I was in a store that asks everyone, the lady in line in front of me told the cashier that she was already on the list. The cashier said that based on your purchased and frequency of shopping, you receive individualized coupons, bonuses and notices for sales.

I am a firm believer in the preferred shopper, and store benefit cards because believe it or not for some stores you do get additional benefits. These are only as good as they cost. For those that cost nothing, they offer the greatest value. Once you start paying for club cards, make sure you shop at a certain store enough so that you really reap the benefits. Paying $10 for a year’s worth of discounts is worth it if you shop at a place often or make one or two large purchases (for birthdays or Christmas).

Also, you are occasionally asked for your birthdate and during your birth month you will receive a birthday gift coupon. Yes these discounts are designed to generated business but if you receive a coupon for $25 off of your next meal and go with friends you are still able to enjoy an evening out that is relatively inexpensive, even if you get a celebratory drink.

Pay attention to your receipts and you can still afford a little extra luxury in your life.