shop: discounts

I may be on a budget, but I'm still a girl.  If you must get some retail therapy in, try these tricks to at least save where you can:

• Check out DailyCandy's Deals. I love to read their regular posts but they often feature stores and items I can't afford.  Many places reward readers with special codes though, and sometimes I can make a splurge if it's 30% off.  Sign up for the email list to have the weekly newsletter sent to you (sent out Tuesdays--today!) or just read it on their website if you don't want extra temptation in your inbox.

• For that matter, get on the email list of your favorite store, even if it's a place you can't regularly afford--most will send regular emails when they have an event or a sale coming up, plus coupons--particularly for free shipping.

• Pull out your student ID!  Did you know JCrew offers 15% and Club Monaco offers 20% off just for showing yours?  Most of the time they will even honor the discount on top of sale prices so you can find major steals.

• Ask! I get shy to bargain outside of places like flea markets, but a friendly manager will often offer you coupons or small discounts if you just speak up.  This isn't just for small boutiques either: my sister has had amazing success at The Limited which almost always has some sale or another going on.

• Buy the floor model.  This isn't just a tactic for furniture--try it on shoes!  The last time I picked out a pair at Macy's I got 10% off because the last pair was the one people had been trying on.  The soles weren't pristine but that's rarely the focus of new shoes (unless maybe they're Louboutins) and you'll get way more dirt on them the first time you wear them outside anyway.

Have tips of your own?  Comment and let us all know.

Comments

[Sis]

Having success just asking is addictive. I am going to keep asking for discounts just to see where I can get them. My newest discovery (in December)? J. Crew has a discount for teachers! 20% off with your work ID--and you get it on top of sales!