Cyber Monday Shopping Tips to Stack Your Savings
So today is the day we’re supposed to sit at our computers and shop all day! Of course, I like to do that everyday from now until December 22, but I’ll definitely put a big dent in our online shopping today!
If you are planning on getting some online shopping done for Cyber Monday, here is my cheat sheet to get the best deals today and stack the deals with free shipping, coupon codes, and lots of cash back.
Cyber Monday Deals
Amazon Cyber Monday Lightening Deals. My first stop for deals today will be Amazon lightening. I expect to purchase 90% of my gifts today using Amazon lightening. That way the gifts will arrive in time for our annual gift wrapping party on Thursday night!
Slickdeals. I will also be monitoring slickdeals throughout the day. It’s the most comprehensive deal site and will no doubt highlight the best Cyber Monday deals today.
Cash Back & Double Cash Back
Ebates. Ebates sent an email this morning that they are offering double cash back at hundreds of stores today, so that will be my starting point for cash back.
Mr. Rebates. My next favorite cash back site is Mr. Rebates, but don’t forget to check for the highest amount on each purchase with evreward.
Free Shipping
Amazon Prime. I plan to ship it all via free Amazon Prime 2 day shipping with a free student account or parent account.
Free Shipping Day. If what you want to buy today isn’t free shipping, you might be able to wait until Friday, December 17, 2010 to have it shipped for free. Just be careful because the price of the item might change by then.
Christmas Shipping Deadlines. A helpful list of carriers and merchants and the deadlines for holiday shipping to make sure you get all of your gifts on time.
Credit Cards Cash Back
Discover Double Cash Back. When deciding which card to use for shopping today, I’ll check the Discover holiday promo first since they are offering double cash back.
Chase Freedom. In addition, Chase Freedom is offering an 8% bonus for shopping through the Chase online mall today and tomorrow at the following stores: Apple Online Store, Gap, Toys “R†Us, Barnes & Noble, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears and Macy’s.
5% Cash Back Cards. If I’m shopping somewhere other than the stores offering bonuses from Discover and Chase Freedom, I’ll check my regular list of 5% cash back cards to find the best one.
Coupons and Codes
Retail Me Not. Just before I check out I’ll see if I can find a coupon on retail me not.
Coupon Cabin. One final coupon check to make sure I’m getting the best deal, then it’s off to purchase.
Gift Lists and Ideas
Not sure what to buy? Here is a collection of gift ideas and lists to get you started:
- Amazon Holiday Toy List
- 12 Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Under $20
- 10 Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Under $10
- 37 Frugal Homemade Gifts Under $20
- 10 Amazing Frugal Gift Ideas Under $20
- Frugal Last Minute Gift Ideas Under $20
Action Plan
Now that you know the list of tools I use, here’s my quick checklist for each item I double check just before I hit the purchase button to make sure I’m getting the best deal, saving on holiday shopping, and stacking all of the discounts:
- Can I actually give the item to someone on my gift list?
- Do a price comparison to make sure I’m getting it at the lowest price.
- Use the highest cash back site.
- Stack it with the highest paying cash back credit card.
- Find a free shipping code.
- Apply any coupon codes.
- Apply any rewards points for the store.
Are you planning on shopping online today? If so, what are you planning to buy?
Shutterfly has some discounts for charities now if you order your holiday cards there.