Smart Cookie Sandra Hanna dispels the myths about couponing in Canada. Spending more to save more is the only way to go.
Myth 1: Couponing takes too much time
Couponing is not what it used to be. You don’t need piles of flyers, a colour-coded binder and five hours on a Sunday to save big money. Today, all you need is your smart phone and 15 seconds, and you can save instantly almost every time you make a purchase both online and in-store. In the time it takes to check in on your Instagram feed, you can save yourself some extra cash!
Myth 2: You can’t get a coupon on a premium item
Coupons and promo codes can be used for much more than toilet paper and toothpaste. Consumers are becoming savvy to promo codes and high-end retailers are listening, with brands like Club Monaco and Sephora offering discounts in this fashion. Using RetailMeNot.ca, we recently found a promo code for $10 off the entire order and free shipping for high-quality organic and natural items at Well.ca, which carries brands like Honest Company and Method. And if you’re looking for a unique homemade gift, don’t forget to search for a promo code before you buy from Etsy.
Myth 3: Doubling up on savings is against Canadian laws and regulations
Many people often think the sale price is the best price. False – certain retailers will allow you to stack your savings in Canada by adding promo codes or coupons on top of sale prices. Banana Republic is a great example – with frequent sales like 40 per cent off, you can save even more by stacking your savings with a promo code, giving you an extra 40 per cent off sale styles. Talk about a win, win! We recently found a promo code on RetailMeNot.ca for an extra 25 per cent off of sale items at Kate Spade as well.
Myth 4: Couponing isn’t worth the time invested
If you knew that a 15 second search for a coupon code each time you were able to make a purchase could add up to more than $1,500 at the end of the year, would you do it? Of course you would! In fact, RetailMeNot users report an average savings of $20 per transaction, which easily adds to big savings if you shop twice a week or more (who doesn’t)? Look for deals on everything from free shipping to deep discounts. The more purchases you make, the more you save!
Myth 5: Online shopping costs more in Canada than the in the U.S.
We’ve all been there – an item on a U.S. retail site seems costs less than on a Canadian site. Blame Canada? Not so fast! Once you factor in the exchange rate, duty, taxes and shipping, those supposed “savings” disappear quickly – meaning there has never been a better time to shop on Canadian-based sites. There are a ton of great Canadian retailers that ship from our home and native land, including Joe Fresh and Sears. Keep your eyes peeled for free shipping and sales, and you’ll be singing “Oh Canada” in no time!
