Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Target Coupons, Cartwheel and Deals


Well, its no secret that I have a love affair with Target. What a lot of shoppers don't know is that they have several ways to earn additional savings in store and online. I am still surprised by how many of my friends and family are not using these resources to save. Therefore, I decided that I needed to devote an entire post in my "Couponing For Mere Mortals" series. Here's the breakdown:

Coupons: Target has accepted manufacturer coupons for years, but many shoppers are still unaware of the store coupons that Target offers on its website. By clicking on the Coupon link on the Target Website, you can print store specific coupons to use at the register. You will have to go through an initial set up for the printer software with your first use of the site. These are not just store brand products either. This is where it gets really good. Did you know that you can combine manufacturer coupons with Target store coupons? Yes, you can double up the discount with one of each, unless restricted by the manufacturer. Most of the Target store coupons are for in-store purchases, but occasionally they offer an online code as well.  Here is their complete coupon policy.

Mobile Coupons: Another variation of the Target store coupon promotion. Text COUPONS to 827-438 (Target) you will receive a link to sign up. Then you will receive a text message containing your coupons. When you check out just hand your phone to the cashier to scan the bar code and any coupons for items you are purchasing will be applied.

Daily Deals Online:  Everyday Target has select items that are on sale for 24 hours only or until they are sold out whichever comes first. These are exclusive online deals. You can see some of the items coming up as daily deals for the next five days, but you won't know the sale price until the item goes live. Go to the Target website and clink on Daily Deals, then scroll to the bottom to see what's next. This is great for big items that are on your wish list.

Cartwheel: This is the newest way to save at Target. Cartwheel is a completely separate app from the Target website and Mobile Coupons.  Cartwheel is Target's social network based savings app. Its easy to use and the more willing you are to promote the app the more you earn in Cartwheel. Here's the way it works. Go to the Target website and click on the Cartwheel link in the left side menu and download the app to your phone. Create an account by logging in using your Facebook sign in. Now this is what turns some people away, but don't worry. Once you sign in using the Facebook, you can opt to share your activity or not share. Basically, your account is set up like, obviously enough, a shopping cart. You get a limited number of spots in your Cartwheel. Click on the browse option and add the deals you want to use. When you check out, hand the cashier your phone, they will scan your barcode and any discounts you have loaded into your Cartwheel will be added. There are a lot of discounts available and you can use them several times until they expire, but you have to select them into your spots to activate them. The benefit of using the share feature on your Facebook is to promote the app to your friends, the more friends you have join the more spaces and badges you earn to activate deals. I have used this app along with coupons and it works great.



REDcard: Now, advocating a store credit card is not my usual preference.  The Target RedCard is a good addition to your savings routine, if you use it appropriately. The rules apply the same as signing up for any credit card. Keep a low balance limit, pay it off regularly before adding additional charges, and of course pay on time. What I like about the REDcard is the additional 5% off every purchase and the free shipping on all purchases. If you are a regular shopper at Target, 5% off your bill can be a benefit, especially when you stack it with other discounts like Cartwheel and coupons. The savings can really add up. Be careful not to let it lead you to impulse buy. Stick to your list and your pre-planned discounts.

I think Target hit the "Bullseye" with these great deals and discounts. Please feel free to share your great finds and deals with me! Happy Target-ing!