Costs are on the rise, even as many people find themselves living on less. In the past year, for instance, food prices have gone up by an average of 7.4 per cent. Shelter costs are also increasing, and prices on other items continue to climb -- just has many companies have cut raises (as well as salaries and even jobs).
Not surprisingly, the recession is changing the way we shop. The stigma of using coupons, haggling over prices and questioning costs is quickly evaporating. These days, there are deals to be found on almost everything, whether it's luxury items like cars and vacations, or basics like groceries and clothing.
But there's one caveat: Finding and keeping track of all these deals can be tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there are many websites and services that make things easier for consumers. If you're hunting for a bargain, here are some places in Canada to look.
Deal-finding sites
SmartCanucks.cahas a little bit of everything for everyone. Here you'll find deals, contests, freebies and coupons. And search isn't required: the website's blog (complete with RSS updates) keeps you informed about the latest deals.
Redflagdeals.comalso has deals, coupons, forums and features covering a wide variety of areas, including credit cards and price comparisons. You can sign up to receive their newsletter, or try the RSS feed too.
Likewise, websites likeFrugal Shopper Canada,PriceNetwork.ca,CoolCanucks.caandCanadianFreeStuff.comall offer a selection of deals and coupons, and include advice and suggestions from users too. Forums and user-generated content add additional value. You can find out if a company made good on its promise to send a free sample, or if the local supermarket refused a printed coupon.
Wishabi.ca- It's social networking meets shopping. Community members post the best deals they find to share with other users. You can even post a deal you're looking for and let others hunt for you -- but you'll need to register or sign in with your Facebook account first.
Save.ca-- This service lets you browse its selection of coupons, select the ones you want and have them mailed to your home for free. Better yet: they're mostly grocery coupons for things you actually use, like non-perishable food items, cleaning products, over the counter medications and personal hygiene products.
And if your apartment building or postal code doesn't receive certain flyers, there's an easy way to fill in the gap: Flyer aggregating websites likeFlyermall.comandFlyerland.caprovide a master list of sorts of links to company websites where you can find flyers and coupons.
Or you can go directly to the source. Many companies post their flyers and promotions online at their websites, but you can also sign up for email flyers and alerts when sales happen. Sometimes there are "web only" deals you won't find in print.
In addition, many places have their own deal websites, like Toronto'sShoestringshopping.comorCouponNetwork.ca, which covers most of Atlantic Canada.
If you're looking for free stuff, give the Freecycle Network (Freecycle.org) a try. Its purpose is to connect people who have something to give away with people who are looking for certain items. (For more information, seeDownsizing: the Freecycle phenomenon).
A word of caution:Make sure that printed coupons are allowed. Some companies offer printable coupons, but many stores will only accept originals and will turn down ones you print or photocopy.
Don't miss these sources
You may be overlooking these websites:
-Your credit card company's website.Don't ignore the inserts that come with your bill! In addition to any rewards like cash back or points, many credit cards offer deals through partners. After all, they want you to usetheircard -- and you might get a discount or deal for doing so.
-Employee discounts.Many companies negotiate deals for their workers, not just their partners and clients. Check your employee handbook for information, or the appropriate webpage in your company's intranet.
-Tourism bureaus.It doesn't matter whether you're travelling or not -- you're welcome to use the deals in your home town too. Many cities and provinces in Canada have attractions and visitors' guides you can pick up at the bureau or order through the mail -- and they're packed with coupons for attractions and restaurants. In addition, websites likeVancouver AttractionsandAttractions Ontariohave coupons you can download and print at home.
-Reward or loyalty programs.Sign up for the store's reward program or newsletter and you'll get receive sale notifications and coupons. Many places offer a deal just for signing up, while others send you special offers for your birthday.
-Strength in numbers.Are you a member of a professional organization, alumni association or groups like CAA and CARP? These organizations negotiate deals for their members with partner companies, but many people aren't aware of the offers. You might just find some tempting deals in the membership information (see the guide you received when you signed up, or look online at the organization's website).
Before you try it
As with all things online, it's wise to use a little caution to prevent any mishaps or criminal activity. These tips will help keep you safe as you shop:
-Read the terms of use.If you're using a service that mails coupons to you, you will understandably have to provide an address. Ditto with sites that require you to register -- you'll have to enter some personal information. However, make sure you read the privacy policy and understand how your information will be stored and used, and if it will be shared or sold to a third party to generate revenue.
-Keep your information to yourself.Don't give out details you're not comfortable with sharing, like your income level or marital status (or any information that potentially be used against you). Avoid giving out your credit card number (unless you're purchasing a coupon book from a well-known company), and NEVER give out your bank information, PIN codes or social insurance number.
-Do a little research first.Too good to be true usually is. If you're venturing outside of well-known, reputable companies and websites, be sure to ask some questions and do a little checking up first. Not all sites live up to their promises.
-Share the wealth -- cautiously.If you can't use the coupon, give it to someone who can. Freecycle.org and other online classified sites facilitate people sharing and trading coupons they don't use. Just make sure there isn't any identifiable information on the coupon -- like your personal information or membership number.
-Keep it separate.Set up a web-based email account (Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc) just for newsletters, promotions and flyers. You can check it whenever you want, and your main email address won't be clogged with spam.
-Watch out for those opt-in check boxes. It's your choice to subscribe to additional features or not, but the box may already be checked for you.
-Keep it simple... as in Really Simple Syndication.Deal updates are a good reason to try RSS feeds. You'll get the information as soon as it's posted -- and you don't have to give out any information.
-Look for honesty.Websites don't run and maintain themselves for free, so expect some advertising and affiliation links to help pay the bills. Just make sure the site is being upfront with you -- it should identify sponsored posts and advertorials, and clearly mark partners or affiliates.
Remember: the real key to saving money using coupons and promotions is to stick to products and services that you're already using. Companies don't create deals as an act of charity -- they're a marketing tactic to get to try a new product, buy other products while you're in the store or up-sell you to a more expensive product.
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Luis Pedrosa
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