“Boycott Black Friday?” How could any self-respecting Coupon Queen say such a thing? Wait! I’m not suggesting that you boycott all those fabulous sales! I just want to present you with an alternative to fighting the crazy crowds. Here’s how my Black Friday is going to start this year…
On Black Friday morning, it’s 35 degrees outside, but I’m snuggled under my cozy flannel sheets. I roll over and look at my clock - it’s 9 AM. I yawn and stretch, flip the covers back, and shove my feet in my slippers. I shuffle to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of steaming coffee, and fire up the laptop. Sitting in my pajamas, with my cat, Little Tiny, curled on my lap, I am ready to start my Black Friday shopping – ONLINE! I think of my friends who have been awake since 3 or 4 AM. I wonder if they’re having fun searching for parking spots, waiting in half-mile long checkout lines, and watching normally sedate housewives wrestle over the last Harry Potter Lego set at Target with fierceness of a couple of cage fighters. I can’t say that I envy them… But haven’t I missed out on all the great deals? Heavens, NO!
I start by opening up my email and cruising through the Black Friday deals I’ve received in my In-Box. Most emails have great coupon codes for discounts and free shipping. Of course, I’ve done my homework scoping out the deals in advance (including checking the Cincy Savers site daily), so I already have an action plan of which websites I’ll be shopping, my Christmas list close at hand.
My first stop online is Fat Wallet.com, which is my favorite cash-back shopping website. (Some others are Ebates.com, Swagbucks.com, and MyPoints.com.) Here’s how it works. First, I’ll sign into my Fat Wallet account and search for the website I want. Land’s End.com, one of my favorite clothing websites, typically offers a 2% cash back reward, but is currently running a promotion of 4% cash back. Fat Wallet lists all of the current coupon codes available for Land’s End. I’ll click the link on the Fat Wallet site to connect to Land’s End.com and do my online shopping as usual. 90 days after I make my purchase, my cash becomes available and I’ll transfer it to Pay Pal (or I can request a check be mailed to me.) Some websites offer more than 10% cash back! One of my favorites is ShoeBuy.com. and not just because I love shoes. They offer 10% cash back through Fat Wallet, generous coupon codes, plus free shipping and returns! Fat Wallet even has a Black Friday tab with all the best deals prominently listed. There’s a huge variety of website affiliated with Fat Wallet and the other cash-back sites. Here’s a small sampling: Old Navy, Wal-Mart, E-bay, Adidas, Crate & Barrel, Toys R Us… As you can see, there’s something for everyone on your list!
Don’t be dismayed if your favorite website doesn’t participate with a cash-back partner! There are still deals and discounts to be uncovered. Be sure to sign up on your favorite websites’ emailing lists so you’ll have an inside track to the sales and coupon codes. Some Coupon Queens find it best to set up a separate email address just for this purpose, so your regular email account isn’t swamped with advertisements. Also, be sure to check these sites for possible coupons codes: RetailMeNot.com, SlickDeals.net, and FreeShipping.org.
The great thing is that when you do your Black Friday shopping online with Fat Wallet or Ebates, you’re also giving yourself a gift! When the February blahs are creeping up on you, your cash reward will become available… So treat yourself to something nice, guilt free! As for me, I’ll be buying some shoes… through Fat Wallet, at Shoebuy.com, earning even more cash back for more shoes! (Yes, I know I should probably seek treatment for my shoe obsession.)
One final tip - some websites will be saving their best deals for Cyber Monday, on November 29th. Procrastinators, rejoice! Check out the upcoming deals at BestCyberMondaySales.com and CyberMonday.net. Happy Shopping!
