In this era of digital shopping, consumers are constantly looking for ways to save money. With the rise of online codes, browser extensions, and money-saving apps, there are now more opportunities than ever to find significant discounts. However, the effectiveness of these deals can still vary depending on the day of the week.
A recent study conducted by SimplyCodes analyzed coupon release patterns in marketing emails from 30,000 merchants between March and July. The findings revealed that Friday is the most optimal day for consumers to save money while shopping online. This is due to an uptick in coupon activity as payday approaches, particularly for products such as women’s clothing, skincare, and alcohol.
Roughly 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday, indicating a surge in promotions before the weekend lull when fewer coupons are distributed. On Fridays specifically, the number of coupons released increases by 19%, offering shoppers a plethora of options to save money. These deals range from limited-time offers to buy one, get one free deals, as well as discounts on shipping.
Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch warns against the dangers of excessive spending in pursuit of discounts. The concept of “spaving,” or spending more to save more, is all too common in the realm of couponing. Shoppers are encouraged to evaluate whether a deal is truly beneficial before making a purchase. Consumer analyst Julie Ramhold emphasizes the importance of weighing the cost-saving benefits of a coupon against the potential expenses of additional purchases.
To make the most of coupon opportunities, shoppers are advised to sign up for store newsletters, mobile alerts, and follow brands on social media. Price-tracking browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa can help monitor price changes and notify users of discounts. By combining multiple coupons on discounted items, consumers can maximize their savings. Deal aggregators like CouponCabin.com and RetailMeNot offer a convenient way to search for deals by store name.
Despite the allure of discounts, it is crucial to avoid falling into the trap of overspending. Woroch recommends deleting shopping apps and unsubscribing from store newsletters to minimize the temptation to make unnecessary purchases. Instead, shoppers should only seek out coupons when needed, utilizing tools like SideKick to find relevant codes.
The best days to save money through coupons fall towards the end of the week, particularly on Fridays. By understanding consumer behavior, taking advantage of release patterns, and adopting strategic shopping techniques, shoppers can make the most of available discounts while avoiding potential pitfalls. Remember, the goal of couponing should be to save money wisely and responsibly.