Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

A study says that Friday is the best day for online shoppers to get a deal

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Friday is the prime day for online savings, with coupon activity peaking as payday approaches, especially for categories like women's clothing, skincare, and alcohol.
  • While digital coupons offer extensive savings opportunities, consumers should be wary of 'spaving' - spending more to save more - and instead focus on mindful shopping practices to avoid unnecessary purchases.
  • Effective coupon strategies include using price-tracking browser extensions, combining coupons with discounted items, and utilizing bargain aggregator websites, while being cautious of marketing tactics that encourage impulsive spending.

Coupons have come a long way since Sunday circulars. And for consumers struggling to make ends meet, they remain as important as ever. Now, with online coupons, browser extensions, and money-saving applications, there are more options to locate large savings at any time — but the quality of the bargains still varies by day.

Overall, a recent SimplyCodes analysis found that Friday is the greatest day for consumers to save money while shopping online. From March to July, the site examined discount release patterns in marketing emails from 30,000 shops.

The rise of digital coupons has revolutionized the way consumers save money. According to a recent study, over 90% of Americans who use digital coupons accessed them via smartphone in 2023. This shift towards mobile-based savings reflects the changing landscape of retail and consumer behavior, with shoppers increasingly relying on their devices to find the best deals.

SimplyCodes discovered that as payday approaches, coupon activity increases significantly, particularly for women's clothes, skin care, and alcohol. Approximately 52% of coupon codes are issued between Wednesday and Friday, prior to the weekend slump, when fewer fresh discounts are distributed. On Friday alone, the amount of coupons issued increases by 19%.

Interestingly, the demographics of coupon users are shifting. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just budget-conscious millennials who are clipping digital coupons. A surprising 96% of adults over 55 reported using coupons in the past year, highlighting that savvy shopping spans generations. This trend underscores the universal appeal of savings, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Beware of'spaving'.

Whether it's a "limited-time deal," a "buy one, get one free," or simply free shipping, the couponing chances are nearly endless. However, if you aren't careful, the allure of a good price can lead to overspending and high-interest credit card debt.

In fact, "spaving," or spending more to save more, is an all-too-common mistake. In that situation, Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.com, advises you to think about whether a deal is truly worth it before purchasing.

The psychology behind coupon usage is complex. While coupons can lead to significant savings, they can also trigger impulse purchases. A study found that 67% of shoppers decide to buy something solely because they found a coupon, even if they weren't originally planning to make a purchase. This highlights the powerful influence coupons have on consumer behavior and the importance of mindful shopping habits.

Examples include: "If you're ordering a few items that are already on sale and you're far from reaching a free shipping threshold, it might be worth using a coupon code to drop the shipping cost to something like $1.99 rather than filling your cart with more items to get 'free' shipping — this way you're still spending less overall," according to Ramhold.

"At the same time, if you're stocking up and have a coupon for 25% off your total purchase, it's probably not worth becoming preoccupied with getting free shipping if the overall savings on your items make the shipping costs negligible," according to her.

How to make the most of a deal without spaving.

If you are planning a large purchase, or any buy at all, Woroch recommends signing up for a store e-newsletter and mobile alerts, as well as following brands and retailers on social media, to receive a coupon for in-store or online savings. A price-tracking browser extension, such as CamelCamelCamel or Keepa, can also help you keep track of price changes and receive alerts when prices drop.

As coupon usage evolves, so do the strategies to combat fraud. Retailers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to prevent coupon abuse. Techniques such as unique code generation, customer profile-linked coupons, and AI-powered fraud detection systems are becoming more prevalent. These measures aim to ensure that coupons benefit genuine customers while protecting businesses from potential losses due to misuse.

Then, save even more by using a coupon on top of an already discounted item. "Some retailers allow you to utilize multiple coupons on the same order. This could be a coupon for money off, free shipping, or a free gift with purchase," Woroch explained.

A bargain aggregator such as CouponCabin.com or RetailMeNot can help you find offers quickly by searching for coupons by store name. Woroch urged against succumbing to the desire to splurge.

If store emails and texts encourage you to shop when you would not normally do so, it may be preferable to turn off the notifications altogether. "Delete shopping apps on your phone that alert you to the latest sale and unsubscribe from store newsletters," she told me. "Instead, look for coupons only when you need them" with a browser plug-in like SideKick, which looks for relevant codes, Woroch recommended.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 26, 2025 at 3:30:00 AM

Americans fear outliving savings more than death

[UNITED STATES] Many Americans are expressing concern that they may outlive their retirement savings. A new survey from Allianz Life reveals that 64%...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 23, 2025 at 4:00:00 AM

Americans brace for tariff-driven price hikes as savings become a priority

[UNITED STATES] Though a pause on reciprocal tariffs is currently in place, many American consumers are already preparing for the financial toll of...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 22, 2025 at 8:30:00 PM

How to avoid getting ripped off when buying a car

[UNITED STATES] Buying a car can be one of the biggest financial decisions people make, but many consumers end up feeling like they’ve...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 20, 2025 at 11:00:00 PM

Planning 457b withdrawals with a pension

[UNITED STATES] As retirees approach their post-employment years, effectively managing 457(b) plan withdrawals becomes crucial, especially when coupled with pension income. Unlike many...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 20, 2025 at 9:30:00 PM

Navigating stock market volatility as retirement nears

[UNITED STATES] Following recent volatility in the stock market, many Americans are feeling anxious about the future of both the U.S. economy and...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 19, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

How to avoid common money mistakes

[WORLD] As individuals strive to reduce their expenses, financial planners highlight common pitfalls that can undermine their efforts. From neglecting emergency savings to...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 19, 2025 at 7:30:00 PM

Scoring global deals in a tariff economy

[UNITED STATES] In April 2025, the United States implemented significant tariffs on imported goods, with rates reaching up to 54% on products from...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 19, 2025 at 12:30:00 AM

Managing money anxiety during uncertain times

[WORLD] As economic pressures intensify globally, many individuals are experiencing heightened financial anxiety. This stress can stem from concerns about job security, inflation,...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 18, 2025 at 5:30:00 AM

Mini-retirements reshape work-life balance

[WORLD] In a significant shift from traditional career trajectories, a growing number of young professionals are opting for "mini-retirements"—extended breaks from work ranging...

Financial Planning
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 16, 2025 at 8:30:00 PM

Financial discipline remains key to success

[WORLD] The timeless value of financial discipline has never been more relevant. Whether it's managing personal finances, navigating the stock market, or running...

Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 16, 2025 at 8:30:00 PM

4 key factors that could prevent a 2025 recession

[UNITED STATES] As fears of a potential recession loom over the U.S. economy in 2025, experts point to several key factors that could...

Financial Planning Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 14, 2025 at 3:00:00 PM

Smart ways to save as rates drop

[MALAYSIA] As global interest rates continue to trend downward, savers are seeking secure and effective ways to preserve and grow their wealth. Traditional...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege