DEALS O’ THE WEEK, FREE SHIPPING DAY, GIFT DEALS
VISTAPRINT
Holiday Cards – 10 Starting at $2.00 – Tell friends, family or customers you’re thinking of them this Christmas season.
Desk Calendar – 1 FREE – Give a memorable gift that’s just the right size. Present your photos and add text to individual dates for a truly unique creation. Size: 210 x 95 mm
Postcards – 100 Starting at $12.49 – Special high-gloss UV coating makes your images pop. Add a photo and customize text to make it your own.
Premium Business Cards – 250 Starting at $9.99 – You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Make the most of it with high-quality, full-color premium business cards.
Announcements – 4″ x 8″ – 1 FREE – Birth, wedding and moving announcements really stand out when you personalize them with a photo. White envelopes are included and matching envelopes are also available.
T-shirts – 1 Starting at $6.00 – Market your landscaping business while you work! These fully customizable, 100% pre-shrunk cotton T-Shirts are available in white or ash gray.
Premium Car Door Magnets – 1 FREE – Brand your vehicle with full-color magnets. Printed on a durable high-strength magnet. Choose from over 100 designs or create your own.
XL Photo Magnets – 1 Starting at $4.99 – Give the gift that sticks with them. Customize with your photos and personal message. 8.5” x 11.25” size is perfect to display your magnetic masterpiece.
Lawn Signs – 1 FREE sign – Save your green and place these full-color lawn signs in front of your best work. Printed on high-quality, corrugated plastic.
Click here: VISTAPRINT DEALS
CELLPHONESHOP
The holidays are a great time to buy the gadgets that everyone needs. Here are some great deals for times you can find on Cellphoneshop. I’ve bought car charges and power chargers for my cell phone and other techie items on the site. Great deals at super low prices – up to 80% off and more!
Portable solar charger for cell phones – $13.99
Dual cigarette lighter socket with dual USB charging port – $4.99
Custom iPhone skins – $3.99 and up
8 GB SDHC Memory card – $5.29 and up
Armband for iTunes – $7.99
Bluetooth headset with boom microphone – $17.99
25% Off iPhone/iPad Lightning Charger
Use code FSHIPXM to get Free shipping.
Use code CPSXM2 to get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more.
Click here to shop: CELL PHONE ACCESSORY DEALS
FTD
(12/1-12/12) Deal of the week – Gorgeous Greetings holiday bouquet only $19.99
ENTERTAINMENT BOOK
All books are $19.99 plus FREE SHIPPING! PLUS get extra books for only $15! Deal goes through 12/10/12. They make great gifts!
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/ENTBOOKCOUPONGUY
2013 OUR TOWN AND ALL AROUND COUPON BOOK
Get a 2 For the Price of 1 Atlas Movies discount coupon with the purchase of each Our Town coupon book! While supplies last – coupon valid Sun – Thurs – coupon expires 12/31/12. Get the Our Town and All Around coupon book for $28 Plus FREE shipping! A bargain for so many coupons! They make a great gift!
The Our Town coupon book has around 1,000 coupons for Northeast Ohio area restaurants, fast food, drug stores, movies, golf courses, pizza, dry cleaning, wineries, entertainment and more! The Best coupon book available in the area! It’s like getting 1,000 Groupons, but all for only $28! Some restaurant coupons are good for up to $32 off! The book can pay for itself with just one coupon!
HIGHLIGHTS
* RESTAURANTS – Restaurant coupons include the Boneyard, Slim & Chubbies, Hooley House, Cabana’s, Welshfield Inn, Chocolate Martini Bar, House of Blues, West Park Station, Yours Truly, Harry Buffalo, Pacers, Scrambler Marie’s, Willoughby Brewing, Casa D’Angelo, Quaker Steak & Lube, Punderson Manor, Oriole Cafe, Frankie’s Italian Cuisine, Joey’s, Houlihans, Rock West, Dino’s, and over 140 more!
* SAVE – The book will pay for itself after 1 or 2 coupons. It’s like finding a gift card on every page! Save thousands of dollars!
* FINE DINING – 160 Fine Dining Restaurants with savings of $10 or more. Most offer half off dinners for those dining alone! Some are valued up to $32 off!
* ENTERTAINMENT – Coupons for museums, tickets for local attractions, sport-related attractions, comedy clubs, and much more!
* LITTLE ITALY – NEW this year is our “On the Hill”, a section of Little Italy restaurants such as La Dolce Vita, Maxi’s, Mia Bella, Il Baccio, Anthony’s, Guarino’s, and Primo Vino.
* BIRTHDAY COUPONS – FREE dinners on your birthday coupons.
* FAST FOOD/PIZZA/LOCAL RESTAURANTS – Over 450 “two for one” or “50% off” offers at fast food restaurants, pizza restaurants, and neighborhood favorites.
* WINERIES – 30 coupons for wineries from across Northern Ohio including Ferrante, Paper Moon, and Debonne.
* GOLF – Coupons for over 65 BOGO rounds of golf.
* MISC. COUPONS – Coupons for dry cleaning, tanning, IGA (five $5 off $20 purchase coupons), Bremecs, and much more! Get a $25 gift card at Discount Drug Mart or $15 gift card at Marc’s with the transferred prescription coupon in the book (have them honored as competitors coupons at pharmacies at Giant Eagle and others).
* Coupons good now through December 1, 2013!
Click here to order:
http://www.joethecouponguy.com/merchandise/index.htm
ACE HARDWARE
Stanley Hand Tools – $1.99 after $5 rebate – choose from level, utility knife, tape rule, wood chisel set, screwdriver set and utility knife blades – limit 1 rebate each
Wild bird seed – 20 lb – $5.99
ALDIS
Blackberries – 6 oz – 99 cents
Pears – 69 cents/lb (comes on 2 lb package at $1.38)
Oranges – 4 lb – $1.49
Salad bag – 49 cents
Cauliflower – 99 cents
Brocolli – 99 cents/lb
Orchid – $9.99
CVS
15% OFF your order on CVS.com with coupon code 15COUPON. Save now.
3 Musketeers – .32 after BOGO 25 cents sale and B2G1 coupon that was found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
Kleenex Cottonelle Hand Towels 60ct – $1.21 after $10 Extrabucks Reward when you buy 11 and use 11 .75 coupons
Planters Peanuts 16 oz – $2.10 after $5 Extrabucks with purchase of 5 and two $1/2 coupons found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
M&Ms 8-12.6 oz – $1.25 after $3 Extrabucks with purchase of 4 and two $1/2 coupon – limit 2 offers
FAMILY DOLLAR
Click here for a $5 off $25 purchase coupon:
http://tinyurl.com/brwyu2m or go to: http://www.familydollar.com
GIANT EAGLE
Giant Eagle now accepts competitors coupons.
Colgate – Free after .75 coupon
Breyers ice cream – $1.83 after $1.50 e-coupon at e-Offers at http://www.gianteagle.com
Del Monte vegetables/College Inn Broth – 15/$10 – plus use .50/2 Del Monte coupon found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
and .55/2 College Inn coupon
Domino sugar or Betty Crocker Brownies – $1.24 after .75/2 coupon
Nestle morsels – 4/$6 after .75/2 coupon
Folgers Gourmet selections – $3.99 with .50 coupon found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
or use $1 coupon (buy $10 worth and get $3 off you next shopping trip coupon at register)
Pillsbury crescent rolls – .60 after .40/2 coupon
Fruity or Cocoa Pebbles – .90 after .55 coupon
20 cents Fuelperks reward on $50 purchase of gift cards ends 12/12/12.
HEINENS
Austin’s Bleach 128 oz – $1
Austin’s Ammonia – 64 oz – $1
Hunt’s ketchup – 24 oz – $1
Applegate all natural turkey bacon – BOGO
Perdue boneless skinless chicken breast – BOGO
HARBOR FREIGHT
Look for coupons in Parade and USA Weekend magazine. Includes freebie item with purchase coupon.
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/3tuj6d3
JOANN FABRICS
50% off any one regular-priced item. Excludes sale-priced & clearance items, Red Tag fabrics. Use promotion code SDF344 in your online shopping cart. VALID through Sun., Dec. 9, 2012. Use code SHW344 for 50% off on 12/14 & 12/15.
Get 60% off on some Holiday Inspiration items.
FREE SHIPPING with $35 minimum purchase. Use promotion code UNS344 in your online shopping cart. VALID through Sun., Dec. 9, 2012.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/7tm3lvd
KMART
Double $1 manufacturer coupons up to a limit of 5 with a $25 purchase in grocery or household items. Potential $10 off with five $1 coupons. Must have Shop Your Way Rewards card (free loyalty card).
Get a $25 gift card for transferring a prescription to K-Mart. Coupon in ad.
Earn reward discounts at Speedway with grocery, drug, and/or apparel purchase at K-Mart.
Spend $50 – $99.99 – get a coupon for 10 cents off per gallon – up to 15 gallons
Spend $100 – $149.99 – get a coupon for 20 cents off per gallon – up to 15 gallons
Spend $150 or more – get a coupon for 30 cents off per gallon – up to 15 gallons
KOHLS
Get 30% off with code RUDOLPH30. Get $10 Kohls cash for every $50 spent. Valid from 12/11 – 12/24, 2012.
LITTLE TIKES
Save $10 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the NEW Movi Trike-Red now through December 17th!
Save $25 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Sand & Water Fun Factory now through December 12th!
Click here: LITTLE TIKE DEALS
MARCS
Iceberg lettuce – 89 cents
Romaine Hearts – 3 ct bag – 2/$3
Cilantro or Parsley – 99 cents each
Pears – 99 cents/lb
Blackberries – 89 cents
OFFICEMAX
Boise X9 10 ream case of paper – $9.99 after Maxperks reward – limit 2
Duracell AA/AAA batteries – 20 pack – 1 cent after Maxperks – limit 2 – plus use $4 or $2 coupon
Get 20% back in Maxperks on most any purchase with coupon in ad or at http://images.ed4.net/images/htdocs/officemax/Images/2012/wk50/mp/MaxPerks_RewardsPass_120912.pdf or use code MPEVENT2 online.
RITE AID
Sadly, Rite Aid is doing away with their Single Check Rebate program. I did notice the rebate deals lessening while the UP rewards increased.
Get the Rite Aid Video Values coupons at http://riteaid.adperk.com/. Watch short videos and get coupons!
Dove and Dove For Men Body Wash 12-13.5 oz or Shower Tool – Free after $2 UP reward with purchase of 2 and $1 November Video Values coupon and two $2 coupons found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
– limit 2 offers
Visine – $1.29 after $2 in ad coupon and $2 UP Reward – limit 2
Halls Cough Drops 17-25ct – .50 after $1 UP reward with purchase of 2 and $1/2 coupon also found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
– limit 4
Speed Stick Deodorant – .99 after $2 UP reward – limit 4 offers
Bic Disposable Razors – $1.97 after BOGO50% off sale and $3 UP rewards with purchase of 2 and $3/2 coupon
Kelloggs Frosted Flakes, Raisin Bran, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Froot Loops, Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies Cereal 8.7-16.5 oz – $1 after $2 UP Reward with purchase of 2 and $1/2 coupon
Royal Gelatin 0.32-1.4 oz – .16 after $1 UP reward with purchase of 6 – limit 3 offers
Rimmel Eye Shadow – $1.64 after BOGO50% off sale and $5 UP Rewards with purchase of 4 and 4 $1 coupons – limit 2 offers
Almay Cosmetics – $2.49 after 40% off sale and $2 November Video Values coupon
3 Musketeers – .33 after B2G1 coupon found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
Softsoap Body Wash 15 oz – $1.49 after $2 in ad coupon and .50 November All You Magazine coupon
Hormel Compleats 7-10oz – .99 after $1 coupon found at http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
Look for 75% off on Revlon items.
SALLY BEAUTY SUPPLY
Friends & Family Sale! Save $5 on purchases of $25 or more at SallyBeauty.com! Use code 555147 at checkout. Some exclusions apply. Offer valid from 12/6 to 12/9.
Free Shipping at SallyBeauty.com on ALL Orders $50+.
Beyond Belief Holiday scent hand lotion – vanilla joy, frosty pear, pomegranate fig – 2.25 oz – 99 cents
Click here to shop:
http://tinyurl.com/SALLYCOUPONGUY
STAPLES
FREE shipping on all orders now at Staples.com
Staples® photo plus 4″ x 6″ paper – $1 after $8.99 easy rebate
Look for $5 off $25 coupon in ad.
Brother® PT-90 personal labeler – $9.99 (save $20)
16/pack of Duracell® AA or AAA batteries – Free after Staples Rewards – limit 2 – plus use $4 or $2 coupon
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/8mx692m
SUN PLUM MARKET
Bananas – 35 cents/lb
Salad selection – .99/lb
Brocolli – 99 cents each
Grape tomatoes – 99 cents
VALU KING
Get these items free with coupons in ad and $10 or more purchase:
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties and Valu Time Hamburger or Hot Dog buns
Oranges – 4/$1
Fiora bath tissue 12 double rolls or Paper Towels 8 rolls – $2.99 after $1 coupon in ad
Mushrooms – 8 oz – 99 cents
Baby Carrots – 99 cents
WALGREENS
NEW PROGRAM! Join Balance Rewards to earn points on thousands of items, including every prescription and immunization. Purchase items in-store or online to earn points. Redeem points for dollar rewards that you can get instantly at the checkout.
Click here to get enrolled:
Walgreens Reward Program
• Save on sale items with card
• Get 500 points for every prescription and immunization
• Earn points on thousands of items each week
• Get 10 points for every mile when you Walk with Walgreens
• Redeem instantly with as few as 5,000 points
Points System
5,000 – earn $5
10,000 – earn $10
18,000 – earn $20
30,000 – earn $35
40,000 – earn $50
Goody Colour Collection Contour Clips 6 ct – Free after $2 Register Reward
Carmex Lip Care – .03 after 1000 points maximum value with purchase of 3 and .55 coupon
Brut Products 2-7 oz – .50 after BOGO sale and two $1 coupons
Help I Can’t Sleep 16 ct – .99 after $3 Register Reward
One A Day Vitamins 50-160 ct – $2.88 after 5000 maximum value points and $5/2 coupon
Betty Crocker Cookie, Cake or Brownie Mix 15.25-18.3 oz – .79 after 1000 maximum value points with purchase of 4 and four .50 coupons
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on Walgreens Jumbo Pack Premium Diapers
Start Date: 12/9/2012
End Date: 12/15/2012
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE on Walgreens Baby Wipes
Start Date: 12/9/2012
End Date: 12/15/2012
40% off Photo Prints & Posters
Coupon Code: MEMORIES40
Start Date: 12/9/2012
End Date: 12/15/2012
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/cpu4c24
COUPONS.COM
Get these coupons and over 200 more on Coupons.com. Most all stores take internet coupons. They will double at stores as per their rules – Giant Eagle, Dave’s Supermarket, and Buehlers doubles coupons of 99 cents and less. Get them before they disappear!
Click here to print the coupons: http://tinyurl.com/couponguycoupons
COUPON NETWORK
Find out Catalina deals that will trigger coupons at the register and get coupons to print at the Coupon Network.
$1.00 off POST Shredded Wheat Cereal
$1.00 off Raisinets® Stand Up Bags
$2.00 off NESTLÉ® Jingles
$2.50 off NESTLÈ® or WONKA® Holiday Candy
Click here for these coupons and more at: COUPON NETWORK COUPONS
ALL YOU MAGAZINE
Buy one All You magazine subscription get one Free! Get two subscriptions for $19.95! Each issue normally costs $2.99 each (sold at Wal-Mart). All You magazine has a bunch of coupons in it every month. The most in any magazine I’ve ever seen. The magazine has money-savings tips, lifestyle articles, recipes, and other stuff.
Click here for the BOGO deal: http://tinyurl.com/allyoujoe
BEST DEAL MAGAZINES
Find these limited time deals below and tons of other magazine subscription deals on their site.
Weekly deals for annual subscriptions:
Take an Additional 20% Off Simple & Delicious Magazine. Enter coupon WKLYSPEC During Checkout.
Take an Additional 20% Off Shape Magazine. Enter coupon WKLYSPEC During Checkout
Daily Deals for annual subscriptions:
Natural Health Magazine Just $4.29 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 10th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Discovery Girls Magazine Just $17.49 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 11th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Food & Wine Magazine Just $17.49 for 2 Years at Best Deal Magazines, December 12th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Popstar! Magazine Just $15.49 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 13th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Thomas & Friends Magazine Just $17.49 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 14th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Cat Fancy Magazine Just $5.89 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 15th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Bridal Guide Magazine Just $3.99 for 1 Year at Best Deal Magazines, December 16th Only (Find coupons and save even more!)
Deal of the Day valid only on date specified through Midnight EST.
Take An Additional 15% Off at Best Deal Magazines. Enter Coupon Code PXCJ1216 During Checkout. Offer expires December 16, 2012.
250+ Magazines under $10 with this coupon! 70+ Popular Magazines – Just $3.99 with this coupon! 30+ Popular Magazines – Just $5.24 with this coupon!
TAKE AN EXTRA $5 OFF $30 ORDER COUPON. Take an Extra $5 off $30 at Best Deal Magazines. Enter Coupon Code MNDCJ1216 During Checkout. Offer expires December 16, 2012.
TAKE AN EXTRA $7.50 OFF $40 ORDER COUPON. Take an Extra $7.50 off $40 at Best Deal Magazines. Enter Coupon Code MQQCJ1216 During Checkout. Offer expires December 16, 2012.
TAKE AN EXTRA $10 OFF $50 ORDER COUPON. Take an Extra $10 off $50 at Best Deal Magazines. Enter Coupon Code MQPCJ1216 During Checkout. Offer expires December 16, 2012.
TAKE AN EXTRA $15 OFF $70 ORDER COUPON. Take an Extra $15 off $70 at Best Deal Magazines. Enter Coupon Code MTKCJ1216 During Checkout. Offer expires December 16, 2012.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yegw9yq
DISCOUNT MAGAZINES
Get these deals and more on their site for annual subscriptions.
Daily Deals for annual subscriptions:
Thu, Dec 6, Subscribe to Elle Magazine, just $4.50/year (67% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 6374
Fri, Dec 7, Subscribe to Digital Photo Magazine, just $4.99/year (58% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 3720
Sat, Dec 8 & Sun, Dec 9, Subscribe to Holiday Food & Cooking Magazines starting at $3.99/year at DiscountMags.com!
Mon, Dec 10, Subscribe to Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, just $4.99/year (70% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 2892
Tue, Dec 11, Subscribe to W Magazine, just $3.99/year (73% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 6031
Wed, Dec 12, Subscribe to New York Spaces Magazine, just $4.50/year (87% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 9077
Holiday Sale at DiscountMags.com! Save 10% on Magazine Subscriptions and get Free Shipping! Use Code: HOLIDAY10
Get Free Shipping on Any Order (No Minimum) at DiscountMags.com!
Amazing Magazine Subscriptions with No Sales Tax at DiscountMags.com!
Save $10 OFF your order of $50+ from DiscountMags.com! Use code: 10OFF50
Did you know? DiscountMags.com offers Free Shipping, No Sales Tax and subscriptions are NOT subject to automatic renewal.
Click here to order:
http://tinyurl.com/73w5gtx
GRAVEYARD MALL
For the pets that have everything!
Doggy Sajer Vibrating Massage Mitt (2-pack) – $15.99 ($79.98 value)
Kitty Sajer Vibrating Massage Mitt (2-pack) – $15.99 ($79.98 value)
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/6lr3ouz
DEAL CHICKEN
50% off wine tasting for two at The Wine Room in Avon – $15 ($30 value).
50% off Italian fare at Bada Bing Pizza in Chesterland – $15 ($30 value).
50% off massage at Chamberlain’s Salon & Spa in Aurora – $30 ($60 value).
50% off salon services at Vivid Salon & Spa in Middleburg Heights – $42 ($84 value).
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/8owtruf
SAVEOLOGY
$14.99 for 19″x30″ NBA Starter Mat – All 30 Team Logos Available ($45 Value).
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/955wh85
FREE COMMUNICATION TUESDAY
At eHarmony communicate for Free on the next two Tuesdays, 12/11 and 12/18. Valentine’s Day is coming up!
Communicate with your matches for FREE – Tuesday Evening Only – 3pm-11:59pm PT
Communicate with your matches for FREE – Tuesday Evening Only – 3pm-11:
BED & BREAKFAST
Instead of staying at a hotel, try a Bed & Breakfast for your next romantic getaway with these deals.
Holiday Sale, Free $75 B&B Gift Card!
Free B&B Gift Cards for the Holidays:
Free $10 B&B gift card with $50-99 purchase
Free $25 B&B gift card with $100-249 purchase
Free $75 B&B gift card with $250+ purchase
Use Promo code: GCHOLIDAYS
Winter Travel Sale
Save 15% on a B&B getaway of two nights or more. Expires December 6. Travel on or before December 31.
Use Promo code: EXPERIENCE15
WAL-MART VS GIANT EAGLE
Have you seen the ads in the newspapers? You know the ones with Wal-Mart saying they have lower prices than Giant Eagle. They’ve been in the PD for awhile now. Giant Eagle got into the battle by putting ads in the PD showing how their prices are cheaper than Wal-Mart. So who really is cheaper?
Each has published ads showing them around 10 – 20 some percent cheaper than the other. But if I randomly choose 20 items would I get the same results? Of course not. Each item is cherry-picked to favor them. When you sell thousands if items it’s not that hard to do. And just like any data – data can be used to favor either position (a cup half empty or half full if you will).
What’s my take? I’ve shopped Giant Eagle for years and years. When they started doubling coupons I made them my go-to grocery store. But they have such high prices! At least that is what I hear all the time. It depends. If you buy items that aren’t on sale along with items that are then you will save around 10-20%. If you use coupons and cherry-pick the deals like I do then you can achieve savings of 70% and more consistently.
But Wal-Mart has everyday low prices! And that’s the catch. The prices at Wal-Mart are consistent while Giant Eagle has items that go on sale. Wal-Mart, in essence, doesn’t have sales. They advertise everyday low prices. Giant Eagle recently did something similar by locking in prices and at lower prices than normal at that.
Giant Eagle doubles coupons of 99 cents and less seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It is done automatically by their system at the register (except for coupons that start with a 9 and coupons that state ‘do not double’. Because of double coupons and sales at Giant Eagle I save 70% and more. If they didn’t have double coupons, then I would save a lot less. I wait for an item to be 50% off and then I use a coupon with it. Typically, a coupon is 10-20% off an item. When it doubles it is 20-40% off and that is how I can get my savings of 70% of and more.
Wal-Mart did test doubles in Madison, Ohio that ended last year. They also did stores in other markets. Should they start doubling at all their stores then game on!
Now the one thing that Wal-Mart does that is different is that they give overage on their coupons. So say I have a $3 coupon for Snuggle fabric softener and it’s on sale for $2.50. Most stores will mark the coupon down to $2.50. Wal-Mart doesn’t. They give overage. So, in other words I would get a 50 cent credit by using the coupon. I did that with a handful of coupons and I was able to get paid for shopping at Wa-Mart to a tune of a $4.62 credit. They paid me! Now that is rare and you can only do it on a small handful of items since most coupons are less than the cost of the item. Buying a variety of groceries using that method is not consistent since most coupons are much less than the cost of an item.
Wal-Mart also price matches. Just tell them the cost of an item you found at another store and they will price match it. A lotta hassle since sometimes they ask that you provide and ad and if you have a dozen items you want to match it takes a lot longer in line. But if you want to save more money it is a good option.
So in the end who has lower prices? If you ask me, I would say Giant Eagle. Before you spin in circles like Shemp from the 3 Stooges in disbelief you have to look at the big picture. Wal-Mart is good for the person that is just looking to get a low reasonable price without having to wait for a sale. Same goes for similar stores like Marcs. But to save a ton on groceries on a consistent basis then Giant Eagle is the winner.
Plus as a bonus you get Fuelperks for your purchases. You get $3 in saving on gas with every $50 spent (30 gallons x .10 = $3). That number doubles when you buy gift cards during their 20 cent promotions. Plus sometimes they give 20 cents in Fuelperks or more when you buy certain products at certain quantities.
But again, Wal-Mart still doesn’t lower prices with weekly sales. So in order to compare apples to apples I’d compare Giant Eagle’s sale prices to Wal-Mart’s low prices, but knowing that buying regular-priced items will not be as competitive than Wal-Mart’s prices. In the ads you can see how both stores claim they have the lower prices. Because everyday prices fluctuate and Giant Eagle has sales that claim needs an asterisk.
Part of the issue with shoppers is that many don’t want to wait for a sale. They just want to buy what they need. To that I say do you really need to buy any particular type of food that week or can it wait until it goes on sale? Everything goes on sale every 6 weeks for the most part. To save the most make dinners according to what is on sale that week instead of pre-planning dinners and buying the ingredients to whatever is on sale or not. The waiting for a sale method can get you savings of 50% and more weekly while the ‘buy what you want when you want it’ method will usually save you around 10 – 20% each week.
Stocking up until the next sale will let you bypass having to buy items at full price too.
If convenience is more important to you, then saving money may be more difficult. Wholesale clubs are a good example. They offer everyday low prices too, but most don’t take coupons – Costco and Sam’s Club doesn’t while BJ’s does. Plus they charge you to shop there! Their item sizes are huge too. I like my mayonnaise in smaller containers than 90 oz. They sell in bulk which means there is a higher change of throwing out food because it gets spoiled. But they have everything you need there at a decent quality. But I don’t know anyone saving 70% and more at Wholesale Clubs on a consistent basis like I can do at Giant Eagle.
Another method is to cherry pick deals at other stores. If you could save $20 on your produce would you make an extra stop at Aldi’s? If it takes an hour to get there and shop then it’s like making $20 an hour on your job. It may not be convenient to shop at more than one grocery store, but it can save you tons over time. Their produce it great and a ton cheaper than any store including Wal-Mart. The family that owns Aldi’s even owns Trader Joe’s!
Does it matter to you how the store treats their employees? Or where they source their product. Or how healthy their products are? The case can be made to shop at Costco, Whole Foods, and Giant Eagle since they pay most of their employees a living wage with benefits. Do you see the same cashiers at the store you shop at? Or is there a new face every other week? Some stores are fine with hiring kids and having a high turnover. The kids get work experience and the store pays them an entry-level wage so it’s a win-win. However, some stores like Wal-Mart have lost a handful of class-action lawsuits brought against them by employees. Even though Wal-Mart makes billions of dollars in profits and the largest retailer in the world, many of their employees are on government assistance. Not a good combination. Check out the info at http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/. Sure, everyone loves low prices and Wal-Mart has helped lower prices, but at what cost?
Are stores that emphasize service more important? Say, like a store like Heinens. It’s important to me when I need something and it isn’t on the shelf and the stock person is very helpful finding a case of it in the stockroom. Or having a cashier that knows what they’re doing at the register.
With service and convenience it’s hard to quantify savings. It’s the overall experience. For those not needing to pinch their pennies then those two categories make a difference.
With Giant Eagle locking in prices you can see the ads made them have to be more competitive. So competition is good for the consumer. One day we may see more competition from other grocery stores if they move into town – Kroger, Safeway, etc. It’ll harken back to the days of Fazio’s, Pick-n-Pay, Kresge’s, Woolworth’s, and Stop-n-Shop. I’ll be waiting with my coupons!
FREE SHIPPING DAY
Knowing that shoppers wait until the last minute to do their shopping, retailers offer Free Shipping on Free Shipping Day to entice them to do their shopping with them before they procrastinate any longer. This year Free Shipping Day is December 17, 2012. The cost for shipping varies, but you can figure on saving at least $7. The savings is better than having to run out to the store and use a gallon of gas.
Check for sites that offer free shipping like http://www.freeshipping.org.
Some stores like Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart and Payless Shoe Source allow you to order an item online with free shipping if you pick up the item at their store. Check to see if that is an option when you’re ordering an item since it can possibly save a lot in shipping costs if the store is close to you.
Amazon offers a free shipping service called Amazon Prime for an annual fee of $79. The service guarantees delivery within two days. As a comparison, shipping is free on purchases of more than $25 with Amazon.
A service called ShopRunner at http://www.shoprunner.com consisting of dozens of retailers offers free shipping for an annual fee of $79. It was partly formed to compete against Amazon Prime. Both offer a free 30 day trial.
NECKLACE
Silver Mom Heart Necklace for $50.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/49fjttv
TECH GADGETS
74% off an Android tablet – From $79 – Value: $299.99
$8 for a shockproof case for iPhone 4, 4S and 5 – Price: $8 – Save: 73%
$8 for two iPhone Ballpoint Pen Styluses — a two-in-one tool! –
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/6ego57m
IRISH ROSE INN
Enjoy wine country in California at the Irish Rose Inn in Healdsburg. Nestled amongst wineries on Dry Creek Road it cost only $199 for two nights, PLUS a winery pass for free tastings and discounts at over 120 wineries, a welcome bottle of wine, wifi, AND free breakfast! Rated 5 on Tripadvisor!
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/bg6zwgq
PAINTBALL
Get this deal with Synergy Paintball Challenge in Grafton:
• $49 ($106 value) for a paintball package with admission and all-day air refills for two
• $79 ($212 value) for a paintball package with admission and all-day air refills for four
• $189 ($636 value) for a paintball package with admission and all-day air refills for 12
• Including a marker, mask, hopper, HPA tank, and 250 rounds of paintballs
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/d7k6fy3
STAR REGISTRY
Since every nearby planet seems to be named already, how about having a star named after you or for somebody else? At the International Star Registry you can have a star named after you for $20.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/d7k6fy3
CAR WASH
$18 for Six Exterior Car Washes ($72 Value) at one of eleven Spitzer’s locations.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/4bqn6dt
J’S PIZZA MARKET
$12 for $25 Worth of Pizza, Sandwiches, and Salads at J’s Pizza Market in Mentor.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/4bqn6dt
A CHRISTMAS STORY
Get tickets from $10 to visit the family house from the movie “A Christmas Story” in the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland. While there buy a leg lamp for your living room.
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/4bqn6dt
GETAWAYS DEALS
■ Niagara Falls, ON — Wyndham Garden Niagara Falls: C$69
■ Baltimore, Maryland — Gramercy Mansion: $125
■ Taberg, NY — Wellnesste Lodge: $99
■ Toronto, ON — Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites: C$79
■ Charlevoix, MI — Weathervane Terrace Inn: $79
■ Amalfi Coast, Italy — Taste of Amalfi Culinary Tour : $699
■ Owenton, KY — The Lodge at Elk Creek Vineyards: $79
■ Southbury, CT — The Heritage Hotel: $74
■ San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua — Surf Ranch Action Sports Resort: $289
■ Jackson Hole, WY — Fireside Resort: $345
■ Panama City, Panama — Panama Resort Vacation with Airfare and Car: $999
■ Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Queenstown — Air New Zealand Vacations “The Hobbit” Trip: $2,499
■ Branson, MO — Grand Country Inn: $149
■ Long Island, NY — Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center: $189
■ Toronto — Gladstone Hotel: $139
■ Sherman Oaks, CA — Best Western Plus Carriage Inn: $79
■ Annapolis, MD — Academy Bed and Breakfast: $119
■ Great Smoky Mountains, NC — Balsam Mountain Inn: $169
■ San Antonio — Riverwalk Plaza Hotel & Suites: $89
■ Miami Beach — Trump International Beach Resort: $183
■ North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Prince Resort: $49
■ Taos, NM — Inn on La Loma Plaza: $199
■ Hollywood, FL — Crowne Plaza Hotel – Hollywood Beach Resort: $95
■ Las Vegas — Palms Place Hotel at the Palms: $149
■ Dallas — Sheraton Dallas by the Galleria: $69
■ Orlando Area — Fairways Florida Villas: $169
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/4bqn6dt
GIFT CARD DEALS
Below are some gift card deals (if you know of any, send them to me and I’ll post them in a future blog – thanks!). Most end on 12/31/12. The bonus cards are usually good for a limited time. Check with the store for details.
GIANT EAGLE – get 20 cents in Fuelperks with the purchase of $50 in gift cards through 12/12. New gift cards include BW3, Burger King, Best Buy, Groupon, Einstein Bagels, and Texas Roadhouse.
MARCS – get 2% off value of card – $50 gift card would cost $49.
Restaurants:
100TH BOMB GROUP – Buy a $50 gift card get $10 bonus Gift Card
APPLEBEES – Buy a $50 gift card get $10 bonus Gift Card
ARBYS – Get a Free Peppermint Stick Swirl Shake with $10 gift card purchase
BAKERS SQUARE – Buy $25 in gift cards get a $5 bonus card.
BASS LAKE TAVERN – buy $100 gift card get a $20 gift card free.
BONEFISH GRILL – Buy $100 in gift cards get a free $20 bonus gift card.
BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA – Buy $100 in gift cards get a $20 bonus gift card.
BW3 – buy $25 in gift and get a bonus card worth $5, $15, $25, or even $100. Deal good from 11/19 – 12/31.
CHAMPS AMERICANA – Get a $10 Extra Points gift card with a $50 gift card purchase
EATNPARK – Get a $5 bonus gift card with $25 gift card purchase
OLIVE GARDEN – Get a $5 bonus gift card with a $25 gift card purchase.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE – get a FREE personalized greeting card and FREE standard shipping. Plus get a FREE $20 bonus card when you order $100 in gift cards.
PENN STATION – Buy $30 in gift cards get a gift card good on an 8″ sub on your next visit
PF CHIANGS – Buy $100 gift card get a bonus $25 gift card.
RED LOBSTER – Buy $25 gift card get a $5 gift card.
RUSTY BUCKET – Rusty Bucket located on 6025 Kruse Drive in Solon Ohio has just began its Bonus Rewards. For every $50 you purchase in Rusty Bucket gift cards, receive $10 Bonus Rewards. You can purchase gift cards online or in stores and the promo will run through December 30th!
Here is the link to the gift card page on the website: http://www.myrustybucket.com/giftcards.aspx
SMOKEY BONES – Buy $50 in gift cards get a $10 bonus gift card.
STARBUCKS – Receive one (1) $5.00 Starbucks retail store gift card (either an eGift Card or a Starbucks Card) with a qualifying purchase. A “Qualifying Purchase” is a purchase of three or more qualifying products from a participating retailer during the Purchase Period. Qualifying products include: Starbucks® coffee (10 oz or larger), Starbucks® K-Cup® pack, Tazo® K-Cup® pack, Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew (excluding 3-pack), Starbucks Frappuccino® Chilled Coffee Drink (4-pack), Starbucks Doubleshot® Espresso (4-pack), Tazo® Tea Filterbags, and Tazo® Tea Latte Concentrates. The Qualifying Purchase must be a single transaction and must occur on or before December 31, 2012. Offer not valid at Starbucks stores. For complete Offer details and Terms and Conditions go to http://www.starbucks.com/holidayoffer.
SUSHI ROCK – Buy $100 in Gift Cards and you receive a $20 Bonus Card (Valid January – February 2013)
TEXAS ROADHOUSE – Get a free $5 e-gift card with a $30 gift card purchase online
TGIFRIDAYS – Get a $5 bonus gift card with a $25 gift card purchase
WILLOUGHBY BREWING COMPANY – Buy $100 gift card get a $25 gift card free – buy $50 gift card get $10 bonus card
Businesses:
BREMECS GARDEN CENTERS – For every $50 gift card purchased get a $20 bonus card. Great for your Christmas tree purchase.
BROOKSTONE – Get a $50 gift card for $25 at Brookstone. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/d7k6fy3
DINO PALMIERI SALON & SPA – For every $50 purchased, get a $10 gift card.
PLASTIC JUNGLE
Buy, sell, or trade these gift cards. They can buy gift cards at a discount averaging 15 percent off the card’s face value, and in some cases 30 percent off or higher. There’s no risk since Plastic Jungle verifies and guarantees the balance on each card.
Their gift card inventory can include discounted gift cards from stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, Macy’s, Lowe’s, Sears, Applebees, Disney Store, NFL Shop, T-Mobile, & MANY more!
Click here:
GIFT CARD DEALS
YELP
Do you read reviews for restaurants on Yelp? Watch the clip above that has actors read them.
Or click here:
http://youtu.be/QEdXhH97Z7E
ARBYS
Click here for a BOGO Beef-n-ceddar or Turkey-n-cheddar sandwich at Arby’s:
http://arbys.com/coupons/december-2012.html
BURGER KING
BOGO 55 cent Whopper through 12/6 – 12/9, 2012
CHICKFILA
Starting Saturday, December 15th ALL Catering Trays will be Buy 2, Get 1 FREE until January 1st! Willoughby location.
DOMINOS
Get 50% off your online order from 12/3 – 12/9.
EATNPARK
Original breakfast smile – $3.99 (3 bacon strips, two eggs, potatoes, and toast
7 Days Deals – $7 for sandwich and side
Click here for coupons: http://blog.eatnpark.com/2012/04/i-want-eatn-park-coupons.html
MCDONALDS
BOGO25 cents Big Mac or Quarter Pounder through 12/9/12.
CLOSING
Quince – Olmstead Falls
Caribou Coffee – Rocky River
GOOD MORNING CLEVELAND
On this segment of Good Morning Cleveland, Jenn Strathman and I chat about BOGOXX deals, Free shipping and gift card deals.
Check it out: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/money/consumer/consumer_specialist/joe-the-coupon-guy-breaks-down-bogo-or-buy-one-get-one-offers
WELW
Listen at 7:18 AM on Wednesdays to WELW 1330 AM as I go over the deals of the week on the Wake Up Lake County Show. Go to http://www.WELW.com to listen to old podcasts or to listen live.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Learn how to save a ton of money at one of my classes! Learn how to save 70% and more grocery shopping and over 90% toiletry shopping. Also find out how to save money on restaurants, utility bills, cell phones, travel, gas, prescriptions, and tons more! To view my upcoming class schedule please go to: http://www.joethecouponguy.com/schedule/index.htm
If you’re interested in booking a class for your organization, please contact me at joe@joethecouponguy.com.
Be sure to register for libraries that require registration as many have waiting lists. I hope to see you there!
January
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 – 7:00 PM – Lake County News-Herald – Willoughby – RSVP: 440-497-0580.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 – 7:00 PM – Strongsville Library
April
Saturday, April 20, 2013 – 10:00 AM – Dover Library
Saturday, April 27, 2013 – 2:00 PM – Sandusky Library
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – 6:30 PM – Mentor Library
FACEBOOK
Like The Coupon Guy and get other deals during the week on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-The-Coupon-Guy/197073886914