Smart Savings

Expert advice to help you save money and time when shopping online and in person. Use our promo codes, coupons, and in-depth product reviews to make informed purchasing decisions in all areas of every day life.

Tips and tricks for smarter online shopping. Use our promo codes, deals, and product reviews to make informed purchasing decisions and save money.

Smart Savings - Promocodes.com

[Amazon Prime Day](https://www.amazon.com?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=027bf57aac1612c5ca6f329be45d6987&camp=1789&creative=9325) is on the horizon, which means you will soon see giant sales on all of your favorite electronics and products! If you've been living under a rock or are just starting on your journey to become a savvy saver, you may not know what this special day is all about. Amazon Prime Day features millions of different sales and discounts that are only available to users with an Amazon Prime account. These sales have even managed to eclipse America's biggest buying holiday, Black Friday! 

While the latest technology can be expensive, Prime Day is an amazing option to fill your home with cool gadgets without emptying your bank account. 

It's no wonder that [Amazon Prime Day](https://www.amazon.com?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=027bf57aac1612c5ca6f329be45d6987&camp=1789&creative=9325) has become known as 'Black Friday in July' given the countless discounts and deals to be had. More than a million different products will be reduced in price on July 16th and available for all Amazon Prime members! You can familiarize yourself with these great greats beforehand so you can make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck! Here are 20 items that are in your budget that you should purchase on Amazon Prime Day: 
![Amazon Prime Sale Echo Show](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/587/amazon-echo-show-100739048-large.jpg)
#### 1. [Save $100 on the Echo Show](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J24C0TI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01J24C0TI&linkCode=as2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=6dba1fde275ffdb8ea31d40d2a12d340) 
Normally retailing for $230, you can now score this Amazon-made, smart-home companion for $100 off at $130! With this fun gadget, you'll feel like you're living in the future. 

#### 2. [Get 25% off the Keezel's Internet Cyber Security Device](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0759QWB5R/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0759QWB5R&linkCode=as2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=079d400e34bfa18b1a54857fefdbe607)
Protect your home internet connection *and* budget by scoring this high tech security system for only $172.49! That's an amazing discount compared to its usual price of $229.99. 

#### 3. [Get 50% off a Dyson Vacuum](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8R4XI2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I8R4XI2&linkCode=as2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=16ce99c0c14bd641586174de7622bcf0) 
The Dyson Ball Multifloor Upright Vacuum is currently on sale for $149.50, which beats the normal price tag of $299.99 

#### 4. [3 Months of Kindle Unlimited for Only $1](https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/hz/signup/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref=sxts_snpl_4_0_6176944111412499283&_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_wg=9TA70&pd_rd_w=G6C3R&qid=1531504749&pd_rd_r=1da48b41-7413-4a0c-b324-db1151224025&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=6c5358acd76b124fd3768bb673adb1c9) 
If you've ever wanted to try out a subscription to Kindle (which is normally $10/month) then you need to take advantage of this special Amazon Prime Day deal! For a limited time you can access a heavily discounted trial period that will give you access to 1 million book titles for only $1/month. 

![Jabra Sport Headphones](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/588/headphones.PNG)
#### 5. [Save $30 on Jabra Elite 45e Sport Earphones](https://www.amazon.com/Jabra-Enabled-Wireless-Bluetooth-Headphones/dp/B079SPB12V/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531504818&sr=8-1&keywords=jabra+elite+45e+earphones&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=c5fb5f198dd83b9a0fa36eb0909765c6)
If you're in need of a new pair of ear buds, then look no further than Jaba Elite. Although their headphones regularly retail for $100, you can currently get them on sale for $69.99!

#### 6. [3 Months of Audible for $4.95/Month](https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&node=2402172011&actionCode=AMZORBN04201690L1&ref=sxts_snpl_3_0_979014125565126602&qid=1531504782&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=979014125565126602&pf_rd_r=SWDJ7J238AQMJRV5DC6M&pd_rd_wg=8ZqoE&pf_rd_s=desktop-signpost&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_w=7DyTM&pf_rd_i=audible&pd_rd_r=da5388d4-8f39-491f-baf9-2bb00bf8cba6&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=e3981bd9824f5943fe5381d5bb0c8292)
Rather than paying the usual $14.95/month fee associated with Audible, this subscription special for Amazon Prime Day will save you a total of $30! 

#### 7. [Get a Free Amazon Voucher for Groceries](https://eu.wholefoodsmarket.com/?destination=www.wholefoodsmarket.com%2F/) 
If you spend $10 or more at any Whole Foods between July 11th-July 17th, you will receive a $10 Amazon voucher. 

#### 8. [Get a Bluetooth Speaker free with the purchase of a Dashcam](https://www.amazon.com/N2-Pro-1920x1080P-2560x1440P-Infrared/dp/B0742J69SQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=1ebbb8ef1631c4a933869afe8ac3632c)
While the Vantrue N2 Pro Dashcam is already on sale for $245.99 with the promo code PRIMEVNP. ANd, when you buy the dashcam you can also get the Vantrue V1 Bluetooth Speaker for free simply by adding it to your cart (while it normally retails for $50). 

#### 9. [Save $40 on a Temperature Controlled Mug](https://www.amazon.com/Cauldryn-Fyre-Mobile-Temperature-Controlled/dp/B074MCSNGC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1531505561&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Cauldryn+Fyre+Temperature+Controlled+Mug&smid=A322IOHIT9BKNV&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=e2c84117b58c735678a41f698023e776) 
The Cauldryn Fyre Temperature Controlled Mug is 31% off its normal price, marked down from $129.99 to $89.99. 

![Kindle Paperwhite on sale](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/589/kindle.jpg)
#### 10. [$40 off the Kindle Paperwhite](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Kindle-Paperwhite-6-Inch-4GB-eReader/dp/B00OQVZDJM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1531505638&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Kindle+Paperwhite&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=3df83dfd7a701bbb0d21f8e1ce3fe9a9)
Amazon is currently offering The Kindle Paperwhite for $79.99, which is a must-have for anyone who is passionate about reading! Grab this e-reader ASAP because it usually retails for $129.99!

#### 11. [$2 Movie Rentals](https://www.amazon.com/rent-or-buy-amazon-video/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&node=7589478011&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=a8a68848bf5eb9a40b3ba7e2fd60c839)
Amazon is currently offering tons of movie titles to rent for only $1.99 each, so get your movie night on! 

#### 12. [Free PC Games from Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/prime)
Amazon Prime users already receive free PC games every month. But in celebration of Amazon Prime Day, members can now get a new, free game everyday leading up to Prime Day (and for a few days afterwards). 

#### 13. [Save $275 on a Projector](https://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-PX727-4K-Projector-Support-Theater/dp/B0789BY9JV/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1531505706&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=PX747-4K+projector&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=212318760a0e95b2cfe5320705e7382b)
On July 16th, ViewSonic is offering its PX747-4K projector for $1,000, whereas it typically retails for $1,275. 

#### 14. [Save up to $69.99 on Amazon Key Home Kits](https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&node=17861200011&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=c0dcc3f4a50e0aa4ac3894be426c45a3)
If you’re looking to invest in an Amazon Key Home Kit, then there’s no better time to shop that Amazon Prime Day! 

![ViewSonic Gaming Monitor](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/590/view.jpg)
#### 15. [Save $80 on a Gaming Monitor](https://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-XG2402-FreeSync-Monitor-DisplayPort/dp/B075D1B4SV/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1531505724&sr=1-1&keywords=XG2402+FreeSync+Gaming+Monitor&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=aa41647e522e865aa7a73d664e723c40) 
Amongst their many deals, ViewSonic is also offering $80 off the XG2402 FreeSync Gaming Monitor, which usually retails for $250. 

#### 16. [4 Months of Amazon Music for $1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/dmusic/promotions/AmazonMusicUnlimited//ref=as_li_ss_tl?&hvadid=279544174776&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4889434604258976664&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_13pomxnmzw_b&hvtargid=kwd-13293246&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=dc0de5cc34d69cf370f073fec3a9e2fe)
Considering that a month of Amazon Music usually costs $7.99, this is a great way to try out Amazon Music and get access to 40 million songs for almost nothing!

#### 17. [Save $100 on a new Huawei Phone](https://www.amazon.com/Honor-View-10-128GB-memory/dp/B077PWJQ57/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=32371cf5ed48066241ddf3998802816f)
In honor of Amazon Prime Day, Huawei is offering several deals that you *have* to take advantage of! You can currently get the Honor View 10 for $399, at a $100 discount, or the Honor 7x for $169, at a $30 discount. 

 #### 18. [Save 58% on an Airbed](https://www.amazon.com/Intex-Pillow-Raised-Airbed-Electric/dp/B000HBILB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1531505921&sr=8-1&keywords=the+intex+pillow+rest+raised+airbed&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=1ae93327533127e729d8eef1ed6554a9) 
The Intext Pillow Rest Raised Airbed with Built-in Pillow is currently selling for $16.71, whereas it usually goes for $39.99. 

#### 19. [Get 20% off a Wireless Charging Pad](https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-RAVPower-Qi-Certified-Charging-Standard/dp/B074K22MSN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1531505886&sr=1-1&keywords=Wireless+Charger+RavPower+Standard+QI+Wireless+Charging+Pad&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=ab15c6a2abe04d4cc7135ad18cb0e621)
The Wireless Charger RavPower Standard QI Wireless Charging Pad is currently on sale for $12.79, in comparison to its normal price of $15.99. 

![Discount Fire TV Cube and Cloud Cam](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/591/fire%20cube.PNG)
#### 20. [Save $40 on the Fire TV Cube and Cloud Cam](https://www.amazon.com/Hands-Free-Alexa-Ultra-Streaming-Player/dp/B01NBTFNVA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1531505866&sr=8-1&keywords=Fire+TV+Cube+and+Cloud+Cam&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&linkCode=ll1&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=f61116a530e8337e36809bd2edbb1dab)
When you buy the Fire TV Cube and Cloud Cam as a bundle, you can save $40. 

There are millions of great deals and discounts to be had on Amazon Prime Day so be sure to check it out on July 16th! What will you add to your cart first?

20 Items You Need to Purchase on Amazon Prime Day

This year, Amazon Prime Day is quickly approaching! On July 16th, we will see giant sales on all of our favorite electronics, brands, and products. Here are just 20 items that will be heavily discounted this Amazon Prime Day. 

*Photo Credit: [Gage Skidmore](https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/7607417152)*

San Diego Comic Con is the top trade show for every major film studio, video game producer, and publishing house within the nation, so it’s no wonder that attendance can be a little pricey. Every year, more than 130,000 official attendees flock to San Diego to attend the event and spot their favorite celebrities. Over the years, the convention has grown so exponentially that has become too big for the famous convention center that it is annually held in. Due to this, parts of the festival have leaked onto the streets of San Diego. 

Partially due to its ever-growing popularity, San Diego Comic Con has become more and more pricey over the years. But attending an iconic festival like Comic Con doesn't have to mean dipping into your savings account! Check out the categories below to find out exactly where you can save money during your convention adventure this July: 
![San Diego Hotels and Housing Options](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/574/Untitled%20design%20%2898%29.png)
#### Hotels & Housing
When it comes to conventions, [hotels](https://www.promocodes.com/hotels-com-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con) and housing accommodations tend to take up a huge portion of a budget. This is partially due to how popular and well-known the event has become over the years. However, Comic Con takes place in downtown San Diego and, luckily, there are many surrounding hotels near the convention center. While you might be able to find an open room here, be aware that these hotels tend to raise prices during convention season and quickly become booked. The hotels that are closest to the convention center can only be reserved through a lottery system, which begins in early April. Savvy con-goers know to check the [official Comic Con website](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/hotels) frequently in order to find the times when this lottery system will go live. If you aren't one of the lucky few who can land a nearby hotel room, don't worry! There are other wallet-friendly options that you can turn to. 

One viable housing option is to use a third party, vacation-booking site such as [Airbnb](https://airbnb.evyy.net/c/10563/290446/4560?subid1=SMA-homepage). [Airbnb](https://www.promocodes.com/airbnb-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con) allows users to live in actual homes near the event space which means they can experience San Diego just like the locals do! But be warned: most locals in the San Diego area know about San Diego Comic Con and will raise their prices accordingly. This means that it might be slightly more challenging to find a deal if you wait until the last minute. Due to this, we recommend looking outside of the downtown area to find a hotel or Airbnb. This way, you can have reliable housing without the inflated price tag. 
![Transportation Options: Uber, Taxi, Shuttle, Public Transportation](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/575/pexels-photo-977237.jpeg)
#### Transportation 
It might be tempting to drive or take a rental car, but public transportation is definitely the way to go. The convention center in downtown San Diego has a severely limited number of parking spaces (which are also randomly distributed via a lottery system). Not to mention, traffic is sure to be a mess after the convention is officially over at the end of the day. Instead of dealing with this headache, we highly recommend opting for public [transportation](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/transportation) during your adventure. 

If you managed to land a hotel room near the convention center - don't stress about transportation! Comic Con provides a free [shuttle bus](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/shuttles) for registered attendees, which runs every 20-30 minutes. This shuttle operates throughout the day and travels from the convention center, to all major surrounding hotels. 

However, if your housing is outside of downtown San Diego, there is still hope. San Diego is home to a famous trolley system that can bring in fangirls and fanboys from all over the city! The trolley is a quick and reliable form of transportation that allows you to skip over all of that frustrating traffic. Not to mention, it also expands your hotel options to outside of the immediate downtown area. But, if this isn't an option for you, you can always rely on the city bus system which travels to even the most distant residential districts of San Diego. 
![Meal Planning at San Diego Comic Con](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/576/pexels-photo-936611.jpeg)
#### Food & Drink
If you don't want to waste your money on snacks and meals, then we have two words for you: Meal plan! Before you leave for sunny San Diego, you should plan out all of your meals and snacks ahead of time. You can even visit a few local grocery stores during your trip to pick up healthy treats. Planning out these little details will keep you from getting dehydrated or "hangry" in the middle of a panel. In addition, it will also save you from spending on overpriced and unhealthy fast food options. 

You should also keep in mind that there are water fountains all over the convention hall! That means you should bring along a reusable water bottle and refill it on the go. And remember, staying hydrated is key to surviving jet-lag and navigating through a crowded convention hall. 
![Cosplay Costumes for Comic Con](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/577/Untitled%20design%20%2899%29.png)
#### Cosplay
Comic Con wouldn't be the same without Cosplayers! If you are interested in paying homage to your favorite characters, we have a few tips on how to make a killer cosplay on a budget. One lesser-known cosplay supplier is [Spirit Halloween](https://www.promocodes.com/spirit-halloween-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con), which provides a huge variety of [costumes](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/costumes?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con), accessories, and makeup that will bring your character to life! Here you will find complete costumes for a umber of different movies, television series, novels, [video games](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/video-games-and-consoles?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con), animes, and more! They even created a special category for summer conventions, like Comic Con, where you can find tons of costumes that are Con-worthy. 

Making your own cosplay can be fun, but it is also incredibly time consuming and can quickly use up your budget. Instead, you can but a finished costume that is complete will all the makeup and accessories you need from [Spirit Halloween](https://www.pntrs.com/t/8-10975-3551-141057?sid=(sma-cid))! Whether you want a hyper-specific side character from a classic video game, or the main character from your favorite franchise - you will find exactly what you need from [Spirit Halloween](https://www.pntrs.com/t/8-10975-3551-141057?sid=(sma-cid))! 
![Ticketing Prices and Discounts](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/578/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29.png)
#### Tickets
San Diego Comic Con has some surprisingly [affordable tickets](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/badge-info) when you take into account all of the celebrities, panels, franchises, and events you'll experience there. With one of the most generous badge policies in the industry, Comic Con allows children under 12 to enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Even teenagers and young adults who are aged 13-17 can get in by paying a reduced 'Junior' price for their badges. These discounted prices range between $21-$31 for a day badge. Yet another discount can be found for Seniors and Active-Duty Military Personnel, who pay half the price of regular ticket. 

While tickets can be incredibly difficult to get your hands on, it's better to fight for tickets as soon as they go on sale rather than contact a third-party seller. If you wait, tickets are sure to be sold out *or* their prices will be heavily inflated from their usual $42-$65 range. 

![Comic Con Volunteer or Work](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/581/volunteer.png)
#### Volunteer Your Time 
One quick trick to get a huge discount at Comic Con is to volunteer your time or to work at the event itself. While you will have to spend a couple hours monitoring lines or directing crowds, you can spend the rest of the day in the convention hall itself. Not to mention, you don't have to pay for entry and can use your badge to score discounts! Many conventions, including Comic Con, offer amazing benefits to workers and volunteers depending on how many hours you put in. These perks can include free badges, hotel rooms, meal vouchers, and even free convention swag. 

![Nightlife at local Hotels](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/579/pexels-photo-338504.jpeg)
#### Nightlife
We know that you want to spend as much time as possible inside the convention center, but we recommend spending sometime exploring downtown San Diego or unwinding in your hote room. This will allow you to take a break from the overcrowded convention halls and allow you to relax. Not to mention, you might spot a celebrity or two when you're wandering around your hotel. Or you could stumble upon one of the many After Hours Comic Con parties, many of which are free and held in surrounding hotels. 

With the crowds, [busy schedules](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/programming-schedule), and costs that go into Comic Con, it's important not to get *too* caught up in the process. Also, when you're not sitting inside a panel or standing in line, be sure to check out beautiful San Diego and take in the local sights. There is so much to do and see there, even if you aren't inside Comic Con. 
![SWAG and Merchandise at Comic Con](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/580/funko.png)
#### SWAG & Merch 
One-of-a-kind souvenirs and convention SWAG can quickly destroy your carefully planned budget. To keep from going bankrupt, you should put aside a set amount of money that you plan to spend on [merchandise](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/entertainment-collectibles?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con) - and don't exceed it! While it may be difficult to pass up some amazing merch, your bank account will thank you. 

Another money saving tip is to avoid Mystery Boxes at all costs! While Mystery Boxes have a long history with conventions, we found that it's much better for your wallet if you avoid them altogether. As a rule of thumb, you should always know what you're purchasing before buying and you should only get merch for franchises that you enjoy. For example, the [Funko Pop](https://www.promocodes.com/funko-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=saving-money-guide-san-diego-comic-con) of your favorite movie character is a better purchase than a Mystery Box full of miscellaneous products. 

 A final tip is to plan out what merchandise you want to purchase beforehand. You can do this by visiting the [Exhibitor List](https://www.comic-con.org/cci/2018/exhibitors) to see which vendors will attend San Diego Comic Con and what products you can expect to see there. 

The Ultimate Guide for Saving Money at San Diego Comic Con

Every year, more than 130,000 official attendees flock to San Diego Comic Con to see a unique event and spot their favorite celebrities. Before you head off to San Diego Comic Con this year, be sure to check out these saving tips that can save you hundreds of dollars! 

It’s hard to shop smart when you’re trying to save money and make healthy choices, but – with a little extra effort – it’s possible. What you need is a game plan, so you know when you’re actually getting the most for your money. That way, you won’t buy things that just *sound* like they should be good for you. 

Here are a few key points to consider when browsing online grocers like [Amazon](https://www.promocodes.com/amazon-com-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=mindful-shopping-non-gmo-organic) (Fresh FTW!) and Brandless: 

## What You Want To Consider

- Non-GMO: [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/10/where-gmos-hide-in-your-food/index.htm) did a survey that revealed more than 70 percent of Americans don’t want GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, in their food. While GMOs are almost everywhere in our food supply, you can skirt the problem by shopping at places like Whole Foods, which labels all its foods as “GMO” or “non-GMO.” 
- Organic: Is it really worth it? It turns out that experts are on the fence, specifically naming foods that are beneficial to buy organic, and others that simply aren’t worth it at all. The basics: organic foods must be grown without any synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Organic meat has to be raised in a natural environment, fed organic feed, and not receive hormones or antibiotics. The bottom line? Because conventional produce can have up to five times the pesticide residue, it’s worth considering.
- Cruelty-Free: In our opinion, “cruelty-free” is always worth it. These labels help us identify exactly when companies have endeavored to forgo animal experimentation and embrace other options.  

## What Isn’t Really Healthy 

There are some labels that are purely for show, and they’ve even been challenged by courts to keep people from being deceived. Once you know, however, you will never be tricked again. Here’s the list:

- “All Natural”: Things marked as “All Natural” can be labeled somewhat arbitrarily. Because the term is not defined by the Food and Drug Administration, it leaves a lot open to interpretation. Yes, added colors, artificial substances, and artificial flavors are a no-go, but what isn’t prevented is injecting saline solution into the chicken! Even high fructose corn syrup has been argued to be “all natural,” because it is derived from corn. However, high fructose corn syrup has been questioned by food scientists in their relationship with other metabolic conditions. Keep it in mind when you see an “all natural” label next. 
- “Made with Whole Grain” or “Multigrain”: While labels like “whole grain” and “100% whole wheat” fit the bill, they can be deceiving. Even bread that *looks* darker can have caramel color added to it to make it appear “healthier,” because some of us equate darker bread with healthier bread in general. 
- “Immunity Boosters” and “Immune System Support”: These labels are as murky as they may seem at first glance. There’s certainly a feeling of a *promise* of good health with something labeled as such, but they can be misinterpreted or misleading. 



The One Thing You Should Consider When Shopping with Mindfulness

Shopping for organic, non-gmo products is all the rage, and now it is more affordable with these tips from Promocodes.com

If you make dozens of online purchases on the regular, it can seem like a hassle taking the time to review one product. But, what you might not know is that you could be passing up an opportunity to save some serious cash. Check out these ways you can find [discounts and deals](https://www.promocodes.com?ref=blog&ref_post=how-to-leverage-feedback-reviews-to-get-discounts) through reviews and positive feedback. 

## Sign Up With A Site 

Believe it or not, there are tons of sites that will send you discounted or event products in return for an honest review on an online seller, like [Amazon](https://www.promocodes.com/amazon-com-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=how-to-leverage-feedback-reviews-to-get-discounts). Who doesn’t like getting rewarded for sharing their opinion? 

HonestFew.com will send you notifications about products available for review after making an account. You’ll then receive a coupon to purchase the item at a discount, and will have two weeks to make a review upon receiving it. SnagShout.com is another similar site that opens you up to a marketplace of discounted products available through Amazon upon signing up for an account- you may even find some products being offered for free! 

## You Might Hear Back 

Many companies are committed to customer satisfaction and want to hear feedback, whether positive or negative, in order to improve the consumer experience. That’s why many are willing to make it up to the customer if they hear they’re dissatisfied. 

It isn’t uncommon to hear of retailers or businesses contacting customers who left poor reviews on sites like Amazon and Yelp in order to offer them another product or even a refund. That’s why it can be beneficial to share your honest opinion through a review in the off chance the company may respond. At the very least, it will offer them feedback that can hopefully help improve their products or services in the future. 

## Scour The Site For Deals 

Many sites, like Amazon or Yelp, offer promotions on well-reviewed items or businesses. Simply surfing through the best-reviewed products or services on the site can reveal deals you didn’t even know existed, and the review section will let you know if the item is actually worth it (even with the discount). 

For example, Amazon often offers ‘cut-and-clip’ coupons that you can activate upon adding something to your cart. These deals change weekly, so there’s always something on sale to discover. Always keep an eye out for what’s the best-reviewed products or services, and whether the site is highlighting it by putting it on a discount to entice more customers to give it a try. 

## Use Coupons From Other Sites Wisely 

There are tons of sites that offer promotions directly through Yelp or Amazon. Even if you’re not receiving anything in return for leaving a review, you can still indirectly use them to your advantage. Reviews are the best thing to consult when online shopping – and when deciding to use your coupons. 

Promocodes.com is currently offering [20-90% off at the Best Local Businesses](https://www.promocodes.com/rc/1974?ref=blog&ref_post=how-to-leverage-feedback-reviews-to-get-discounts) in your area via Yelp. By consulting the online reviews, it will help you decide what restaurant or business to choose from so you can use your coupon wisely. Likewise, through Promocodes.com, you can also receive [60-90% off used textbooks](https://www.promocodes.com/rc/257464?ref=blog&ref_post=how-to-leverage-feedback-reviews-to-get-discounts) at the moment. These sorts of deals are always changing, so keep an eye on online coupons to see where you can save even more... and consult and leave reviews so it’s easy to identify what deals are the best! 

With these tips and tricks on how to leverage good reviews to your advantage, it’s even easier to save while online shopping. What budget-friendly trick will you use first? 








How to Leverage Positive Feedback and Good Reviews to Get Discounts

Think taking the time to review products and purchases is a waste? Think again with these tips on how leaving feedback and reviews can help you save 

[Discounts and sales](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/discount-stores?ref=blog&ref_post=where-to-get-free-sample-boxes) are something that always brighten our day, here at Promocodes.com. And yet, there's something even more exciting than a good sale: free goodies! Receiving a box of treats to test and review (for free!) just might represent a high point for your shopping career. Finding a website that is giving out free products in exchange for your *honest* opinion is easier than you think - but here are a couple names to get you started on your next savvy saving adventure: 
![Daily Goodie Box](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/421/FREE-Daily-Goodie-Box.jpg) *Photo Courtesy of Daily Goodie Box* 

#### [Daily Goodie Box](https://dailygoodiebox.com/) 
Daily Goodie Box offers you a chance to try some pretty cool organic products since they carry everything from food samples to beauty products. At Daily, they want to make things extra easy for their customers who are looking for a sweet deal: all you need to do is register on their website and wait for your next box to arrive. Because there's no shipping cost either, you don't even need to enter your credit card info to join! Let them know what you think of their selection and be as accurate as you can - your feedback is going straight to the suppliers. 
![Amazon free samples](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/422/beauty%20box%20amazon.jpg) *Photo Courtesy of Amazon*

#### [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=027bf57aac1612c5ca6f329be45d6987&camp=1789&creative=9325)
If you are a consistent Amazon user and a Prime member, you can get a special version of their traditional free sample box. You can pick [your box](https://www.amazon.com/samples/box/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=promocodes0a-20&linkId=e9e9db16653a88fd43fde3a5c5c3a580) from a wide range of categories (including beauty products, dog food, etc.) and actually buy it. What happens next? The money you just spent (usually around $7.99) can be redeemed as an [Amazon voucher](https://www.promocodes.com/amazon-com-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=where-to-get-free-sample-boxes) and used towards your next purchase. It's really just a different way to give out free stuff! 
![Walmart Free Sample Boxes](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/423/walmart.PNG) *Photo Courtesy of Walmart*

#### [Walmart](http://linksynergy.walmart.com/fs-bin/click?id=RC1iBbFoGm8&offerid=183959.10002637&type=3&subid=0&u1=SMA-VisitHomepageURL) 
Did you know that [Walmart](https://www.promocodes.com/walmart-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=where-to-get-free-sample-boxes) is also a key player in the [free goodies market](http://linksynergy.walmart.com/deeplink?id=RC1iBbFoGm8&mid=2149&u1=(sma-cid)&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fcp%2F1228445)? You can select a box for yourself or a loved one that is filled with beauty products, baby goodies, toddler toys, and more! To cash in on these sweet deals, simply register on their website and take a short survey to ensure that your box if perfectly tailored to your preferences. You will receive a new both every season (approximately 1 box every 3 months), but considering you will only pay a shipping fee of $5 per box, it's still quite a deal! 
![Pinch Me](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/424/pink%20me.png) *Photo Courtesy of Pinch Me*

#### [Pinch Me](https://www.pinchme.com/)
We can't forget one of the most popular websites for free goodies and samples - Pinch me! It's hard to miss this site when you're searching for free online samples, goodie boxes, and sweet treats! Their boxes feature products from leading brands and will send them to you in exchange for a genuine review. All you need to do is join the team and create a profile - then just sit back and wait for the boxes to come straight to your door!
![Graze](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/425/grazew.png) *Photo Courtesy of Graze* 

#### [Graze](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2036218-12134806?sid=SMA-VisithomepageURL)
Free sample boxes are also a great way to reach the hearts (and stomachs) of potential customers. Many online companies are happy to send free samples to let wary customers try out their merchandise. A perfect example of this is Graze, which is a popular source for natural and organic snack foods. This company only makes you pay for the delivery ($1) of your first box, so you can try it out and decide if their service is right for you.
![Sephora Free Samples](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/426/sephora%20samples.png) *Photo Courtesy of Sephora* 

#### [Sephora](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=RC1iBbFoGm8&offerid=32532.10000001&type=3&subid=0&u1=(sma-cid))
If you are a makeup fanatic, you should know about a special Sephora hack that will score you some new *free* products. When buying items online, Sephora customers can add 3 [free samples](https://www.promocodes.com/sephora-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=where-to-get-free-sample-boxes) to orders that are $50+! You can [click here](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=RC1iBbFoGm8&mid=2417&u1=(sma-cid)&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fbeauty-offers) to find all of the featured samples you can choose from including Cover FX Power Play Foundation, Versace Dylan Blue, IT Cosmetics Confidence Cleanser, and so much more! 

Where to Grab the Best Free Samples and Goodie Boxes

We're always excited when it comes to discounts and sales! But one opportunity we always watch out for is: free goodies! There is a surplus of online sources that regularly give out free samples, free goodie boxes, and free SWAG. If you want to be in the know, click here and find all of the companies that are offering these one of a kind deals. 

Where to Nab some Sweet Free Sample Boxes

[Arts and crafts](https://www.promocodes.com/michaels-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=3-diy-crafts-save-money) can be a ton of fun, especially when they involve themes, props, and other fun ingredients. Whether you are an enthusiastic DIY-er or if your kids love to create new masterpieces, you *need* to take a look at these ideas that will keep you from spending a fortune on crafts. 
![Mason Jar](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/221/sunflower-985376_960_720.jpg)
#### Make a Mason Jar Garden
Forget growing a real garden this summer, and instead add a new twist with a [Mason jar garden](https://www.promocodes.com/joann-coupons?c=500092&ref=blog&ref_post=3-diy-crafts-save-money)! This idea is cheaper, easily managed, and takes up much less space when compared to the real thing. You can start this project by choosing 16 mason jars, which you can turn into a 4 by 4 garden, or simply set a few of them on your window sills instead. Fill each with soil and small pebbles and then choose from a range of plants, flowers, and succulents to house in the jar. Mason jars are incredibly versatile and are the perfect home for plants since they are durable, rustic, and bring a sense of variety to the space. 
![Lego Crafts](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/222/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29.png)
#### Lego of Traditions
[Legos](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=c3ojeFcnCdo&offerid=115554.10000021&type=3&subid=0&u1=SMA-VisitHomepageURL) are incredibly popular and can be used to make fun, miniature houses, creatures, planes, ships, cars, and other silly shapes. Legos are incredibly innovative and can be made into almost any shape you can imagine! If you feel like moving away from traditional [DIY crafts](https://www.promocodes.com/oriental-trading-company-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=3-diy-crafts-save-money), you can pick up a pack of Legos to create some unique crafts. The mini blocks can be used to create DIY ashtrays, picture frames, jewelry holders, and other small items that can be used to organize your dresser or vanity. Legos can be the perfect addition to a child’s room if you’re looking for a pop of color or need help organizing small knickknacks. Legos give you a lot of versatility when it comes to design since the only limit is your imagination and you have a whole array of colors to choose from (whether it’s multiple colors or one solid color). 
![Lighting Projects](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/223/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29.png)
#### Unique Lighting 
Spending time outside this summer is a must! However, during the few times that you *are* inside this summer, you may want to play around with lighting and give these new ideas a try. One simple and straightforward DIY project is creating your own [candle holders](https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2036218-11785018?sid=(sma-cid)) from clear, circular glass jars or tubes. You can decorate the outside of these jars with so many different things, including paint, beads, or even old jewelry! For an added twist, you can even press-on leaves, flowers, and paper designs to create a one-of-a-kind texture and pattern on your new candle holder. If you decide to go this route, make sure to go over your design with a thin coat of glue to set it. (Bonus tip: If you’re going to be using these adorable candle holders outside, you can use candles made of citronella wax to keep the mosquitoes away!)

You can make a craft out of almost anything, so don’t forget to try out some new projects this summer with these simple DIY projects. If you want to experience new, exciting crafts on a regular basis, you can even try a [subscription box](https://www.promocodes.com/craftsy-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=3-diy-crafts-save-money) to make the most out of crafting all summer long! 

3 DIY Crafts that will Save you a Fortune

Looking for some DIY inspiration? Check out these three DIY arts and crafts that will keep you from spending a fortune on projects this summer!


[Buying a used car](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/car-buying-comparisons?ref=blog&ref_post=factors-when-buying-used-car) is no walk in the park. It seems as though there are countless factors that buyers need to be aware of before making a purchase. With all of this information, the entire experience can quickly become overwhelming and confusing. For example, [buyers](https://www.promocodes.com/blog/5-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-new-car-purchase) need to be aware of signs that point to flood damage, prior accidents, neglect, irresponsible owners, etc. That’s why we’ve created the handy checklist below to ensure that you won’t get stuck with a lemon the next time you’re looking at used cars. 
![Car tires](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/67/road-car-tire.jpg)
#### Check it Out!
The physical condition of a car plays a huge role when determining its value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully along with any dents or scratches on the outside of the car. Remember, it isn’t necessarily a red flag if the car was in a past accident as long as you ensure it was professionally repaired. 

Another factor to check out are the [tires](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/tires-and-wheels?ref=blog&ref_post=factors-when-buying-used-car) on the car. This is often an overlooked aspect when it comes to used cars because buyers are usually more concerned with cosmetic damages. However, tires put up with a huge amount of wear and tear. Not to mention, there is no way to tell how often or aggressively the previous owner was driving it. If the tires seem worn down, you can easily replace them using tires from a reputable seller like [GoodYear Tires](https://www.promocodes.com/goodyear-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=factors-when-buying-used-car). It’s GoodYear’s mission to simplify the process of buying tires and they have proven this by allowing users access to a library that will find tire matches based on vehicle type, license plate, and tire size. For a limited time, readers can receive $75 off on a set of four tires from Goodyear, plus additional rebates up to $160!
![Test drive](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/60/IMG_3496bfree.jpg)
#### Go for a Drive
After you check out the car for damage and wear, hop in the driver’s seat and take your potential new car for a test drive! This is the perfect chance to see the car in action and analyze how well it responds. Make sure that you plan out a road ahead of time and put the car through a variety of different tests during your drive. Start the test drive slow by cruising down side streets, which will allow you to learn how the car handles sharp turns and gear shifts. Once you feel comfortable on side streets, take the car onto the freeway to ensure the engine runs smoothly. Be sure to listen carefully while you’re driving and pay close attention to any unusual engine or brake noises as they could be a red flag. Finally, don’t be afraid to test out the radio dials, air conditioning, seat warmers, headlights, and windshield wipers to be certain everything is in working order. 
![Leak test](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/68/pexels-photo-105032.jpeg)
#### Put it through a Leak Test
Another factor to be aware of when [buying a used car](https://www.promocodes.com/edmunds-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=factors-when-buying-used-car) is whether the vehicle is dripping any kind of fluid. This test is very simple but necessary to perform as it usually signals that the car is in need of a major repair and should not be purchased. To perform the leak test, simply pull into a clean area and allow the car to run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and check for any substances that may have leaked onto the ground. 
![Aggressive Driver](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/64/pexels-photo-707046.jpeg)
#### Get the VIN
If you’re seriously interested in a car, ask for the vehicle identification number and run a vehicle history report. This report will show you if the vehicle has been in an accident, experienced flood damage, and whether the cars odometer has been rolled back. It is crucial to be aware of all of these factors before purchasing a used car since they may lead to expensive future repairs.
![Mechanic Tools](https://cdn.discountcodes.com/blog/img/63/keys-workshop-mechanic-tools-162553.jpeg)
#### The Ultimate Test
If you have a little extra time, you should consider performing the ultimate test on your potential car: allowing a mechanic to take a look at it. Most people don’t take advantage of this option before purchasing a used car, which can lead to expensive [car repairs](https://www.promocodes.com/coupons/auto-repair-and-services?ref=blog&ref_post=factors-when-buying-used-car) down the road. A mechanic is a professional who can help you discover hidden problems within the vehicle, therefore saving you time, money, and stress later on. While you may have to pay around $100 for the pre-purchase check up, it is definitely worth it to have peace of mind. 

What Should you Look for when Buying a Used Car?

Buying a used car can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to help! Click here to find out exactly what to look for before buying a used car. 

<p>You&rsquo;re planning a trip to a new city&mdash;maybe even an international trip. Since you don&rsquo;t know your way around, you need to plan on someone picking you up from the airport. It might even be a good idea to have someone drive you around, too. As you look for the right company to hire for your transportation needs, it&rsquo;s important to know the hidden fees to look for so you don&rsquo;t get any surprises on your bill. Check out these 9 common hidden fees you should know about:</p>
<h2>1. Booking Fees</h2>
<p>Some companies charge a base booking fee. For companies that offer rideshare services, this fee typically goes straight to the company before the driver gets paid. Rideshare companies have a similar fee, known as the <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/09/judge-says-uber-breached-contract-with-drivers-involving-safe-rides-fee/" target="_blank">Safe Rider Fee</a>. It covered background checks, driver screenings, and other safety initiatives. However, you may still have to cover these costs through a base fee.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/IMG_3496bfree (2).jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2>2. Pickup Distance</h2>
<p>For drivers who use their own vehicles, they don&rsquo;t always see the pay off for driving further to pick someone up. Therefore, some companies add an extra incentive to encourage drivers to go the extra mile&mdash;literally&mdash;to get customers. What does this mean for you? Possible extra fees. So, if you need to get picked up from the suburbs to go where you need to go, you could be looking at a higher cost than normal.</p>
<h2>3. Wait Time</h2>
<p>If you make your driver wait longer than a few minutes, be prepared to pay. Many companies will charge you by the minute after they&rsquo;ve waited longer than 2-5 minutes. To prevent getting charged extra for this, make sure that you&rsquo;re ready to go at the time you request a ride.</p>
<h2>4. Surge Pricing</h2>
<p>There are times when rides are in higher demand. And, with higher demand and a consistent supply, you bet that prices can skyrocket. Know whether the company you use charges <a href="https://www.ridester.com/surge-pricing/" target="_blank">surge pricing</a> rates. If they do, be sure that you know when these times are and how much you&rsquo;ll have to pay.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-305070 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="423" /></p>
<h2>5. Cleaning</h2>
<p>You were wise to call a designated driver to take you home. Unfortunately, you got sick in the back of the car, and now the driver has quite the mess to clean. Whether you leave behind vomit or food crumbs, most companies will charge a <a href="https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/11/06/call-kurtis-investigates-lyft-and-uber-riders-beware-of-cleaning-charges-well-after-you-reach-your-destination/" target="_blank">clean-up fee</a>. This can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the extent of cleaning needed or the damages incurred.</p>
<h2>6. Airport Surcharges</h2>
<p>Depending on the airport, there could be an airport surcharge charged to drivers. This amount then gets passed to the passenger to cover. The average amount for the airport surcharge is $4, so if you need to get picked up or dropped off at the airport, plan on paying this surcharge.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/road-people-street-smartphone.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2>7. Toll Roads</h2>
<p>Whether you need to take a toll road to get to your destination or the driver needs to take one to get to you, you will need to cover the charges for the tolls. This amount is automatically added to the bill that you pay at the end of your ride.</p>
<h2>8. Cancellation Fees</h2>
<p>You lost track of your ride home and are stranded in an unknown part of town. So, you contact a company for a ride. As you wait, your friend returns ready to take you home. You go to cancel with the company, but now you must pay a cancellation fee.</p>
<p>The companies that have cancellation fee policies typically will tell you how much they&rsquo;ll charge if you cancel and at what point they&rsquo;ll charge you. It could be a certain time before your pick-up time, or it could depend on how close your driver is to your location. Know what to expect before you find yourself paying for a ride you didn&rsquo;t take.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-804128.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2>9. Gratuities</h2>
<p>Some companies tack on the tip for you, and others request that you add it yourself if you had a tip-worthy experience. Make sure that you know which option the company chooses, so you don&rsquo;t end up tipping double. And if they include it for you, find out how much they add.</p>
<p>When you think about all the possible hidden fees that you could end up paying, you never quite know what to budget for your transportation needs on your trip. Fortunately, there are companies that boast all-inclusive rates, one of those is Black Lane. Not only do <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2036218-12712158-1476091924000?sid=SMA-homepage" target="_blank">they have all-inclusive rates</a> (with free cancellations and complimentary wait times), but they&rsquo;re also available in over 250 cities around the world. Check them out for your next trip and avoid those unappealing add-ons and fees that surprise you in the end.</p>

Hidden Fees in Ride Share Apps You Shouldn’t Have to Pay For

Catch a ride and beware of these 9 hidden fees that you shouldn't have to pay for and avoid those additional costs with Blacklane

<p>eBay &ndash; some people love it, others are wary. We are here to help you find the best deals at the best prices and navigate potential pitfalls, with a list of all the pros and cons of buying on eBay.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-919436 (2).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="459" /></p>
<h2><strong>Pro: It&rsquo;s convenient.</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/ebay-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=pros-and-cons-of-buying-products-on-ebay">eBay</a> is the original one-stop-shop online. You can get everything you need for your house, wardrobe, office, and even your pantry when you shop here, and you can spend very little time if you have a flexible budget. And when you filter your results with &ldquo;North America only&rdquo; or &ldquo;U.S. only,&rdquo; you&rsquo;ll feel more confident about placing orders and getting your items within a relatively appropriate timeframe. Don&rsquo;t forget about vitamins (brand-name only), herbs and spices, and workout stuff, too.</p>
<h2><strong>Pro: eBay bucks stack up quickly. </strong></h2>
<p>eBay&rsquo;s most recent addition of the eBay Bucks certificate is a great one for penny pinchers. As you spend, you start saving, and what&rsquo;s even better is that eBay actually tells you how many points you will earn with each purchase. They accumulate quarterly, and the best part is, they&rsquo;ve removed the original provision that specified how you could only redeem points after you&rsquo;ve earned a certain quantity.</p>
<h2><strong>Pro: You can score some of the best deals around. </strong></h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re willing to wait, there&rsquo;s usually nothing cheaper than eBay. It has tons of items from Asia that are cheap as chips, and you can score items that would cost much more when you pay the markup after it&rsquo;s been imported. From sheet masks to scissors, nearly everything is a better deal on eBay.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo (51).jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Con: Shipping can be lengthy or costly &mdash; but not as bad as it once was. </strong></h2>
<p>When you shop on eBay, you will see that shipping from Asia is now separated into additional classes. The economy shipping still takes a month, but the expedited shipping from Asia can surprise you and take less than two weeks. Pay attention, too &mdash; sometimes you pay the same for faster shipping.</p>
<h2><strong>Con: Sellers are incredibly smart about how they present their goods, and sometimes it&rsquo;s annoying. </strong></h2>
<p>Multi-item listings can appear high up on an eBay list sorted by price because in addition to whatever you&rsquo;re shopping for, the store also happens to feature an accessory (like a wig cap with a wig, or a pencil with a notebook set). When you sort the results, you&rsquo;ll see that the prices start at $1.00, but it&rsquo;s only for the piece that you don&rsquo;t really care about.</p>
<h2><strong>Con: The support is not as robust as Amazon. </strong></h2>
<p>You may find that, just like any store, sometimes you don&rsquo;t like what you bought. However, eBay arbitration is slower than the instantaneous help you&rsquo;ll get from other sellers. Patience is essential, and don&rsquo;t expect instantaneous refunds. When you work with the other party, though, you&rsquo;ll find that eBay representatives are actually very helpful.</p>
<h2><strong>Con: Items sometimes look far better than pictured. </strong></h2>
<p>Try to find photos of actual items in listings instead of studio shots &mdash; for two reasons. The first reason is that you&rsquo;ll have a better idea about color and style when you see an actual photo taken by a buyer; the other is that you can avoid getting scammed when there&rsquo;s a photo that looks legitimate online.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-230544 (4).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Con: You need to be proactive about finding items that fit your description at the best price. </strong></h2>
<p>Sometimes it&rsquo;s hard to find what you&rsquo;re looking for when you want to save every extra penny. Instead of worrying, get smart and try a bunch of keywords and add them to your watchlist so you don&rsquo;t lose track of what you&rsquo;ve purchased. Be smart, track your finds, and dedicate a day or two to scoring the best deals.</p>
<p>With the coupon codes available on eBay, you&rsquo;re guaranteed to find what you want for less. And now that you&rsquo;re prepared, you&rsquo;re ready for steals and deals.</p>

Pros and Cons of Buying Products on eBay

eBay can be a wonderful place to find amazing deals, but there are some setbacks. Here are our pros and cons to shopping online at eBay 

shopping on ebay, pros to shopping on ebay, cons to shopping on ebay, pros and cons ebay

<p>Price match guarantee programs are one of the best ways to save significantly, but the most important point to make is that these plans remain in constant flux. What&rsquo;s a great deal this month may be nonexistent in a year, and that&rsquo;s why we advocate sticking to a few &ldquo;old favorites&rdquo; that you can use to watch their policies more closely.</p>
<p>Here, we examine some of the current best price match guarantee programs for you to browse:</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/target-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Target</a></h2>
<p>Target matches the price of an item when you buy a qualifying item that can be purchased for less on Target.com, select online competitors, or in Target&rsquo;s or local competitor&rsquo;s print ad. You can request a price match at the time of purchase, but you also have two weeks to make your claim if you can&rsquo;t do it right away.</p>
<p><em>What we love about it</em>: Target is a fave shopping destination for a lot of us, and they make it far easier to stay loyal.</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/bed-bath-and-beyond-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Bed Bath &amp; Beyond</a></h2>
<p>Bed Bath &amp; Beyond matches full-price, in-stock Amazon items that are sold by Amazon (as opposed to third parties). You can even price match and use a manufacturer&rsquo;s coupon &ndash; just not a Bed Bath &amp; Beyond coupon. Even so, this is one hot deal to take advantage of if you can. If you&rsquo;re buying from Bed Bath &amp; Beyond in person, you should remember that you can score special discounts by using expired coupons and pairing coupons, too.</p>
<p><em>What we love about it</em>: Not only is there a great price match guarantee program, but shoppers can score even more deals with coupons.</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/best-buy-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Best Buy</a></h2>
<p>Best Buy has another great policy &ndash; at the time of sale, the company will match all local retail competitors (including online prices), which includes items sold and shipped by major online retailers like Amazon, Dell.com, HP.com, and Tiger Direct.</p>
<p><em>What we love about it</em>: The fine print on this particular price match guarantee program is minimal.</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/sams-club-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Sam&rsquo;s Club</a></h2>
<p>Sam&rsquo;s Club points out that they often have the lowest prices around, but you can still take advantage of their sales if you find a lower-priced item somewhere else. If you do see something cheaper, simply call their customer service experts, or even complete your order online and include the link to the lower price in the &ldquo;Coupon Codes and Special Instructions&rdquo; sections.</p>
<p><em>What we love about it</em>: It&rsquo;s clear to find out what is covered (and what is not) online, and it&rsquo;s a pretty generous policy, too.</p>
<h2><a href="https://www.promocodes.com/gap-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">GAP</a>, <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/old-navy-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>, and <a href="https://www.promocodes.com/banana-republic-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=best-price-match-guarantee-programs-to-shop-for" target="_blank">Banana Republic</a></h2>
<p>Because GAP, Old Navy, and Banana Republic are owned by the same brand, it streamlines the price matching you can do online (which we love!). Hang onto your receipt and make the request within 14 days, and you can score discounted prices.</p>
<p><em>What we love about it</em>: You can even get free shipping adjustments.</p>
<p>And this is just a start. Price match policies change frequently, but if you stay on top of your favorite brands, you will be able to score some of the best deals out there with little hassle.</p>

Best Price Match Guarantee Programs to Shop For

Price match guarantee programs are just another perk to shopping. These stores provide the best price match guarantee programs that get you products at great prices

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s no secret that college students are constantly stressed from studying for exams and pulling all-nighters in the library. Unfortunately, things only tend to get worse during the last few weeks of the semester as exams loom closer. Instead of watching from afar, there are several ways you can help your stressed student during this trying time. Below you&rsquo;ll find 5 ways that you can help the college student in your life survive and thrive during finals week.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-206396.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="425" /></p>
<h2><strong>1. Remind them to Eat, Sleep, and Exercise</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the mind of a college student, everything besides studying is pushed aside in preparation for finals week. It&rsquo;s very easy to forget to eat a meal or to accidentally spend all night in the library when you have 7 exams, 3 presentations, and an essay that are all due in the same week. Due to this massive amount of work, many students feel as though there isn&rsquo;t enough time in the day to take care of themselves and study.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can help this negative thinking by gently reminding them about the importance of getting eight hours of sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, going to the gym, etc. Parents can encourage their students to manage their time wisely prior to finals to ensure they are taking care of the necessities while also finishing that 12-page essay on time. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /><br /></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-663437.jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>2. Encourage Early Studying &amp; Study Breaks</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every college student is guilty of putting off studying until the night before the exam and end up pulling an all-nighter. This is never a good idea, especially because these last-minute study sessions almost never pay off. Instead, you can try encouraging your student to study early and to plan their time wisely (for example, they could plan to study two chapters a day in the weeks leading up to the big test instead of saving everything for the night before.)</span></p>
<p><strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&rsquo;s also vital to encourage busy students to take study breaks, although this may seem counter-productive at first. Everyone needs a break now and then! This is especially true for college students who are spending hours in the library, slaving over a Chemistry textbook. Study breaks can include activities such as power naps, a short walk in the outdoors, a drive to a nearby store to get their favorite snack, a few minutes devoted to playing their favorite video game, etc. These short breaks will allow students to let off steam which will leave them feeling rejuvenated and able to refocus on their studies.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-261909 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="457" /></p>
<h2><strong>3. Know when to Take a Step Back</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Answering non-stop texts and phone calls from their parents will definitely keep your student away from studying. It&rsquo;s vital to know when to take a step back and, as difficult as it might be, allow them to sink or swim on their own. This is definitely a frustrating experience and it isn&rsquo;t easy for many parents to let go, especially when they know that their children are stressed. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, this will teach your student the hard-learned lesson of knowing how to budget their time wisely. Not to mention, it will also bring the realization that they need to put boundaries on their social life, or their academics will suffer.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/pexels-photo-267967 (1).jpeg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>4. Encourage Mindfulness</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When your student calls you and is upset over the amount of work they need to finish - stay calm! Your children often feed off your reaction to bad news and a negative response will only make them feel more overwhelmed. Instead of launching into a lecture about responsibility, you can help by staying calm and reassuring them. Parents can start by saying that their stress is normal and that other students are probably going through a similarly taxing experience during finals week. Then, you will be able to walk them through some studying strategies that could help their situation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When their stress starts to climb, you can encourage them to look into calming techniques such as meditation or mindfulness. Mindfulness is often used as a therapeutic technique and is </span><a href="https://positivepsychology.com/what-is-mindfulness-definition/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">defined</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as, &ldquo;the practice of bringing one&rsquo;s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment.&rdquo; Many universities also offer free meditation sessions during finals week to reduce the stress that you can recommend to your stressed-out student.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/care1.png" alt="" width="628" height="600" /></p>
<h2><strong>5. Send them a Surprise Gift!</strong></h2>
<p><strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">A final way to help your stressed students is to send them a gift that will lift their spirits during this hectic time. One perfect present is a </span><a href="https://www.pjtra.com/t/8-9832-3551-108820?sid=(sma-cid)&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fgiftbasket.com%2F%3Fs%3Dstudent%26post_type%3Dproduct" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">College Care Package</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from </span><a href="https://www.pntrac.com/t/8-9832-3551-108820?SID=SMA-VisitHomepageURL" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Giftbasket.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This care package contains all the snacks, treats, candies, and junk food that a college student could want. Food and treats are always appreciated by students during finals week because they are constantly eating at odd hours of the day and often don&rsquo;t have time to cook a proper meal for themselves. Not to mention, it will also remind them of home and reassure them they have a strong support network waiting for them. A care package such as this is also the perfect celebratory gift for when finals are finally over and done with. </span></strong></p>

Help Your Student Get Through Their Exams with a Finals Care Package

Finals week in college is one of the most stressful times in a student's life, why not take some of the stress away with these tips and an epic college care package from Giftbaskets.com

college care package, finals week, college finals week, college gift basket

<p>Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth, so what better time to plant something and watch it thrive? There&rsquo;s no better time to get your hands dirty and plant a tree than this Arbor Day, which falls on April 27. Our friends at <a href="https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-10832-3551-137247?sid=SMA-VisithomepageURL" target="_blank">The Arbor Foundation</a> are offering many easy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.promocodes.com/arbor-day-foundation-coupons?ref=blog&ref_post=money-doesnt-grow-on-trees-why-you-should-plant-a-tree-this-arbor-day" target="_blank">affordable and effective</a> ways to plant and replant trees in areas that are desperately in need. Hurricane devastation hit hard in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, and a small act on your part can go great lengths in helping to restore hope and growth. Additionally, planting trees in your neighborhood is also a great way to save energy, money, and contribute to making the world a little greener.</p>
<p>The benefits of tree planting are endless. We break it down for you in this handy guide:</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/healthy-apple-summer-garden.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Trees Fight Climate Change</strong></h2>
<p>Yep, you read that right. Trees are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are true caregivers of our planet. By removing carbon dioxide from our air and storing the carbon in the trees and the soil, they release oxygen into the atmosphere. They also purify our water and our air, halt soil erosion, and block out harsh winter winds.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/forest-tree-tree-trunk-bark.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="426" /></p>
<h2><strong>Plant a Tree, Save Energy and Save Money</strong></h2>
<p>Planting trees around your home can go a long way to saving you money, as well as helping to alleviate the effects of climate change. Deciduous trees planted around the south and west sides of your home can help to keep your home cool in summer, and warm in winter. Not having to crank the heat in the winter months or, likewise, blast the AC in summer can significantly reduce your energy bill as well as your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research, simply planting three trees, when properly placed around your home, can save up to&nbsp;30%&nbsp;of your energy use. Not sure which type of tree will thrive where you live? Check out the <a href="https://www.arborday.org/media/zones.cfm" target="_blank">Arbor Day Foundation&rsquo;s handy geographical guide</a> to choosing your variety.</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.promocodes.com/img/upload/nature-sky-summer-spring-9277.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="423" /></p>
<h2><strong>A Greener Neighborhood = a Greener Planet</strong></h2>
<p>The more the trees, the greater the shade. What does that mean for your community? Well, for one thing, shade from trees keeps our cars cooler. Cooler vehicles mean fewer emissions from engines. And, neighborhood streets lined with trees are up to 10 degrees cooler on average. Ah, now doesn&rsquo;t that make you breathe a little easier?</p>
<p>Whether you get your hands dirty in the dirt or make a donation to plant a tree or trees where they are so desperately needed across hurricane-stricken areas, there are many ways to do your part this Arbor Day. Have fun going green!</p>

Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees: Why You Should Plant a Tree This Arbor Day

Celebrate Arbor day with the Arbor Day Foundation and plant a tree. It does more than just make you neighborhood beautiful, it helps the environment and promotes green living. 