Here is another guest post from my friend Kyle, over at Rather Be Shopping. He has included some great free online shipping coupons this week.
I was helping a friend make a purchase from Mikasa.com the other day and her order qualified for a free shipping coupon that I had, she was just ecstatic! It led to a conversation about the ridiculous gas prices and how it is really starting to effect how families shop and how it is changing routines and lifestyles. She said that these days she always goes online when making a purchase to see if she can get it sent for free or if she can find a great deal or coupon code. Her last resort is to actually get in the car and drive to the mall or department store. I found it to be a very interesting conversation and was wondering to myself if she was still in the minority in her way of thinking.
So I wanted to use this post on Toni’s blog to ask the question, “Has the price of gas changed how you shop?” This includes not only shopping more online but also doing things like combining trips when you run errands and mapping out your stops so you don’t waste any gas back-tracking across town. Also, I’d love to hear any other shopping strategies that you use to get the best deal.
Please leave a comment! I look forward to your thoughts. Here are some free shipping online coupons that you may be able to use as well. See ya next week!
I figured I would be the first to chime in on this one. I have been online shopping for years. It started when we lived overseas, continued when we lived in the middle of nowhere, and now I shop online because I hate the traffic! I do go to the grocery store and CVS, but as far as retail outlets that is about it. When you can find free shipping coupons, it just makes more sense, if you are buying something new, to shop online these days.Baby Center.com
Coupon Code: FREESHIP59
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Baby Center Coupons
Mikasa.com
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Mikasa Coupons
Ross-Simons.com
American Eagle Outfitters.com
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 7/31/08
See Additional: American Eagle Coupons
Lands End.com
Coupon Code: SUMMER and PIN 939570394
Expiration: 6/26/08
See Additional: Lands End Coupons
Gap.com
Coupon Code: FREESHIP
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Gap Coupons
Barnes and Noble.com
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Barnes & Noble Coupons
Petsmart.com
Coupon Code: SHIP50AFF
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Petsmart Coupons
JCPenney.com
Coupon Code: BBFAM8E
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: JCPenney Coupons
Ice.com Jewelry
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6731/08
See Additional: Ice.com Coupons
Oriental Trading Company.com
Coupon Code: RRRZC06
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Oriental Trading Coupons
Wal-Mart.com
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: WalMart Coupons
As I mentioned last week, I have indeed changed my shopping habits because of gas prices. Even though I live Between the Beltways, some specialty products are still a 45-minute drive away. I always do the math now. I mail-ordered a baptism gift and saved $5 plus my driving and shopping time. My daughter’s weekend Irish dance competition was five miles (20 minutes of driving, ack!) from a Penzey’s Spices retail store, so I took my list along and we stocked up on everything we’ll need for the next six months.
I have been combining trips for a long time – maybe forever – but now I am just fanatical. My kids ask about shopping trips, but they know I will only get into the car for essential journeys.
The interesting part is, this feels right. I think we should all have been this fanatical long before now. We should really think about how much it costs to drive somewhere or to order an item. Maybe we’re steering car manufacturers, oil companies and international conglomerates in a better direction.
Great post. I think it has changed our shopping habits. I just posted recently on planning a weekend using no gas. That surely changes what I might have done on a weekend, driving to a mall, beach, or restaurant! Nice blog, I will be a frequent reader!
http://lifeislikechampagne.blogspot.com/2008/06/tackle-it-tuesday_24.html
Agree, Nancy that it just does feel right! When it comes right down to it, by using less gas and demanding alternatives we are making a stand!
I love the weekend using no gas idea. That is a little tricky for us living out in the country when kids have various activites going on, but there is no reason we can’t do something like No Gas Tuesdays!
I usually only go anywhere when I have to, I am such a homebody, but I have noted lately that there is much less traffic, and parking near the door is much easier than it used to be. We cut back to only having one car, and that requires that I am very careful in my planning for running around. I either go after Ornery gets home from work, on the weekends, or else I have to drive a lot more than I like by taking him to work and then going back to get him. It isn’t just the price of gas, though, it is many factors that all play into what I like to call “responsible living.” living more conservatively financially, environmentally, and enjoying a simpler lifestyle all play together for us.
TM