Top 5 Save before you Shop

Top 5 Save before you Shop ideas are the best ways to save before you even leave your house on a shopping trip.

Things have gotten a bit more sophisticated than the traditional clipping coupons. Even coupons have cheeky codes for online shopping!

This is what I am doing right now to save and continue to shop.

1. Group Buying - Group buying has taken Toronto by storm! From Groupon, to livingsocial to webpiggy and teambuy. It seems like there is some sort of group deal in every corner of the city.

So far I have only taken advantage of a few Groupons, the Gap deal was the most famous by far! Deals at local restaurants are the most popular and buys are usually discounted by at least 50%. You have to move fast these deals usually last 1 day but you can use them at your leisure.

2. Cardswap - This is a great Canadian site that allows you to pick up gift card at less than face value. Or if you have gift cards sitting around unused - sell them for cash!

3. Newsletters  - If you aren't already subscribing to the newsletter for your favourite boutique or big chain get over to their website and do it now. Not only will you find out about sales before they even happen, you can get invited to exclusive events and special discounts. Many retailers will give you a one time discount just for signing up for the newsletter and trusting them with your email.

4. Sale Mail - Ok don't want to litter your inbox with newsletters? Or want to keep tabs on other brands you like? Sign up for a sale mail service like Shop it To Me or Salesoholics. In fact you can sign up for both as they keep tabs on different stores!

5.  Social Media - Much like newsletters Social Media like Twitter and Facebook are a great way to get discounts and invited to special sales or events. In fact many smaller retailers don't have their own website but will have a Facebook business page, blog or twitter account.

Don't forget the power of asking; its the unofficial 6th on the top 5 to save before you shop list. Ask the store if there are any sales on or special discounts. Many sales staff will give you a coupon if you ask. Also ask your friends and family. Sometimes we are shy about wanting to save money but sometimes people have coupons they aren't using and will share. And make sure you share your unused coupons whether it be with your friends and family or a stranger in line behind you!

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