Retailers, service providers and manufacturers regularly offer reduced prices on a variety of goods and services, for various reasons. Sometimes they have too much of a particular product, and need to get rid of it quickly by lowering the price (and thus enticing more buyers). Other times discounts are necessary to keep up with competition. Often, discounts are simply ways to get people into the store and to start buying merchandise.

This page contains links to an assortment of the discounts available on-line. There is also information here about some of the various types of discounts made available to consumers.

Printable coupons: These coupons are made available on the Internet, either on manufacturers' websites, retailers' websites, promotional emails or coupon collecting sites. They may be printed up from any printer and then taken directly to the retailer, where they can be redeemed.

Coupon codes: These come from many of the same sources as printable coupons, but are used for online shopping rather than brick and mortar stores. Codes are entered into the appropriate field during the final checkout process, after selecting what to purchase.

Sales: Sales do not require any coupons, and are generally available to all consumers. During sales (which occur for limited time periods), prices may be reduced by a percentage, or special items may be offered free or at reduced cost with purchase of another item.

Discount stores: Some stores offer products for below the average retail price. These include dollar stores, thrift stores, and some brand name outlet stores.

The most obvious benefit of discounts to consumers is that it will cost less to purchase the same goods and services. This allows an individual to save, invest or otherwise use the excess money that would otherwise have been spent to purchase the same items. One point to consider, however, is the amount of extra time it may take to discover discounts, versus the amount saved. Ultimately, if too much time is spent to save too little, the time may be better spent in other areas, such as working to generate more income.