Are you searching for coupon codes to use on your next online purchase? If so, this page will help you learn methods and common sources of coupon codes that can help you save money.

Smart consumers have used coupons for in-store purchases for decades. These coupons typically came in clippable or pre-cut formats. With the rise of the Internet and online shopping, businesses needed a way to entice customers through special promotions and coupon deals. The common method for using coupons on the web is through coupon codes. These codes can be stand-alone codes that are distributed to targeted customers, or they can be listed on physical or printable coupons. At times, coupon codes are also known as promo codes or promotional codes.

To use the coupon codes, you merely insert the code into a designated spot during the online checkout process. Often there will be a button that will update your online shopping cart and display your savings before you proceed to the payment page. Some websites allow for coupon code stacking where you can insert multiple coupons on the same order.

Coupon codes for many stores can be easily found on the Internet, but since the redemption system is automated, there can be more restrictions and limits on coupon codes than are found on standard coupons. For example, coupon codes may be limited to a one-time redemption, so even if you find a code posted online, you may not be able to use it. However, coupon codes are easily distributed, so you may be able to find coupon codes for products or retailers that do not have any physical or printable coupons available.

When you are deciding to make an online purchase, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s website and product website for each product you want to purchase. Often, special promo codes are listed on their website. You may need to look under a special promotions section, or sign in as a registered user of their website to gain access to coupon codes.

While on these pages, be sure to look for clubs, e-newsletters or other opportunities to sign up for notices from the company. Many companies use these lists to distribute coupon codes to fans of their products. This method is especially helpful for products you routinely purchase. At times, these lists will distribute printable coupons. Be sure to look on the coupon for a code that you can use for an online purchase.

You may want to set up a separate e-mail address to use for online signups for product promotions. If you sign up for numerous product emails, your standard email account can become clogged with promotional messages that make it difficult to use this strategy for online savings. Opt for an email program like Gmail that offers an easy search function that you can use before each online purchase.

If you are making purchases on a website that is not the manufacturer or product website, be sure to look over the site for special deals and coupon codes that are only valid for that site. If it is a web store that you frequently purchase from, be sure to sign up for ongoing promotional emails. Some coupon codes may be listed on product descriptions, or may be listed all together on one ‘’deals’’ page or even on the home page.

There are numerous website that are dedicated to hosting and promoting the exchange or coupon codes. Some websites are not routinely updates, or contain a long list of Spam-filled links. Once you get in the habit of searching for coupon codes, you will become familiar with the best websites that offer reliable coupon codes. Some sites may be in the form of a blog, or may be a multi-page website with pages for each retailer and product.

Some Common Coupon Websites where coupon codes are located are:

1. Retail Me Not
2. Coupon Cabin
3. Wow Coupons
4. Coupon Mom
5. Valpack
6. My Coupons

You may also find coupon codes listed on ‘’deal’’ websites like Slick Deals or Fat Wallet.

Many retailers and manufacturers have established pages on social media website to help connect with customers. Beyond providing product and store updates, they also may list coupon codes. Be sure to check out social media sites such as Twitter, MySpace and Facebook for your favorite products and online stores. Often, companies that have a social media presence will list a link to their profile on their main website. Be sure to friend or follow products and stores to get notifications of status updates.

Before making any online purchase, be sure to Google the name of the product or store, along with the words ‘’Coupon Code’’ for potential discounts not found on other sites. Some people may place codes on their personal blog or on a new website. A Google search will help ensure you aren’t missing out on any savings. If using coupon code does not yield any results, try using the term promo code as well to help find coupon codes.