OK, so I figured it was time to come up with some highly practical ways to use my Crack the Price Tag Code resource to help you save money on your Holiday and Christmas shopping this year. I have had many emails from folks trying to figure out how to best use my info when shopping, especially on Black Friday. In other words, what products and gifts provide the best value when cracking the code. So it is with this in mind that I present some very usable ways to “crack the code” and cross names of your gift list at a MAJOR discount.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The earlier you shop, the better your chances of really making this stuff work to your advantage.

American Eagle Outfitters

Quick Recap: Price ending in .95 is full price, and prices ending in .00 or .99 is a clearance price and your best bet at American Eagle Outfitters.

• Your single best strategy for Holiday savings at AEO is to wait until Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.
• Go in to the store on that infamous weekend, or shop online, and head straight for the clearance rack and look for items ending in .00 or .99.
• Why? Because they always offer coupons on clearance items that time of year which will help you Christmas shop at close to 80% off the original price. You’ll save 20-30% more than any other time of year.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. American Eagle always has in-store coupons on Black Friday/Cyber Monday that are good for clearance items. So head to the store, crack the code, and use a coupon for savings in the 80% off range.

Home Depot

Quick Recap: Price ending in .06 and on a yellow price tag means it is a clearance item and has 6 weeks until next markdown. After that six week period it will be marked down to .03 which means 3 weeks until the item is liquidated.

• Almost every Dad loves new tools for Christmas. Use the crack the code info and shop for tool and hardware gifts starting right now. You’ll save much more than if you wait for “Holiday” deals.
• I was just in my local Home Depot over the weekend and was quite impressed with the number of yellow tags I found in the tools/hardware department.
• You’ll find some good Black Friday deals on tools at The Home Depot but few of the deals will be as good as the yellow tag deals ending in .06 and .03.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: No. I highly recommend skipping Black Friday at your local Home Depot and instead shop the couple weeks before Christmas and shop the yellow tags.

You’ll not only save more money, but you’ll find more sales as they try to cash in on last-minute shoppers.

JCPenney

Quick Recap: .00 is full price, .99 is first clearance markdown price, .97 is final clearance and price will get cut in half every 2 weeks. The absolute lowest price an item can get is $2.97.

• When I was filming my “Crack the Price Tag Code” segment with Good Morning America we walked into a JCPenney and I quickly realized that I’ll be doing a lot of my Christmas shopping with them.
• They keep their clearance section in the far back of the store and it’s usually stocked with great gift ideas like housewares, dishes, apparel, heating blankets, silverware, linens, and pillows. I am totally going to shop for my Mom at JCPenney this year. Like starting right now.
• Look for items ending in .97 and if they have a bunch of any particular item, wait a week or two, come back, and the item’s price will be cut in half. No joke, it will be. Try it for yourself.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: No. The Black Friday ad at JCPenney’s usually has some good deals in it, but from our research, none as good as looking for items ending in .97.

Kohl’s

Quick Recap: Look at the digital price tags at Kohl’s, particularly in the upper right hand corner. If you see a “NM” it means new markdown and the item will go on sale that night or the following morning. “GV” means great value and is a limited time price drop. “S” is simply a sale item.

• While the NM can be somewhat elusive, the great value (GV) can be found fairly easily. Look for the GV and only Christmas shop in those sections of the store. By doing so you’ll save a minimum of 25% off your purchase.
• Also, be aware that you can use a Kohl’s printable coupon on ALL clearance items. So be sure to stack a coupon on top of your clearance purchase to save close to 50%.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. Because the Kohl’s coupons we get for Black Friday and Cyber Monday will also be good for clearance and “great value” items it is definitely worth your time shopping on Black Friday.

Office Depot

Quick Recap: Price ending in a 1 (example: $18.21) is first clearance markdown, ending in 2 is second clearance markdown, ending in 3 is third markdown, price ending in 4 is the “holy grail” and represents the final markdown price and the absolute best value at Office Depot.

• I have it under solid authority that Office Depot marks things down every 7-10 days. So if you’re shopping for gift ideas and stocking stuffers and they have an item at the first or second clearance markdown wait and come back.
• By Christmas shopping early you’ll have plenty of time to come back and get items only when the price ends in a 3 or 4.
• Items that present the best buying opps when cracking the price tag code are as follows: Basic office supplies, small electronics, printers, software, packing supplies, and desk organizers.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. Office Depot is notorious for unloading some great clearance deals on Black Friday.

Shop on BF and instead of fighting over the door-buster deals, head for the clearance sections of the store and crack the price tag code for better savings.

Old Navy

Quick Recap: Prices ending .47, .49, .97, and .99 denote a clearance item at Old Navy.

• The single best day of the year to shop at Old Navy, for both gift ideas and the ability to stock up for the following year, is Black Friday weekend. The autumn clearance deals are pretty darn amazing starting Black Friday morning going through Cyber Monday evening.
• My wife and I use this info to our advantage and annually venture out to stock up at Old Navy on items ending in .47, .49, .99, and .97 for our 3 kids. We buy a size or two up and store items for the following year.
• We easily save 65-80% off the original retail price on pants, sweaters, dress shirts, outerwear, and dresses.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. The real value of shopping on Black Friday at Old Navy is taking advantage of the clearance deals. In-season styles are typically not that great of a deal.

Plus, Old Navy typically offers some great clearance coupons on Black Friday that you can stack for even more savings.

Sam’s Club

Quick Recap: When shopping at Sam’s Club check out the letter in the upper right hand corner of the shelf tag and look for the “C”. This means the item is cancelled and is a clearance price and thus provides the best value.

• Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club stocks quality brands and products across the board.
• So if you’re Christmas shopping for your sister and she needs a new crock pot, go to the one with the “C” in the upper right hand corner of the price shelf tag.
• I have had loyal Sam’s Club shoppers do the research for me and the “Cancelled” item almost always provides savings in the 25-35% range.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: No. Sam’s Club does NOT have more “Cancelled” items on Black Friday than any other day. So you’re better off going shopping on a less popular shopping day to avoid the crowd.

Sears

Quick Recap: .99 is full price, .97 is a discontinued item on clearance, and .88 is the final markdown price at Sears.

• Where in the store should you look for the items ending in .97 or .88? This always works best in the Tools section as well as in Electronics and Appliances.
• So when shopping for tools for Dad, or a new TV for your honey, always look for items ending in .88. The price will typically be close to 30% cheaper than Amazon.com.
• Last year I was able to shop on Black Friday weekend at Sears, walk past the crappy door-buster deals, and head straight for the brand-name TV ending in .88. I found a 42″ Panasonic LCD that was at a final markdown price along with a in-store BF sale where I could take off an additional 20%. It was 25% cheaper than Amazon and Best Buy.
• Are you considering buying an appliance or TV for someone on your gift list? In addition to cracking the price tag code, be sure to learn how to successfully negotiate an even better deal at Sears.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. Take advantage of additional Sears coupons and clearance deals on BF, head into your local store, and then crack the code for maximum savings.

Target

Quick Recap: Price ending in .99 is full price. .88, .98. 24, .04 is a clearance item. Check out the upper right hand corner of the clearance sticker for the tiny little number. It will say 15, 30, 50, 75, or 90 and that represents the percent off the original price. Clearance items get marked down every 10 to 14 days at Target.

• When Christmas shopping, the best departments in Target to crack the code are: Electronics, apparel, shoes, small kitchen appliances, housewares, and linens.
• When looking for bargain gift ideas, always look for items where the store has many in stock. By doing so, you’ll be able to start shopping early (like right now) and use my crack the code info to your advantage.
• I was told by a Target employee that they mark items down every 10-14 days. So if the store has a bunch…wait and come back and nab your savings.
• This obviously works best when you aren’t shopping for specific brands but rather shopping for the best value.

Can you “Crack the Code” on Black Friday?: Yes. Because of the influx of clearance and sale merchandise at Target on Black Friday weekend you’ll have significantly more opportunities to crack the price tag code.

Ask the Reader: Have you been able to crack the price tag and save money this year? I’d love to hear how my resource is helping you save.

By Kyle James

As we head into Fall, many retailers are trying to roll out Summer and seasonal merchandise, as well as make room for new models, creating some great deals on certain products. Here are the 10 best deals to be had right now.

Large Appliances

When it comes to large appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, October is a great time to buy.

Manufacturers always unveil new models in the winter, making October the key month to unload last years models to make room for the new stuff.

In order to do this, especially in a down economy, they have to sell them at a great discount.

Lawn Mowers

Grass stops growing in November and December, and the demand for lawnmowers plummets, leaving retailers with inventory they have to store, which obviously costs a lot of money.

So retailers put them on sale, making October the prime time to score a deal on a new mower. Don’t wait until next Spring to buy, you will pay 25% to 40% more than right now.

School Supplies

If your child doesn’t have everything they need for the new school year, don’t fret as deals abound. Many retailers over-bought school supplies and now have excess inventory they need to unload, much to your wallet’s happiness.

This is also a good time to stock up for next year, or to buy cool Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers for your kids.

See Also: 11 Smart Tips to Save Money on Back-To-School Shopping

Fireplace Tools

Don’t wait until your fireplace is in full roar to buy a grate, poker, or hearth decor. By that time, retailers are in the driver’s seat and you’ll end up paying full price. October is the last month to find a good deal until next spring.

Bicycles

Pretty much without fail, new bike models are unveiled every September. With this comes crowded showrooms and warehouses, making it essential that bike shops and sporting good retailers unload last years models.

As we head into October and even into November, shops will continue to slash prices in order to move out old models. So if you need a new bike, or are considering getting one for your child this Christmas, right now is a great time to shop.

See Also: Save By Knowing the Store Brands That Are Made By Name Brands

Swim and Pool Stuff

I was walking through my local Walmart the other day and was blown away with their clearance rack.

It was chalked full of swim toys and water blasters priced up to 75% off the original price. Right now is a great time to stock up for next summer.

Digital Cameras

If you are NOT particular about having only the newest and latest, then October is a great time to buy a new digital camera. The main reason is because manufacturers tend to release new models heading toward the Christmas shopping season.

Retailers are quite aware of this and need to sell last years models to make room for the new. Thus, many stores are currently selling cameras at a discount.

See Also: Clever Hacks to Fight Inflation and Save Money Shopping

Air Conditioners

If you need a new air conditioner for your home, don’t wait for triple digit heat to start your shopping, you will get racked over the coals. October is an excellent time to shop as many units will be on sale in order to clear out inventory space.

This is especially true at big box stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s. I personally saw some great deals (40% Off) on A/C units last weekend. As you have seen with much of my advice, the best time to get a deal on a product is to shop when nobody else is.

Automobile Tires

You can set your watch by when tires go on sale every year. Specifically, every October, tire retailers offer incredible incentives to drivers to buy a new a set of tires before winter driving hits.

So if you are driving on balding treads, right now is a great to buy. Not only will you get a nice discount, but that first winter storm won’t be quite so slippery with a good set of tires underneath you.

Barbecues

BBQ’s are quite large as you can imagine and take up significant room. Thus, retailers need to clear them out once grilling season has ended in September.

The end result: Deals abound on new grills right now! I personally bought our Weber grill in October and saved 20% off the sticker price.

Happy Savings.

Photo credit to Kevin.

Have you ever been shopping online and thought to yourself how cool it would be to get those shoes, jeans, blender, (or whatever it might be) sent to your home for free so you could try them on and check them out in person? Then if they didn’t fit, or you didn’t like it for whatever reason, you could return them for free? How cool would that be.

Well, today I’m here to tell you that this already is the reality with a bunch of popular online retailers. Shop ’til you drop then mail back the stuff you don’t want for FREE. 100% risk free shopping. Here are 28 popular online stores that’ll currently let you do it.

Apple Store

The Apple Store offers free shipping on $49 or more + FREE returns.

You have 14 days to return an item from the date you received it. Instructions are here.

Items ineligible for return include opened software, electronic software downloads, software upgrades, Apple Store gift cards, Apple Developer Connection products, and Apple print products.

See Also: 45+ Retailers Offering FREE Shipping on Christmas Shopping

Ashford Jewelry

Ashford offers free shipping along with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all online orders.

In order to get free return shipping you need to select “Free Ground” shipping.

Items being returned must be in new, unused, condition with original packaging.

Steps to make a free return happen are found on their website.

Barneys New York

From the Barneys website, “Barneys.com offers complimentary returns on all U.S. orders. No fee will be deducted from your return.”

They actually include a pre-paid United States Postal Service (USPS) return label with every online order.

Shop at Barneys, order a couple sizes, try them on at home, and mail back the stuff that doesn’t fit for free. Smart.

Bonobos.com

Bonobos sells fashionable men’s clothing and is proud to offer free shipping both ways.

If you buy anything you don’t like, for whatever reason, you can use the prepaid shipping label that comes with every order to expedite the return process.

From their site, “Return your items (for free) within 90 days for a full refund, and within 365 for store credit for an exchange”

CHEFS.com

Free shipping on your $25+ order and FREE returns on all orders via FedEx. Details here.

Stock your kitchen and check out a bunch of new products risk free.

Costco

While Costco does offer free shipping on many items (not everything) it is worth noting their awesome return policy.

If you order from Costco.com and need to return for any reason you have 2 solid options.

First, you can simply return the item to your local warehouse and they will refund you in full (including any delivery charges).

Second, if you can’t make it to a warehouse, you can call them at 1-800-955-2292 and hear other pick-up options.

Diapers.com

Diapers.com offers free shipping on $49 or more BUT free returns on EVERYTHING.

You have 365 days to make your return happen.

Item obviously can’t be used or expired. Eww…I just envisioned a pile of used diapers.

eBags.com

eBags will happily pay return shipping costs for the first 30 days after your purchase.

From their site, “All items must be in the condition you received them, with all hang tags attached and in the original box.”

Lacoste.com

From the Lacoste website, “Free Returns will be granted to customers who utilize their pre-paid return label included in their box or accessible at the online return center.”

You have 30 days from date of delivery to return your items.

LL Bean

LL Bean offers free shipping on ALL orders and free returns on orders for LL Bean card members.

If you are not a card holder you will have to pay a $6.50 fee.

You can also return all online orders to a physical LL Bean location for no extra charge.

See Also: Talk Your Way to a Deal: How to Negotiate at These Big Box Stores

Nordstrom

Free shipping and free returns on all orders at Nordstrom.com. Pretty awesome actually.

Do some shopping risk free and just return items that don’t fit or you don’t like.

If you need to return something over-sized all you have to do is call them at 888-282-6060 for assistance.

Online Shoes.com

Free shipping, free returns, and free exchanges at Online Shoes.com.

You have 365 days to return stuff.

Must be in unworn, new condition, with boxes and tags.

Sephora.com

When shopping at Sephora.com you’ll get free shipping on $50+ and free returns on all orders.

To get free return shipping you need to use the “Merchandise Return label” included with your purchase.

You have 60 days from date of order to return your purchase for free.

ShoeMall.com

Update: Apparently Shoe Mall now charges $6.95 for a return.

Free shipping and free returns on ALL orders at ShoeMall.com.

You have 120 days to send back all unused items for free.

Just complete and enclose the RETURN FORM located on the back of your packing slip.

See Also: All 37 Stores That Offer Extended Holiday Returns

Shoes.com

Shoes.com is another online shoe seller that offers free shipping and free returns on ALL orders.

Not sure what size you wear for specific brands? Just order a couple different sizes and mail back the ones that don’t fit.

Note: They reserve the right to reject orders from individuals who make excessive returns. Use their policy wisely because if you abuse it, it will surely go away.

Shoebuy.com

Yet another online shoe retailer who offers free shipping and returns is Shoebuy.com.

You have 60 days from date of delivery to return items to them.

Tip: If you are exchanging shoes and in a hurry, return your item and place a brand new order for your replacement shoes.

Shopbop.com

The shipping and return policy at Shopbop.com is down right awesome and completely FREE both ways.

You’ll get free 3-day shipping and free returns within 30 days of delivery.

Also, were you aware that all Amazon Prime members can get the same free 2-day shipping benefits when shopping on Shopbop? Very cool (and clever) add on service.

Sunglass Hut

Sunglass Hut.com ships for free (no minimum) and lets you return items for free as well.

Have you ever broken a pair of expensive sunglasses? If so, listen up. From their website, “Occasionally sunglasses break. It’s sad, but true. But when it happens to sunglasses bought at Sunglass Hut, we replace them with the same pair (or equivalent, if unavailable) at 50% off the original price.”

I just completely fell in love with this company.

UGG Australia

UGG will happily ship your next pair of UGGs for free and offer free returns for any reason.

Feel free to shop at the UGG Australia website and order a couple pairs to try on at home knowing that you can return the ones you don’t like at no cost.

Urban Outfitters

The hip folks at Urban Outfitters want you to be completely satisfied so they are offering free returns and exchanges within the first 30 days of purchase.

They also offer free shipping on $50 or more.

They also let you use USPS pick-up service so you don’t even have to leave home to get your stuff sent back. Details here.

Wag.com

Stock up on pet food, medication, and supplies at Wag.com and do it completely risk free as they offer free shipping $49+ with completely free returns.

Items must still be brand new and in original packaging and they’ll let you return it for FREE for 365 days after you received it.

World of Watches

Buy your next killer time piece and if you don’t like how it looks on your wrist, just return it for free. Oh, and I forgot to mention that they’ll mail it to you for free to begin with. Win-win.

Make sure to return items within 30 days of receiving them or you’ll get stuck paying a 20% re-stocking fee.

Apparently they sell a lot more than watches as fragrances, swimwear, intimate apparel, and hosiery are all non-refundable.

Zappos

The Zappos shipping and return policy is the current gold standard in my opinion.

Free shipping and free returns for 365 days after you receive your purchase.

24/7 customer service to help you if you have any trouble with your purchase or return.

Not sure your size? Just order a few pairs of shoes and return the ones that don’t fit or you don’t like.

Order your shoes on 2/29 of a leap year….you’ll have exactly 4 years to return them! Seriously.

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any more online stores that offer free shipping and free returns? Let me know, thanks!

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Larry Tomlinson.