Have you ever been shopping online at your favorite store, add items to your cart, then decide to not make the purchase for one reason or another? Maybe it was just to expensive. Maybe the shipping costs were a deal breaker. Whatever your reasoning for abandoning your online shopping cart, some popular online stores are now sending a follow-up email to try and entice you back with a coupon or discount to complete your purchase.

So why not use this information to your advantage and try to get a coupon to save save some money.

For this “coupon trick” to work you need to keep the following in mind:

1. Must Register First – The retailer obviously needs to know your email address for this to work. So you need to make sure to register and log-in with the retailer before you try this frugal hack.

Many websites will let you check out as a ‘Guest’, but that won’t work, you have to register and be logged into your account before you abandon your shopping cart.

2. Gotta Know When To Fold ‘Em – Once you have placed the item(s) in your cart, go through the entire checkout process until you get to the payment page. Do not log-out or close the browser window until you get at least this far.

If you want to increase your chances of getting a coupon via email, you may want to enter your credit card information and exit when you see the button that says some variation f “Click to Finalize your Purchase”.

3. Not All Coupons are the Same – The type of coupon you get via email can depend on many internal factors within the retailer’s database. Things like buying history and frequency of purchases are undoubtedly taken into account when deciding how good an offer to email you.

Also, if you clicked a Google ad to get to the retailer’s site you may be less likely to get a coupon as they have to pay the search engine giant a fee for that click. So just be aware that the coupon you get could be different than the one your friend gets, if they get one at all.

I should also add that many online retailers are sending out an email reminding you of your abandoned cart, but most are not handing out a coupon code to entice you back and help you save some money.

But awesomely, here are 17 online stores that currently are.

Bass Pro Shops

~ Now here is a great example of using this strategy to your advantage. The Bass Pro Shops coupons we are given are typically pretty bad. Maybe a decent free shipping coupon code on occasion but that’s about it.

So when I was given a $20 off $100+ coupon via email when I abandoned my online cart, I was pleasantly surprised.

See Also: 9 Ways to Hack Your Black Friday This Year to Save Money and Time

PRO TIP: DON’T LET THE EMAIL TRICK YOU

Many retailers, like Walmart, will send you an email if you leave something in your cart but will NOT offer a discount. But they will make it look they are.

In the screenshot above, I left a Dyson vacuum in my Walmart cart and when the email showed up, it looked I was getting a personalized deal. But then when I clicked on it, the price was the same for everyone.

Moral of the story: Make sure you do your research and DO NOT trust the price in the email that’s designed to entice you back to complete your purchase.

Birchbox

~ Birchbox.com sells high-quality beauty and grooming products. Make sure you never pay full price when shopping on their website.

A great way to make this happen is to register, add stuff to your virtual cart, proceed to the billing page, then say “Adios!” You stand an excellent chance of getting a 20% off $35+ coupon via email.

Cafe Press

~ The next time you are shopping at CafePress.com and about to finalize your purchase, hold your horses for a second McFly.

Abandon your purchase and close your browser window and wait for your 20% off coupon code to magically appear in your email inbox.

Crocs

~ We often have a bunch of Crocs.com coupon codes here on Rather-Be-Shopping.com but they are rarely as good as this 20% off coupon you’ll get when you abandon your online shopping basket.

Get your next pair of Crocs sandals on the cheap.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

~ For those who are always looking for a deal on sporting goods and athletic apparel, abandon your Dick’s Sporting Goods virtual cart and wait for the coupon to show up via email.

We were able to score a 10% off coupon code.

See Also: Save Money at Dick’s: 29 Clever Ways to Make it Happen

JCPenney

~ In order to get a JCPenney.com coupon via email you don’t even have to add items to your online cart.

All you have to do is view some items and it’ll trigger an email with a link to get coupon codes.

Of course you’ll need to be logged into your JCPenney account with a valid email address to get the correspondence.

J.Jill

~ I was able to score a $20 off $80+ coupon code from J.Jill just by logging into their site and clicking around for a bit.

In order to have a better chance of getting a coupon emailed to you I would go ahead and add stuff to your virtual cart.

I have also seen coupons for free shipping on your entire order handed out similarly via email.

Kate Spade

~ I think Kate Spade really has their “abandon-cart “strategy figured out.

I found the above email, which included a 15% off coupon code, to be perfectly done (clear, short & sweet) and quite persuasive.

If I were a chick I’d be shopping at Kate Spade as we speak.

Levi’s Store

~ Levi also does a nice job with their abandon cart emails.

A 25% of coupon for Levi is pretty dang sweet and gives you savings that most (if not all) coupon websites just can’t provide.

Love it. FYI, you just might have to wait close to 48 hours to get your email from them.

See Also: All the Popular Retailers With Live Chat Operators Who Hand Out Coupons

Macy’s

~ While I personally have not received an “abandoned cart” coupon from Macy’s, I have it on good authority that it’s just a matter of time.

But…they’ll happily send you a 15% off coupon code to your inbox just for registering for the Macy’s email newsletter.

Proflowers

~ The next time you’re shopping at Proflowers.com and looking for that prefect bouquet for Mom or that special someone, abandon your dang virtual cart and get a quick 10% off your purchase.

In the above email you’ll also get a free glass vase with your online purchase.

Purity Products

~ Purity Products.com sells popular nutritional supplements and vitamins.

If you shop with them regularly, you definitely should try the abandon cart strategy as you’re almost guaranteed to get a coupon in your inbox to save money.

The above example gave the recipient free shipping on top of the 30% off coupon.

Shutterfly

~ Yeah, what the heck are you waiting for?

The next time you can’t find a Shutterfly coupon just log-in, add stuff to your cart, then log-out.

You stand a great chance of getting a 20% off promo code (or better) in your email inbox. I’m all over this one when I make our family Christmas photo cards this year.

Williams-Sonoma

~ Williams-Sonoma will happily send you a reminder email with a free shipping coupon code attached when you abandon your online purchase.

Yeah, it has a $49 minimum attached but try and buy something from them under $49. Not an easy task.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever successfully used the “abandon-cart” strategy to score a coupon via email? If so, let me know what online retailer it was at and I’ll get it added to this article. Thanks!

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Nicholas Eckhart.

When I shop for clothing, while not often as I’m a dude, it is ALWAYS at a discount store. Typically Ross or TJ Maxx as we don’t have a Marshalls in my town. I mean seriously, why would you pay full price for name brand clothing and shoes when you can the same stuff at a huge discount. 95% of the stuff is first run quality and the brands are pretty darn amazing.

In the past, I have talked about How To Score the Best Deal at TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshall’s which was very well received so I figured why not back it up with an article about the actual brands you can find at Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx.

While some brands are carried at all three stores, many you can only find at one of them.

So without further ado…here is what my research turned up.

Ross (Dress for Less)

Do you know the best day of the week to shop for deals on top brands at Ross? One word: WEDNESDAY!

A friendly Ross employee told me that they finish up their weekly clearance markdowns by Tuesday evenings making Wednesdays the best day to shop and get first dibs.

Here are the big brands that you can score a deal on at Ross.

• 7 For All Mankind
• Adidas
• Adio (Shoes)
• Air Jordan
• American Eagle
• Anne Klein
• Bearpaw
• Bebe Sport
• Betsey Johnson
• Born
• Callaway
• Calvin Klein
• Coach Bags
• Columbia
• Converse
• Doc Marten
• Emerica
• Free People
• Guess
• Heritage 1981
• Hurley
• Jessica Simpson
• Juicy Couture
• Kenneth Cole
• Levi
• Lucky
• Michael Kors
• Miss Me Belt
• Nautica
• Nike
• Nine West
• O’Neill
• Perry Ellis
• Puma
• Quiksilver
• Ralph Lauren
• Roxy
• Sketchers
• Steve Madden
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Toms
• UGGS
• Under Armour
• Vans
• Vince Camuto
• Vox (Shoes)

Update: Also keep an eye out for shoe brands Uggs, Bearpaw, and Toms. Thanks to Ross Distribution Center supervisor Randi for the tip!

Marshalls

Marshalls is known for carrying some great brands at low prices.

Shop early in the week if you can, hopefully on a Monday, as that is when they typically do their restocks as well as their clearance markdowns on apparel and shoes.

By doing so, you’ll get first dibs on clothing that has just been reduced in price.

A few of the most popular brands you’ll find at Marshall’s include American Eagle, Hollister, Forever 21, and Kate Spade.

Here is the list of brands I have complied so far that can be found at your local Marshalls store.

• Adidas
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Banana Republic
• Billabong
• Baby Phat
• Coach
• Champion
• Converse
• Ed Hardy
• Express
• Forever 21
• Free People
• Guess
• Gunit
• Hollister
• Kate Spade
• Kenneth Cole
• Jones of NY
• Juicy
• Love Rocks
• Lucky Brand
• Max Studio
• Michael Kors
• Nike
• Northface
• O’Neill
• Patricia Nash Purses
• Polo by Ralph Lauren
• Pepe
• Royal Doulton
• Roxy
• Sean Jean
• Steve Madden
• True Religion
• UGG
• Under Armour
• Yogalicious

And last, but not least, the brands you can find at TJ Maxx.

See Also: Marshalls Employees Tell Me the Best Ways to Save Money

TJ Maxx

According to some, including my wife, TJ Maxx is a little more expensive than Ross and Marshalls.

But…they have some brands that you’re not going to find at the other two. Namely Abercrombie & Fitch, North Face, Dooney & Bourke, Hollister, and Vera Bradley.

Here are the top brands I have compile so far for TJ Maxx.

• Adidas
• Abercrombie & Fitch
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Anne Klein
• Athleta
• Baby Phat
• Bebe
• Betsey Johnson
• Billabong
• Blank NYC
• Calvin Klein
• Champion
• Cloth & Stone
• Current/Elliott
• Dooney & Bourke
• Dolce & Gabbana (Somewhat rare)
• Ecco
• Frame
• Lucky Brand
• Hollister
• Hurley
• HydraFlask
• James Perse
• Jessica Simpson
• Jones New York
• Juicy
• Kate Spade
• Keds
• Limited
• Lucky Brand
• Marc Jacobs
• Max Studio
• Michael Kors
• MUDD
• New York & Co.
• Nike
• Nine West
• North Face
• Paris Blues
• Pink Rose
• Polo by Ralph Lauren
• Puma
• Rag & Bone
• Reebok
• Roxy
• Theory
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Under Armour
• Vera Bradley
• VINCE

Ask the Reader: What brands am I missing? Let me know and I’ll be sure to add it to my list, thanks!

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart (1, 2) and Nicholas Eckhart. 

Jamba Juice smoothies are darn good. Sure, they’re loaded with sugar, sorbet, and sometimes cream, but still DARN good. Darn expensive as well. If I walked into our local JJ with my three kids in tow and let them each order whatever sized smoothie they wanted, my bill would be exactly $27.86. Well, maybe not quite that expensive, but you get my point.

But if you’re smart, which I assume you are as you’re on my blog, it doesn’t have to expensive and here are six smart ways to save money at Jamba Juice.

1. Join their Rewards Program

As does every Tom, Dick, and Harry, the folks at Jamba Juice also have a free rewards program called My Jamba Rewards.

The only difference? Jamba Juice’s program doesn’t suck out-loud.

As a matter of fact, it’s actually really cool and can save you money.

Here is what you get when you sign-up:

• On your birthday you’ll get a FREE birthday smoothie or juice.
• Get 50% off your 1st Smoothie after you sign-up.
• Free personalized offers throughout the year. These are actually pretty cool and include BOGO deals and double reward point days.
• You’ll also get 50% off all food items as a “Return Reward”

I’ve gotten some killer coupons and BOGO dealios via email by using the app as well.

PRO TIP: FOLLOW EMPLOYEE HACKS

Chat with your local Jamba Juice employees and ask about their favorite cost-saving tips.

I guarantee they’ll be happy share hidden discounts, the most cost-efficient menu items, or ways to customize orders for better value.

For example, I recently had an employee tell me to “skip the specialty smoothies” and customize a basic one instead.

They suggested starting with an Orange Dream Machine and add your favorite fruit—it’s often cheaper than ordering one of the more expensive menu options.

2. Follow on Facebook and X

I have been following Jamba Juice on Facebook and X (was Twitter) for quite some time and it has paid off in a couple ways.

The biggest way is through limited-time coupons that they post on their social media pages. They’ll often throw up percent off coupons or buy 1, get 1 free deals.

So if you’re heading into your local Jamba Juice with no coupon in hand, quickly pull up their Facebook or Twitter feed and you stand a great chance of saving money.

It has also paid off by adding some crazy color to my Facebook feed.

Have you seen some of the colors coming out of Jamba Juice lately? Crazy what you can do with a blender, some fruit, and a great imagination.

See Also: The Jamba Juice Secret Menu : 45+ Yummy Smoothies and Counting

3. Keep an Eye Out for Fundraising Cards

I recently bought a Jamba Juice fundraising card from a friend whose daughter was raising money for her dance class.

Best thing I ever did. It gives my family 8 buy one smoothie, get one free deals. Any size!

The best part? The card only cost $10.

So if I were to buy 8 large smoothies, that is a savings of close to 50 bucks.

Also, these cards have an expiration of over 2 years out, so you won’t have to worry about not using it before it expires.

Seek these bad boys out, I have seen them popping up a lot recently in my town.

PRO TIP: ASK ABOUT HAPPY HOUR DEALS

I recently had a Jamba employee tell about Happy Hour deals at their location. They actually offer a free size upgrade from Original to Power size between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. Ask about similar offers at Jamba locations in your neck of the woods.

4. Split Larger Sizes

Have you seen the size of the largest sized cup at Jamba Juice these days?

Holy crap, I think I’ve seen gas cans with less capacity.

If you ever take kids to Jamba Juice you’ll want to get into the habit of splitting larger sizes.

They’ll happily do it for you at no extra cost.

For example, the 30 ounce “sugar rush bladder buster” can easily be split into thirds for 3 perfect 10 ounce sized cups.

This is much cheaper than ordering three 16 ounce cups and still gives you plenty of smoothie, especially for kids.

5. Use the Yelp App for Check-In Deals

Download the Yelp app and not only will you get info on locations and such, but you’ll stand a good chance of finding a “check-in” deal.

This is especially true for new”ish” Jamba Juice locations.

They’ll often throw out a BOGO deal or 15% off coupon on Yelp to attract new customers when they first move into an area.

Plus, you’ll get reviews about customer service, cleanliness of the toilet, cute guy behind the counter running the blender, etc..

6. Look for Jamba Juice Coupons

This seems so blatantly obvious but it still amazes me how folks forget to look for a Jamba Juice coupon before buying a $6 cup of fruit blended up. Here are a few kick-ass places to start (and probably end) your search:

• Deal Catcher.com – One of the oldest coupon sites on the Internet. How do they do it? Well…they keep their blog updated daily with new printable coupons to Jamba Juice.
• Slickdeals.net – I’ll give Slickdeals some love as they seem to do a good job keeping their Jamba Juice page updated with the newest offers and coupons.
• Groupon – The folks at Groupon regularly post new offers for JJ. Some of the good ones I’ve seen include $3 off your next smoothie and buy 1 get 1 free.

Ask the Reader: What tips do you have to save money at Jamba Juice? Or do you pay full price? If you do, you’ve come to the right spot. Be sure to stick around. Before long you won’t pay full price for anything.

By Kyle James