I was recently doing a story with NBC 12’s “Diva of Discounts”, Jennifer Warnick, in Richmond, Virginia, and after our Skype interview she asked me about the smartphone apps that I like to use to save money when shopping. I rattled off a couple and it quickly became quite apparent that she knew way more about the subject than I. So being the smart blogger that I am, I just shut my mouth and simply listened. She was even gracious enough to send me an email that listed all of her favs and it is the sole inspiration for this post. Thanks for the great tips Jennifer and I hope everyone reading this can use these apps to keep more of your own money.

1. Ibotta App

The folks at Ibotta claim their app is “Better Than Coupons.” Is there such a thing? The Ibotta app is pretty darn cool though. (Full Review)

Here’s how it works:

• Basically, the app unlocks a bunch of “secret” rebates on products you’ll probably be buying anyways.
• You pick the products and items you are going to buy on your next shopping trip and earn money by completing small tasks associated with those products.
• Tasks include things like unlocking a $4.00 rebate for watching a short video or earn $1.25 for reading one fact about the product.
• A few that I grabbed recently include $1 back on a pack of Oreos at Target, 25 cents back on a gallon of milk at ANY grocery store, and $1 back on Wheat Thins at Walmart. They take only a few seconds to complete.
• Next, go do your shopping at one of the 50+ participating national retailers. New retailers are being added weekly.
• Then just verify your purchase by using the app to snap a quick picture of your receipt, along with the corresponding product bar-code. If you’re using the same receipt for multiple product rebates, you only have to verify your receipt once which saves a lot of time. The app walks you through the whole “rebate redemption” process and it really is a breeze.
• Every large grocery store in my area was on the app, including one-offs like Costco, Dollar Tree, and even drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
• iBotta then adds money to your account once they verify your purchase (usually within 24 hours).
• You can withdraw money via PayPal or Venmo. You can also get paid via a gift card from Starbucks, Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, Walmart, and others.
• Top stores where you can use the app include: Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Meijer, H-E-B, Stop & Shop, Winco, ShopRite, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, Dominick’s, Fry’s, Dillons, Vons, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith’s, Duane Reade, King Soopers, and Pick ‘n Save.
• The app won’t make you rich, but if you’re going to buy the products anyways, why not earn a few extra bucks every week. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I’m already up to over $30 in cash back rebates. Not too shabby for just a few minutes worth of work.

PRO TIP

Be sure to stack your savings on the Ibotta app. Combine your Ibotta savings with manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and e-coupons to stack up your coupon savings.

Jennifer is a big fan, “Lots more than just food..just verify the product barcode and take a picture of your receipt plus if you connect with Facebook, you can be part of a Facebook team (your FB friends who are also using Ibotta) which can net you even bigger bonuses. (My team just got an extra $10 each for our redemption’s as a group)” Pretty cool.

Bonus Tip: Sign-up today by clicking here and get a free $10 credit added to your account once you redeem your first rebate. Not too shabby.

– Available for FREE at the iOS in App Store and Android on Google Play.

2. Checkout 51

The Checkout 51 app and website is also gaining a lot of traction recently and works like this:

• The app lets you buy groceries, scan your receipt, and easily get cash back.
• Let’s let them do the talking, “All you have to do is pick the ones (offers) you like, purchase them at any store, and upload a photo of your receipt through our mobile app or website. When your account reaches $20, we send you a check.”
• It is also worth noting that the folks at checkout 51 update the app with fresh offers every Thursday morning.
• I love the fact that is doesn’t matter what store you purchase the items from. This feature really helps those that live in rural areas with Ma & Pa grocery stores.

Jennifer also chimes in on this one, “Checkout 51..more random deals on groceries when you upload receipts.”

– Available for iOS and Android

3. Fetch

Fetch (Full review) is a bit different in that it is a stand-alone website and app that allows you to get cash back when you scan your grocery receipt, as well as on grocery shopping and online shopping.

Here are the nuts and bolts:

• If you literally want to do nothing (like me) and still earn points, you CAN by just scanning ANY store receipt. Simply open up the Fetch app, tap “Scan”, then take pic of your receipt and submit it.
• When shopping at the grocery store you simply select grocery offers, buy those items, scan your receipt into the app (or sync with your store card), then get cash back added directly to your Fetch account.
• Once your Fetch account reaches $5, you can request a withdrawal via PayPal or get a gift card to dozens of stores.
• The ability to link your loyalty card is what sets the app apart and makes it very easy to use.

Basically 1,000 reward points equals $1. Be sure to use use referral code RATHER, scan a receipt, and you’ll have close to 3,000 points.

– Available for iOS in App Store and Android on Google Play

4. ShopKick App

Download the ShopKick app on your smartphone and start earning “Kicks” for doing things you’ll be doing anyways. Here’s what I mean.

• Earn “Kicks” for just walking into stores.
• Earn “Kicks” for scanning products.
• Earn “Kicks” for making purchases.
• Earn “Kicks” for submitting your receipts.
• Cash in your “Kicks” for gift cards at stores like Target, Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, and dozens more.
• Best Feature: The app will actually tell you what kicks are available based on your location. It’s kinda fun and if you get your kids turned onto the app it gives them something fun (and profitable) to do while you do your shopping. Think of it like a scavenger hunt to find products and earn kicks.
• Before you know it, you’ll have enough kicks to swap out for a $25 gift card at dozens of popular retailers.

– ShopKick is Available for iOS or Android.

And the Honorable Mention….

– Shopmium (iOS, Android)

The folks at Shopmium have created an App with a pretty cool future. You buy products, scan you receipt, and get cash back on certain items you bought. You’ll get paid via PayPal or a direct deposit to your bank account.

The cool thing about the app is the offers they give their users are exclusive to them. This makes the Shopmium app a nice companion to the iBotta app, use them in conjunction with one another and you expand your possible rebates significantly.

Ask the Reader: Any apps that I may have missed that you think deserve to be on my list? Let me know in the comments below, thanks.

By Kyle James

Have you ever bought something only to notice in the retailer’s next flyer that the item is now on sale? If you have, and you are a bargain shopper like me, you know it can be maddening and make you want to shoot down an Amazon drone or glue your butt to the toilet seat at the Home Depot. But fortunately all hope is not lost as many major retailers will happily offer you a price adjustment within a set period of time. Here are all the stores that offer price adjustments (also known as price protection).

Abercrombie.com (14 days)

• You have 14 days from date of purchase to get a price adjustment if price is lowered.
• From their website, “For orders shipped to the US and Canada, we are happy to process a price adjustment for you if we reduce the price of any merchandise (in the same color and size) that you have ordered from us within fourteen (14) days from the date that you submit your order.”
• Item must be purchased at the original price. This means you can’t get a price adjustment on a marked down clearance item.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes, as long as your purchase is within 14 days.

Amazon.com

• Update: Amazon will now only offer 30 day price protection on TV’s.
• While Amazon.com does not advertise a price protection policy, I have it on good authority that you can successfully request one within 7 days of delivery if the price is dropped.
• I actually called and spoke with a customer service rep and was told I would have 7 days to request a price adjustment.
• Price adjustment excludes items sold by an Amazon 3rd party.
• Simply call Amazon customer service at 1-888-280-3321 to request your price adjustment.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Definitely worth a try. The rep I spoke with didn’t know for sure which was hilarious.

Ann Taylor (14 days)

• Price adjustments are not eligible on special promotions, including %’s off (e.g., 25%, 40%, and 50% etc.) and $’s off.
• One price adjustment for merchandise purchased at full-price, which has been marked down for the first time, may be made within 7 days from the original date of purchase.
• Ann Taylor stores are not able to process price adjustments for online orders.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: No.

Anthropologie (14 days)

• When you buy in-store, or online, you can get a 1-time price adjustment within 14 days of purchase if the item is now on sale.
• From their website, they “do not offer price adjustments on shipping charges at this time.”

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes, as long as your purchase is within 14 days.

Banana Republic (14 days)

• Just return to your local Banana Republic within 14 days of your purchase (with your receipt) if the item you bought is lowered in price.
• To obtain a price adjustment on an online purchase call 1-800-GAPSTYLE or send an email message to [email protected] within the 14 day window.
• Stuff bought with a promotional discount or coupon aren’t eligible for price adjustment.
• No price adjustments allowed on clearance items.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Best Buy (15 days)

• From the Best Buy website, “If we lower our price during the return and exchange period (15 days), we will match our lower price, upon request.” Full review.
• Just keep your receipt and head back to the store to get the lower price.
• For online purchases, call them at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289) and request your price adjustment.

Will it Work on Black Friday: No.

Children’s Place (7 days)

• The Children’s Place has a very clear 7 day policy.
• Item must be originally purchased at full retail price.
• Sale and discounted items are not eligible.
• Online orders cannot receive price adjustments in brick & mortar stores. Instead, call them at 1 (877) 752-2387 to get price adjustment.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes, as long as your purchase is within 7 days prior.

Costco (30 days)

• Costco has a very nice price adjustment policy of 30 days.
• Just bring your receipt back in within 30 days and get your price adjustment.
• If for some reason your Costco does not allow a price adjustment, just return the item and re-buy it at the lower price.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Dick’s Sporting Goods (14 days)

• I called my local Dick’s Sporting Goods and spoke with a manager and was told I would have 14 days to get a price adjustment on an item that I bought which then came up for sale in their ad circular after my purchase.
• Be sure to return to the same store (with receipt in hand) that original purchase was made for best results.
• For a price adjustment on an online purchases call them at 1-877-846-9997.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes, definitely worth a shot.

Expedia (24 hours)

• Expedia offers a Best Price Guarantee.
• If you find a cheaper flight, vacation package, rental car, cruise or activity within 24 hours of booking they’ll refund the difference PLUS give you a $50 travel coupon for future travel.
• For hotel bookings, if you find a cheaper rate on your hotel reservation up to two days before your check-in, they’ll refund the difference and give you a $50 travel coupon.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: It will definitely work on all holiday travel.

Express (14 days)

• Express will happily give you a price adjustment if the price is lowered within 14 days of original purchase.
• Only valid for in-store purchases and not valid at the Express Factory Outlet.
• According to their website, “Price adjustments are not provided during storewide sales.”

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: I am to assume that Black Friday is a storewide sale so you won’t be able to get a price adjustment.

GAP (14 days)

• Just return to your local GAP within 14 days of your purchase (with your receipt) if the item you bought is lowered in price.
• To obtain a price adjustment on an online purchase call 1-800-GAPSTYLE or send an email message to [email protected] within the 14 day window.
• Stuff bought with a promotional discount or coupon aren’t eligible for price adjustment.
• No price adjustments allowed on clearance items.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Gymboree (7 days)

• Take in your original receipt within 7 days of purchase and get your price adjustment at Gymboree.
• According the Gymboree website, “Online purchases cannot receive price adjustments in retail stores.” Call them at (877) 449-6932 to get your price adjustment on an online purchase.
• They reserve the right to designate that price adjustments are not available during certain promotional events.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Be sure to ask, although I am guessing that Black Friday will be a predetermined promotional event that doesn’t qualify for price adjustments.

Hollister (14 days)

• According to the Hollister website shoppers have 14 days to get a price adjustment with original receipt in hand.
• Clearance items are not eligible for a price adjustment.
• Take in-store purchases back to the store you purchased them at.
• To get a price adjustment on an online purchase you must send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your order number, and the item(s) that are eligible for the price adjustment, and they will take care of the credit.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Home Depot (14 days)

• Home Depot will happily work with you within a 14 day time frame of your original purchase.
• Be sure to bring product and receipt back in to the store with you as you might have to return the item and re-buy it at the lower price. I have had to do this a few times in lieu of a simple price adjustment.
• For a price adjustment on an online purchase, call HD customer service at 1-800-430-3376.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

JCPenney (30 days)

• I called our local JCPenney and was told that shoppers had 30 days to get a price adjustment.
• I was also told that the manger has some discretion to decline a price adjustment request in very limited cases.
• For a price adjustment on an online purchases call them at 1-800-322-1189.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

J.Crew (7 days)

• J.Crew offers price adjustments on full-priced merchandise only within 7 days of original purchase.
• Only 1 price adjustment available per item.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes, just be sure to buy at original price in order to get a BF/CM price.

Kohl’s (14 days)

• You have up to 14 days from the date of the original purchase to get a price adjustment at Kohl’s.
• You’ll need the original, dated sales receipt to get the price adjustment.
• The item cannot be a clearance markdown.
• The item cannot be at “Kohl’s Cares” cause merchandise.
• Buy One, Get One (BOGO) items are not eligible.
• The item cannot be a current Buy One, Get One (BOGO).

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes. I found nothing on their website to the contrary.

Lowe’s (30 days)

• You have up to 30 days at Lowe’s to get a price match.
• If find a lower price from a local competitor, bring in the advertisement on printed paper or on your smartphone.
• They’ll give you price adjustments on online and in-store purchases, including Costco and Amazon (not 3rd party sellers).

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Macy’s (14 days)

• For in-store purchases at Macy’s you have 14 days to get a price adjustment if the price is lowered.
• Online purchases: I also found the link to get a price adjustment on an online purchase. Click Here.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes

Meijer (10 days)

• From the Meijer website, they “will provide the difference of any Meijer advertised price for an item that goes on sale in the weekly ad within 10 days of the purchase.”
• They have a list of exclusions: Grocery items, special event days (example mPerks or Meijer Credit Card events), limited quantities, clearance items, mail-in rebate offers, supplemental ads, Black Friday ads, and gift card promotion.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Unfortunately, no.

Nordstrom (14 days)

• Within 14 days of your purchase, Nordstrom will happily credit you if the item you purchased is lowered in price.
• Important note from their website: “Please note that we can only make one sale adjustment per item and designer goods originally purchased on sale are excluded.”
• Call them at  1-888-282-6060 to get your online price adjustment.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Old Navy (14 days)

• Just return to your local Old Navy within 14 days of your purchase (with your receipt) if the item you bought is lowered in price.
• To obtain a price adjustment on an online purchase call 1-800-GAPSTYLE or send an email message to [email protected] within the 14 day window.
• Stuff bought with a promotional discount or coupon aren’t eligible for price adjustment.
• No price adjustments allowed on clearance items.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Orbitz (24 hours)

• Orbitz also offers a Best Price Guarantee.
• If you find a cheaper flight, vacation package, rental car, cruise or activity within 24 hours of booking they’ll refund the difference.
• For vacation packages, Orbitz gives you 48 hours after booking.
• For hotel bookings, if you find a cheaper rate on your reservation up to 48 hours before your check-in, they’ll refund the difference.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: It will definitely work on all holiday travel.

Staples (14 days)

• If the price gets lowered on something you bought in the last 14 days, Staples will happily give you some money back.
• To claim your price adjustment, just see an associate at the customer service desk at your local store or call Staples at 1-800-333-3330.
• For an online price adjustment call the same number above.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Target (14 days)

• Target will give you exactly 14 days to bring in your receipt (you don’t need to bring the item back in) and get a price adjustment if the item you bought goes down in price.
• Clearance items are not eligible for a price adjustment should they happen to go even cheaper which they eventually will. See my article on cracking the price tag at Target for details.
• Also, you have 14 days from date of purchase to get a price adjustment if you find a lower price at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com or in a competitor’s local printed ad.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: No.

Victoria’s Secret (21 days)

• Victoria’s Secret will do a price adjustment on items bought at full price, and subsequently lowered in price, within 21 days of purchase.
• Always keep your receipt and go back to the store of purchase to get your money.
• To get a price adjustment on an online purchase call Vicky’s Secret at 1-800-411-5116.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Walmart – Online ONLY (7 days)

• Walmart will happily give you some money back ONLY on online purchases if the item you bought is lowered in price up to 7 days after the date of your original purchase.
• To make it happen, simply contact Walmart.com Customer Care or call them directly at 1 (800) 966-6546.
• You cannot get an adjustment when there is a difference in an online price vs. an in-store price.
• Exclusions: Clearance items, special buys, value of the day items, or items purchased up to 7 days before Thanksgiving, Black Friday or Cyber Week.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Unfortunately, no.

William-Sonoma (No longer offer price adjustments)

• Similar to Pottery Barn, William-Sonoma also offers a 30 price protection policy.
• Just return with receipt in hand and politely ask for a price adjustment credit if the item you bought goes on sale or clearance.
• Call them at (800) 840-2591 to request a price adjustment on an online purchase.

Will it Work on Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Yes.

Ask the Reader: Did I miss any stores that also offer price adjustments? Let me know in the comments section below!

By Kyle James

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

I went out and did the painstaking research (not really) to find the online retailers that are offering free shipping with NO minimum purchase required this Holiday season. Check back to this list often as I will be constantly updating it with new information.

Popular Online Retailers Offering Free Shipping:

I plan to update this list as I discover new online retailers offering free shipping on your entire order. No minimum purchase required.

This list keeps getting SMALLER and SMALLER.

So if you know of a retailer offering free shipping that is not on my list, be sure to Contact Me so I can investigate and get it added. Thanks!

Here we go, in alphabetical order…

Abe Books.com – They have an entire section dedicated to books that come with free shipping.

Amazon.com – So Amazon is a little more complicated. It breaks down like this: Free 2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members. Not a Prime member? Then you get free shipping (5-8 business days) on all orders over $25.

Beach Camera.com – From their website, “Free ground shipping is available to home addresses in the contiguous United States.”

Blinds.com – Free shipping via FedEx or UPS on all blind orders under 94″.

Blindsgalore.com – Free shipping on all blind orders under 100″ to the contiguous United States.

Blue Nile Jewelry – Free FedEx shipping on every order within the U.S. and to 43 international countries.

Bonobos.com – Free shipping and free returns on your men’s apparel order.

Crate & Barrel – Check out this section of their site that lists HUNDREDS of items that come with free shipping.

FragranceNet.com – Free standard shipping (2-8 business days) on all orders within the 48 contiguous states.

Ice Jewelry.com – Free USPS 1st class shipping on your entire online order.

Kate Spade.com – Free 3-6 business day standard shipping or orders submitted by 2pm EST.

Musician’s Friend – From their website, “Free Standard Ground Shipping is offered on all orders to the 48 contiguous U.S. states & District of Columbia, excluding purchase orders and packages considered heavy or oversized by the applicable carrier.”

Nordstrom.com – Free standard shipping (3-6 business days) on all orders including to Hawaii and Alaska. Nordstrom will also let you return items for free if you don’t like them for any reasons.

Online Shoes.com – Free UPS Ground shipping on all orders with the 48 states. Expect delivery to take between 3-5 business days.

Pottery Barn.com – While they don’t offer sitewide free shipping, they have a section of their site dedicated to ALL the products that come with free shipping.

Reebok.com – Free ground shipping (3-5 business days) on your entire online purchase at Reebok.

ShoeMall.com – Free standard shipping (7-10 business days) on all orders at Shoe Mall.com.

Smart Bargains.com – Free USPS shipping on all orders. Smart Bargains claims most items will be on your doorstep in 2-4 days.

Smashbox Cosmetics – Free standard shipping (5-7 days), free returns and free samples with every online order.

Staples.com – Free next day delivery, NO minimum.

Sunglass Hut.com – Free UPS Ground (3-7 business days) on all online orders at Sunglass hut.

Super Jeweler.com – They offer free shipping to every continent in the world. Pretty cool.

Target.com – Target offers free 2-day shipping on your $35+ online order.

The Bouqs.com – They offer flower bouquets for a flat $40 and that includes free shipping.

UGG Australia.com – Free shipping and free returns on all orders via UPS Ground.

Walmart.com – Free 2-day shipping on your $35+ online order.

World of Watches.com – Free standard shipping and free returns if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason.

Zappos.com – One of the original websites to offer free shipping, Zappos will ship your order for free and let you return it for free as well. Expect your package to arrive within 4-5 business days, they have a great return policy too.

Bonus: Retailers Offering Free Shipping on $50 or less

Accessory Geeks.com – They offer free shipping on your $25+ order.

Alibris Books – Free shipping $39+. 3-5 day ground shipping.

American Eagle Outfitters.com – Free standard shipping on your $50+ order all season long. UPS Ground.

Apple Store.com – Free standard shipping on your $50+ order, 5-7 business days.

Athleta.com – Free shipping on $50+. 7-9 business day ground shipping.

Banana Republic.com – Free shipping on $50+. 7-9 business day ground shipping.

Barnes & Noble – Free shipping on $40+. Standard delivery, 3-7 business days.

Best Buy.com – Free shipping on $35+. Standard shipping, 3-7 business days.

Cabela’s.com – Free shipping on your $50+ order.

Campmor.com – Free shipping on $49+

Dick’s Sporting Goods  – Free shipping on $65+

FreshPair.com – Free standard USPS shipping (6-9 business days) on $40+ orders.

GAP.com – Free shipping on $50+. 7-9 business day ground shipping.

Guitar Center.com – Free shipping on $25+

Lands’ End.com – Free shipping on $99+, bummer, they raised it from $50.

LL Bean.com – Orders shipped to the U.S. and Canada will automatically get free shipping on $75+.

Lowe’s.com – Free shipping on $45+. Free parcel shipping with 1-3 delivery days once shipped.

Moosejaw.com – Free shipping on $49+

Movies Unlimited.com – Free shipping on your $50+ online order.

Nine West.com – Free shipping on $60+ is valid for 5-7 business day shipping within the 48 contiguous United States.

Old Navy.com – Free shipping on $50+. 7-9 business day ground shipping.

Perfumania.com – Free shipping on $59+

Petco.com – Free shipping on $35+

REI.com – Free shipping on $50+. Standard shipping of 5-7 business days.

Sephora.com – Free shipping on $50+

Ask the Reader: Let me know what stores I’m missing that offer free shipping and I’ll get them added as soon as I can.

By Kyle James