I’m proud to say I donned the Home Depot orange apron for a couple years back in the day. As an employee, I gained insider knowledge that can help you, your friends, and your family save even more. Along with my knowledge, I hit up close to a dozen current Home Depot employees and here are some expert tips on how to maximize your savings on your next visit.

1. Leverage Their Price Match Policy

According to one employee that I talked to, one of The Home Depot’s least used “secrets” is its price match policy.

If you find a lower price on an identical item from a competitor Home Depot will match the price.

They used to beat the price by 10% as well, but unfortunately that went away back in 2022.

This policy applies to both in-store and online purchases.

Here’s how to take advantage:

– Research Competitors: Before making a purchase, check prices on major competitors’ websites like Lowe’s, Walmart, and Amazon.

– Keep Proof: Take a screenshot or print out the competitor’s price. Ensure it includes the item number, price, and date.

– Speak Up: Present your proof at the customer service desk or to the cashier. They will verify the price and adjust accordingly.

See Also: Out-Of-The Box Ways to Save Money at The Home Depot

LEARN TO HAGGLE A LOWER PRICE

As a Home Depot employee, I was actually encouraged to give a lower price to shoppers that asked for one when the product or packaging had even the slightest dent, scratch, or imperfection.

Do NOT be afraid to haggle a lower price on these items, start by asking for 20% off and be ready to settle for a 10% discount.

2. Utilize Special Buy of the Day

One employee told me about the little-known Home Depot “daily deals” on select items known as the “Special Buy of the Day”.

These deals are available for 24 hours and can offer significant discounts on a variety of products, from power tools to home decor.

– Daily Check: Make it a habit to check Home Depot’s website or app daily to catch these limited-time offers.

– Email Alerts: Sign up for Home Depot’s email alerts to receive notifications about these deals straight to your inbox.

3. Join the Garden Club

BJ in the garden department told me about the Home Depot’s Garden Club, a free program that offers exclusive savings and tips for gardening enthusiasts.

By joining, you receive:

– Monthly Coupons: Members receive coupons for discounts on plants, soil, gardening tools, and more.

– Expert Advice: Access to gardening tips and project ideas to make the most out of your purchases.

– Exclusive Offers: Special promotions and deals that are only available to Garden Club members.

1-YEAR PLANT WARRANTY

Perennials, trees, roses, and shrubs at The Home Depot come with a 1-year warranty and can be returned for store credit, just be sure to KEEP your receipt.

For indoor plants, I like to put my receipt in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the bottom of the pot so I always have it if I need it.

4. Take Advantage of Rebates and Promotions

According to Tim, a Home Depot assistant manger, his favorite way to save is to take advantage of manufacturer rebates and in-store promotions.

These can provide substantial savings on big-ticket items including appliances, power tools, and building materials.

– Check for Rebates: Visit the Rebate Center on Home Depot’s website to find current rebate offers. Submit rebate forms promptly to ensure you receive your money back.

– In-Store Promotions: Look for promotional signage in-store. These can include buy-one-get-one-free offers, discounts on bulk purchases, and more.

See Also: We Breakdown The Home Depot Return Policy

5. Use the Home Depot Credit Card

Home Depot offers a consumer credit card that comes with several benefits designed to save you money:

– Special Financing: Enjoy special financing on purchases over a certain amount. This can be particularly useful for larger home improvement projects.

– Exclusive Offers: Cardholders receive access to exclusive promotions and discounts throughout the year.

– Extended Returns: Benefit from an extended return policy, giving you more time to return items if needed.

6. Buy in Bulk

I had another employee give me a great tip for frequent DIYers or contractors.

They highly recommend buying in bulk which can lead to significant savings.

Home Depot offers bulk pricing on many items, including:

– Building Materials: Lumber, drywall, and insulation often come with discounts when purchased in larger quantities.

– Hardware and Fasteners: Screws, nails, and bolts are cheaper per unit when bought in bulk packs.

– Cleaning Supplies: Stock up on cleaning products like bleach, paper towels, and disinfectants to take advantage of bulk pricing.

BUYING IN BULK “RETURN” TIP

When buying items in bulk at Home Depot, you can play the “I lost my receipt” card when making a return and return items individually for the non-bulk price. But keep in mind that you’ll have to settle for store credit.

7. Attend Free Workshops

Home Depot offers free workshops for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.

These workshops not only provide valuable skills but can also introduce you to products and tools that may be on sale.

– DIY Workshops: Learn how to tackle various home improvement projects, from installing tile to building furniture.

– Kids Workshops: Fun and educational workshops designed for children, which often include free project kits.

– Schedule: Check Home Depot’s website for a schedule of upcoming workshops and register in advance.

8. Shop the Clearance Section

Another employee reminded me of the often neglected clearance section where you can find deeply discounted items.

These can range from slightly damaged goods to discontinued items.

– Regular Visits: Clearance items change frequently, so make it a habit to check the clearance section regularly.

– Open Box Items: Look for open box items, especially in the tools and appliances sections, which can offer substantial discounts.

9. Follow Seasonal Sales

Home Depot has seasonal sales events that offer significant savings on various items.

Key times to look out for include:

– Spring Black Friday: Occurs in April and offers discounts on gardening supplies, outdoor furniture, and more.

– Memorial Day: Big savings on appliances, rebate on Behr paint, grills, and patio furniture.

– July 4th: Discounts on tools, building materials, and home improvement essentials.

– Labor Day: End-of-summer deals on outdoor and indoor products, rebate on Behr paint.

– Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Major discounts across all departments, perfect for holiday shopping.

“CHEAP PAINT” PRO TIP

Having worked in the paint department, I can tell you that we were often messing up paint matches or our mixing machines were not mixing paint colors correctly.

Because of this, we would add new gallons of paint daily to our  “Oops Shelf” for a quick sale at a highly discounted price.

Think $5-$10 for a $30-40 gallon of Behr paint. And the colors were often very neutral. So if you don’t really care about color, and care more about value, make it a habit to check out the “Oops Shelf” right next to the paint mixing desk.

10. Apply for Pro Xtra Membership

If you’re a professional contractor or a serious DIY enthusiast, consider joining Home Depot’s Pro Xtra program.

This loyalty program offers numerous benefits:

– Volume Pricing: Get discounts based on the volume of your purchases.

– Exclusive Offers: Access to special promotions and sales.

– Job-Site Delivery: Free delivery options for bulk orders.

– Purchase Tracking: Keep track of your purchases and receipts for easy reference.

See Also: How to Negotiate a Lower Price at Home Depot

11. Score a $5 Off $50+ Coupon

This one is pretty simple, score a free $5 coupon for your next in-store purchase.

I had a cashier tell me about this easy 5 bucks when I asked her how to go about finding Home Depot coupons.

The only “coupon caveat” is that it’s only good for in-store purchases.

12. Rent Tools Instead of Buying

For one-time projects, renting tools can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing them.

Home Depot’s tool rental program offers a wide range of tools and equipment for rent, including:

– Power Tools: Drills, saws, and sanders.

– Lawn Equipment: Lawn mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers.

– Heavy Equipment: Concrete mixers, trenchers, and trailers.

13. Negotiate Bulk Discounts

If you’re making a large purchase, don’t hesitate to ask for a bulk discount.

Store managers have the authority to offer additional discounts for significant purchases, especially if you’re a loyal customer or a Pro Xtra member.

14. Use Military Discounts

Home Depot honors military personnel with a 10% discount on in-store purchases.

This discount is available to:

– Active Duty: All active-duty military members.

– Veterans: All veterans with a valid military ID.

– Dependents: Immediate family members of active-duty and veteran personnel.

MILITARY DISCOUNT TIP

Unfortunately, getting the Home Depot military discount is not as easy as just showing your driver’s license at checkout.

You now have to download the Home Depot app and verify your military service within the app.

You’ll then pull up a scannable code within the app when checking out and the cashier will scan it and you’ll collect your 10% off.

This has been met with much resistance as many vets are not tech savvy or don’t have a smartphone. If you need help getting setup with their military discount please contact me directly and I’ll help you out in any way I can.

See Also: All The Hardware Stores That Price-Match Home Depot

15. Explore the Online Savings Center

I had an online chat rep recommend the Home Depot online Savings Center where you can find various discounts and promotions on a wide range of products.

This section is updated regularly and includes the following:

– Deal of the Day: Daily discounts on select items.

– Special Buys: Limited-time offers on various products.

– Overstock Savings: Discounts on overstocked items.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money when shopping at The Home Depot? Let me know if I missed any savings hacks or tricks.

By Kyle James

Temu has quickly become a favorite for savvy shoppers looking for great deals on a variety of products. Think of them as Amazon products directly from China, no middleman needed, sorry Mr. Bezos. Whether you’re looking for electronics, fashion, home goods, or anything in between, Temu offers numerous ways to save money. Here are some insider tips on how to maximize your savings EVEN MORE on your next shopping spree.

1. Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Temu frequently hosts flash sales, which offer significant discounts on select items for a limited time.

These sales are a fantastic way to snag high-demand products at lower prices.

– Set Alerts: Enable notifications on the Temu app or website to be alerted when flash sales begin.

– Stay Updated: Follow Temu on social media platforms for real-time updates on flash sales and special promotions.

– Be Quick: Flash sales are time-sensitive, so act fast to ensure you get the best deals before they run out.

See Also: Temu Return Policy: It’s WAY Different…But We Figure It Out

PRO TIP ON BULKY ITEMS

Be aware that buying larger, bulky items, at Temu is often NOT going to land you the best deal. This is because of the shipping costs that Temu is going to indirectly pass along to the shopper since everything is coming directly from China. So when buying things like large electronics, furniture, comforter sets, and some sporting goods, be sure to price compare U.S. retailers as their pricing could very well beat Temu’s.

2. Utilize Discount Codes and Coupons

One of the simplest ways to save money on Temu is by using discount codes and coupons.

These codes can provide percentage discounts, free shipping, or other savings.

– Sign Up for Emails: Subscribe to Temu’s newsletter to receive exclusive discount codes and promotional offers directly in your inbox.

– Check Coupon Websites: Websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com often have the latest Temu discount codes.

– Follow Influencers: Many social media influencers share exclusive discount codes for Temu products, so follow those relevant to your interests.

BEWARE OF TEMU PHOTOS

The product photos on Temu can be VERY deceiving, especially with their clothing. A photo may look like a specific fabric but turn out to be completely different when you receive it. TIP: Always read the reviews and look at the photos in the reviews as they are much more accurate.

3. Join the Temu Rewards Program

Temu offers a rewards program that allows you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.

When you create a Temu account you’re automatically enrolled in their rewards program.

– Earn Points: Accumulate points for every dollar spent, writing product reviews, and referring friends to Temu.

– Redeem Points: Use your points at checkout to reduce the total cost of your order.

– Exclusive Offers: Enjoy access to members-only promotions and early access to sales events.

See Also: Temu vs. Amazon Haul – Which Provides the Most Savings

4. Shop During Major Sales Events

Temu participates in major sales events throughout the year, offering substantial discounts across all categories.

– Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These sales events offer some of the biggest discounts of the year.

– Seasonal Sales: Look out for end-of-season sales where items are heavily discounted to make room for new inventory.

– Holiday Promotions: Temu often has special promotions around holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Independence Day.

PRO TIP ON SIZES

Be aware that according to a couple friends that shop regularly on Temu for women’s clothing that Temu sizes run very small. They told me that a good rule of thumb on women’s clothing is to consider Temu clothing to be two sizes smaller than U.S. sizes. So if you’re typically a size 4 you’ll want to order a size 6 on Temu. They also said the quality is comparable to Old Navy on most items.

5. Use Price Comparison Tools

To ensure you’re getting the best deal, use price comparison tools and apps to compare prices of the same product across different retailers.

– Compare Prices: Websites like PriceGrabber and Shopzilla allow you to compare prices on Temu with other online stores.

– Browser Extensions: Install browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten, which automatically apply the best coupons and compare prices for you.

6. Follow Temu on Social Media

Following Temu on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

They provide you with exclusive deals, flash sales announcements, and giveaways.

– Exclusive Deals: Social media followers often get access to exclusive discounts and promotions.

– Real-Time Updates: Stay updated with the latest sales events, new product launches, and special offers.

– Giveaways: Participate in social media contests and giveaways for a chance to win free products or gift cards.

7. Check the Clearance Section

Temu has a clearance section where you can find products at significantly reduced prices.

These items are usually overstocked or end-of-season merchandise.

– Regular Check-Ins: Clearance items change frequently, so check the clearance section regularly.

– Filter Options: Use filters to sort clearance items by category, price, and discount percentage to find the best deals.

PRO TIP ON SHOES

My resident Temu shopping experts also told me that sizing is ALL OVER THE PLACE when ordering shoes. They recommend looking at the size charts (especially the foot length section) before you buy shoes and to know your European size as they often do NOT list the U.S. shoe size.

8. Leverage Free Shipping Offers

Shipping costs can add up, but Temu frequently offers free shipping promotions.

– Minimum Purchase Amount: Sometimes, free shipping is available for orders over a certain amount. Plan your purchases to meet this threshold.

– Promo Codes: Look for promo codes that offer free shipping on your order.

– Subscription Services: Consider subscribing to Temu’s membership services, which often include free shipping as a benefit.

9. Use Cashback Websites

Cashback websites give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash when you shop through their links.

– Sign Up for Cashback Sites: Join sites like Rakuten (flat 2% cashback), Swagbucks (up to 30% cashback), or TopCashback (up to 35% cashback) to earn money back on your Temu purchases.

– Browser Extensions: Install the cashback site’s browser extension to ensure you never miss an opportunity to earn cashback.

10. Take Advantage of Bundle Deals

Temu often offers bundle deals where you can save money by purchasing multiple items together.

– Buy in Sets: Look for product bundles or sets that offer a lower price per item compared to buying them individually.

– Discounted Combos: Some product combinations come with discounts, such as buying a phone with a case or screen protector.

SCORE FREE STUFF FROM TEMU

When trying to return something to Temu that you paid less than $8 for, you stand a good chance of them telling you TO KEEP IT.  Surprisingly (or not) they’ll do this when the cost of return shipping to China outweighs the cost of the product. Amazon has become notorious for doing this as well recently.

11. Refer Friends and Earn Rewards

Temu’s referral program allows you to earn rewards by referring friends and family to the platform.

– Share Your Link: Send your referral link to friends and family. When they make a purchase, you earn rewards points.

– Earn Discounts: Use the rewards points you earn to get discounts on your future purchases.

12. Use the Temu App

The Temu app often features app-exclusive deals and offers that aren’t available on the website.

– App-Only Discounts: Install the app to access special discounts and promotions only available to app users.

– Push Notifications: Enable push notifications to receive instant alerts about sales and exclusive offers.

13. Monitor Product Reviews and Ratings

Reading product reviews and checking ratings can help you make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

– Customer Feedback: Look at what other customers have said about the product to gauge its quality and performance.

– Top-Rated Products: Consider purchasing top-rated items to ensure you’re getting a product with proven satisfaction.

SPIN THE COUPON WHEEL IS A SCAM

When shopping on the Temu app, you’ll often be greeted by a Spin The Wheel game that promises you amazing coupon savings up to $200. If you win, this does NOT mean you’ll get a $200 coupon good for a future purchase. It instead means you’ll gain access to $200 worth of various coupons, many of which are only good for products you have ZERO interest in buying.

14. Wait for Restocks

If a popular item is out of stock, waiting for a restock can sometimes lead to additional discounts.

– Stock Alerts: Sign up for restock alerts on the Temu app or website to be notified when the item is available again.

– Discounts on Restock: Sometimes, restocked items come with additional promotions to encourage purchases.

15. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Temu offers discounts for students, making it easier for those on a tight budget to save money.

– Verify Student Status: Use student discount websites like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to verify your student status and receive exclusive discounts.

– Student Deals: Keep an eye out for student-specific promotions and offers.

Ask the Reader: How do you save even more money when shopping at Temu? Let me know in the comments, thanks.

By Kyle James

Panera Bread, known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and high-quality food, has become a favorite for many. However, dining there frequently can add up, especially for budget-conscious customers. Fear not—there are numerous strategies to enjoy Panera’s delicious offerings without breaking the bank. Here’s your ultimate guide to maximizing savings at Panera Bread.

1. Join MyPanera Rewards

The first step to saving at Panera Bread is to join the MyPanera rewards program. It’s free to sign up, and you’ll start earning rewards immediately. Here are the main benefits:

– Welcome Reward: New members often receive a free pastry or other treat just for signing up.

– Birthday Reward: Enjoy a free bakery item on your birthday.

– Surprise Rewards: Panera frequently offers surprise rewards based on your purchasing habits. These can range from free beverages to discounts on menu items.

– Earn Points: Each purchase accumulates points, leading to various rewards.

Make sure to provide your MyPanera card or registered phone number at every visit to ensure you’re earning points and accessing your rewards.

See Also: Panera Secret Menu: Find Your New Favorite Breakfast or Lunch

GET MORE FOOD AT PANERA

When using the Panera ordering kiosk, you can do a bunch of modifications to get more food for less. For example, try modifying a regular Grilled Cheese to be a Steak and Cheese sandwich and save a couple bucks. Also, try “adding extra” of items like cheese or produce as often times you won’t get charged for it.

2. Utilize the Panera App

Downloading the Panera Bread app can further enhance your savings.

The app offers several perks:

– Exclusive Deals: App users often receive exclusive deals and promotions not available elsewhere.

– Order Ahead: Skip the line by ordering ahead, ensuring you get exactly what you want without the temptation of impulse purchases.

– Delivery and Rapid Pick-Up: Save time and potential travel costs by using Panera’s delivery service or Rapid Pick-Up option.

3. Take Advantage of Promotions and Coupons

Panera Bread frequently runs promotions and offers coupons.

Here’s how to stay informed and use them effectively:

– Email Newsletter: Sign up for Panera’s email newsletter to receive updates on promotions, coupons, and special events.

– Social Media: Follow Panera Bread on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They often post limited-time deals and flash sales.

– Coupon Websites: Check coupon websites such as RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Groupon for additional savings opportunities.

4. Maximize Meal Deals

Panera offers several meal deals that can provide excellent value:

– You Pick Two: This deal allows you to combine two smaller portions of soups, salads, or sandwiches for a lower price than purchasing each item separately.

– Family Feast: Perfect for feeding a group, the Family Feast includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and bakery items at a reduced price.

– Seasonal Offers: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions that offer discounts on specific items or combinations.

5. Leverage Subscription Services

Panera Bread has introduced subscription services that can lead to significant savings:

– Unlimited Sip Club: For a monthly fee of $14.99 (first 3 months are FREE), members of the Unlimited Sip Club can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This is especially cost-effective for frequent visitors.

– Meal Kits and Grocery: Panera’s meal kits and grocery options can be a budget-friendly way to enjoy Panera-quality food at home. Look for deals on these items, especially during holiday seasons.

See Also: Chipotle Menu Hacks That’ll Get You a BIGGER Burrito

PRO TIP

Combine the Sip Club with a discounted gift card (they often sell them for 20% off at Costco or at Panera) and then let the magic happen. From this Reddit thread, “I’m in the SIP club and rarely order food. I buy the gift cards when they are 20% off and typically only will purchase the Tuesday bagel deal or the breads. I always use the kiosk so I’ll get a pop up $2 off entree before check out. Since I go 8-10x a week I stack rewards and will use it all at once.” Free food folks.

6. Share and Save

Dining with friends or family? Share your meal to save money:

– Split Large Portions: Panera’s portions are often generous. Consider sharing a large salad or sandwich to cut costs.

– Bakery Items: Buy a dozen bagels or a box of pastries to share. You’ll often receive a discount for buying in bulk.

7. Utilize Discount Gift Cards

Discount gift cards can be a great way to save money at Panera Bread:

– Buy Discounted Gift Cards: Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny sell Panera gift cards at a discount.

– Earn Gift Cards Through Rewards Programs: Use credit card rewards, survey sites, or other rewards programs to earn Panera gift cards.

8. Tap into Senior and Student Discounts

Panera Bread offers discounts for seniors and students at many locations:

– Senior Discounts: Some Panera locations offer senior discounts, typically around 10%. Ask your local Panera if they participate.

– Student Discounts: Show your student ID to receive discounts on your order. This is not universal, so check with your local Panera.

See Also: In-N-Out Burger Menu Hacks That’ll Make You Feel Smart

THE “CANCEL” TIP

If you’re paying full price for the Unlimited Sip Club, try canceling your membership. Often times this will trigger a “Please Come Back” offer via email for you to come back at a greatly reduced monthly rate for 3-months.

9. Go for Water

Opting for water instead of a soft drink can save you a few dollars per visit.

Panera offers free water, and you can always bring a reusable water bottle if you prefer.

10. Be Mindful of Timing

Timing your visits can lead to savings:

– Avoid Peak Hours: Visiting during off-peak hours might offer better service and sometimes even lower prices.

– Happy Hour: Some locations have happy hour specials, typically in the late afternoon or early evening.

11. Customize Orders

Customizing your order can sometimes result in a better value:

– Add or Remove Ingredients: Modify your sandwich or salad to include more affordable ingredients while still enjoying a satisfying meal.

– Extra Bread: Ask for extra bread with your soup or salad at no additional cost.

MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

The Panera Value Duets are the best value on their menu, hands down. For about 9 bucks, you get a nice sized sandwich and a bowl of soup. They have a bunch of sandwich and soup options to pick from. Heck, I paid $12.59 recently at McDonald’s for a Big Mac, fries, and a drink and it was absolute garbage…Panera is such a healthier option and the Value Duets are at a nice price point.

12. Panera at Home

Panera offers a range of grocery items that you can purchase to enjoy at home:

– Grocery Store Products: Look for Panera soups, salad dressings, and coffee at your local grocery store. These are often cheaper than buying individual servings at the restaurant.

– Coupons for Grocery Items: Check for coupons on Panera’s website or through your grocery store’s app.

See Also: Whataburger Secret Menu: Find Your Next Favorite Burger

13. Birthday and Special Occasion Freebies

Celebrate your birthday or other special occasions with freebies from Panera:

– Birthday Reward: Enjoy a free bakery item during your birthday month through the MyPanera program.

– Special Occasion Rewards: Occasionally, Panera offers special rewards for anniversaries or holidays. Keep an eye on your email and app notifications.

14. Take Advantage of Panera’s Generosity

Panera Bread has a generous policy towards its customers and community:

– Day-End Dough-Nation: Panera donates unsold bakery items to local charities at the end of the day. You can support this program or sometimes purchase day-old items at a discount.

– Free Samples: Occasionally, Panera offers free samples of new items. Don’t hesitate to try them.

15. Employee Discounts

If you or a family member works at Panera Bread, you can enjoy significant discounts:

– Employee Meals: Panera employees receive discounts on meals, which can be substantial.

– Family and Friends: Some locations offer discounts to family and friends of employees.

See Also: Looking for Work? Check Out These Great Employee Discounts

16. Be Smart with Panera’s Catering

If you’re hosting an event, Panera’s catering can be a convenient and cost-effective option:

– Group Orders: Ordering for a group can sometimes qualify you for discounts or free delivery.

– Catering Rewards: Sign up for Panera’s catering rewards program to earn points and receive discounts on future orders.

17. Keep an Eye on Seasonal and Limited-Time Offers

Panera often introduces seasonal items and limited-time offers that can be a great deal:

– Seasonal Menus: Try items from the seasonal menu, which might be priced more competitively.

– Limited-Time Promotions: Take advantage of limited-time promotions that offer discounts or special combinations.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money when dining at Panera? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James