With the ever-increasing cost of living, finding ways to save money is essential. Coupons offer an excellent opportunity to reduce expenses and stretch your dirhams further, especially in the UAE, where shopping is both a necessity and a pleasure. Whether you're buying groceries, electronics, clothing, or dining out, using coupons strategically can result in significant savings. Here are some top strategies to help you make the most of coupons in the UAE.

Grasp the basics

Understanding how coupons work is the first step towards effective saving. Coupons provide discounts either as a percentage off or a specific amount. These come in various forms, including physical paper coupons, digital codes, and app-based offers. Knowing where to find and how to use these coupons is crucial for smart shopping.

Plan your shopping

Effective coupon usage starts with planning. Begin by listing the items you need and researching which stores offer the best deals. Websites like Grabdeals.ae are great for finding the latest coupons and promotions. Align your shopping trips with weekly or monthly sales, and take advantage of special shopping events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Ramadan sales, where discounts are often more generally

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Combine coupons with sales

Combining coupons with ongoing sales can lead to substantial discounts. For example, if a store has a 30% sale on clothing and you have a coupon for an additional 10% off, you can save a total of 40%. Always read the terms and condition associated with coupons to ensure your coupons can be used in conjunction with sales.

Use cashback apps

Cashback apps are an excellent addition to your couponing strategy. These apps offer a percentage of your purchase back in cash or rewards points. In the UAE, popular apps like Dubli and Cashkaro partner with various retailers, providing an extra layer of savings. Using coupons and cashback apps together can significantly lower the overall cost of your purchases.

Subscribe to newsletters

Many retailers and coupon websites offer exclusive discounts to their newsletter subscribers. By signing up, you will receive regular updates on the latest promotions, special offers, and sometimes subscriber-only coupons, ensuring you never miss out on a good deal.

Leverage social media

Retailers often promote special deals and flash sales on their social media platforms. Following your favourite stores on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can give you access to these limited-time offers. Additionally, some retailers offer social media exclusive coupons that aren’t available elsewhere. Engaging with these platforms by liking, sharing, or commenting can sometimes unlock additional discounts.

Use multiple coupon sources

Diversify your coupon sources for the best results. Don’t rely on just one website or app. Explore multiple platforms such as Grabdeals.ae, and The Entertainer. Each source may offer different deals, and by combining them, you can find the best possible savings on your purchases.

Stock up during sales

When you find a great coupon deal, consider stocking up on non-perishable items or products with a long shelf life. This is particularly useful for groceries, toiletries, and household items. Buying in bulk during a sale can help you avoid paying full price later. Just ensure you have enough storage space and that the items won’t expire before you can use them.

Track expiry dates

Coupons usually have expiry dates, so it’s important to keep track of them. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect coupon only to realize it’s expired. Create a system to organize your coupons by expiration date so you can use them before they become invalid. Digital coupons and apps often have built-in reminders, making this process easier.

Understand store policies

Each store has its coupon policies, and understanding these can help you avoid any issues at checkout. Some stores may limit the number of coupons you can use per transaction or specify whether they accept digital versus printed coupons. Familiarizing yourself with these policies ensures a smooth shopping experience.

Try price matching

Some UAE stores offer price matching, where they match a lower price found at a competitor’s store. Combining this with a coupon can lead to significant savings. For example, if you find an item cheaper at another store and have a coupon for the first store, you can use both the lower price and the discount to maximize your savings. Always bring proof of the competitor’s price, such as a flyer or a screenshot from their website.

Don’t overlook small discounts

While it might be tempting to focus only on substantial discounts, small savings add up over time. A dirham saved here and there can lead to significant savings in the long run. Don’t overlook coupons for smaller discounts, especially for items you frequently purchase.

Keep coupons accessible

Always have your coupons handy when you shop. If you use digital coupons, ensure they are loaded onto your phone. For physical coupons, keep them organized in a dedicated section of your wallet or a coupon binder. This ensures you won’t forget to use them when you’re at the checkout.

Share and exchange coupons

Join couponing communities or groups where you can share and exchange coupons with others. These communities can be found online on social media platforms or through dedicated forums. By exchanging coupons, you can get rid of those you don’t need and acquire ones that are more relevant to your shopping habits.

Learn from experience

Like any skill, effective couponing improves with practice. Keep track of your successes and learn from any mistakes. Over time, you will develop a better sense of where to find the best deals, how to combine offers, and which stores have the most favourable coupon policies.

Stay ethical

While it might be tempting to misuse coupons or take advantage of loopholes, it’s important to stay ethical. Coupon fraud not only harms retailers but can also lead to stricter coupon policies that make it harder for everyone to save. Always use coupons as intended and respect the terms and conditions set by the retailers.