Shopping has never been easier on the Internet. With a few simple clicks, you can add anything you want to your virtual shopping cart. online shopping coupon codes After making payment, have the merchandise shipped directly to your home. But before you hit the checkout button, note that you can save a fortune just be entering some discount coupons.

Well, it's not exactly a real coupon. A shopping coupon on the Internet refers to a string of texts. This string acts as your discount code. To claim the discount, all you have to do is to enter the code when checking out. The discount will be applied to your purchase if your code is valid. You can use such codes to purchase anything from small to big ticket items. For example, you can buy clothes, gifts or even treadmill machines.

Different types of coupons.

Note that there are several types of coupons that you can use. The first type, which is also the most commonly seen code, allows you to enjoy a direct discount off the retail price. For instance, if a product cost $1,000, and the coupon allows you to enjoy a 10% discount, you only end up paying $900.

The second type of coupon allows you to enjoy a discount only on subsequent purchase. The goal is to encourage you to return and make repeat purchases from the same online retailer. The discount is credited to your account, and cannot be converted into cash. To enjoy the discount, you have to buy something from the same online store.

The third type of coupon allows you to enjoy certain perks. For instance, by applying the coupon, you get to enjoy free shipping. If shipping cost you $20, that's $20 off the total checkout amount. So where do you get these great discount coupons?

Where to get coupons.

Channel 1 - Newsletters.

Online retailers tend to offer free newsletters to keep in touch with prospects and customers. Using the newsletter as a communication channel, they often release coupon codes for customers to use. So join the newsletters, and check out the latest promotions. If nothing catches your eye, just delete the promotional emails. You have nothing to lose.

Channel 2 - Blogs and forums.

Websites that are community based often share stuff. Coupons happen to be something that bloggers like to share with their readers. Very often, when a new coupon has been released, they get posted to in blogs very quickly. If you come across such blogs, bookmark them for future reference. Alternatively, you can go to a forum to ask for coupon codes. For instance, if you are looking for a web hosting coupon, you can always visit a webmaster forum to ask for free codes. Usually, members are more than happy to share a few valid codes.

Channel 3 - News sites.

When online retailers launch new promotions, they tend to announce their intentions by releasing press releases. These news articles get published and circulated in news sites. Sometimes, the coupon code may be embedded within the content. Just browse through relevant news channel to make sure you don't miss great shopping deals.