When they opened their virtual doors in 1994, Amazon.com was merely an upstart online bookstore. Since then, the company’s growth has been nothing short of legendary. After launching its wildly popular Amazon Prime membership program in 2005, the company has cemented its reputation as a leader in the e-commerce marketplace.
But for a company that generated almost $178 billion in revenue in 2017, it seems strange to consider that despite their eye-popping income, much of their success hinges on helping people save money, not just spend it.
All the coupons. None of the clipping.
While Amazon Prime allows members to enjoy exclusive offers and free two-day shipping, one of the company’s lesser-known features, Amazon Coupons, combines the benefits of old-school coupon clipping with the 24/7 convenience of online shopping.
Now, before you smirk at those memories of your mom or dad dutifully leafing through the Sunday paper to save a quarter on toothpaste or 50 cents on laundry detergent, it’s important to remember that today’s coupons are a big deal. How big? According to a recent NCH study, consumers redeemed more than 2.06 billion coupons for more than $3.1 billion (that’s billion, with a “B”) in savings.
While web-based purchases used to be primarily for hard-to-find specialty items, companies like Amazon make it easier than ever to buy everyday products online as well. Sure, you can find incredible savings on big-ticket items like electronics and home furnishings, but since you only purchase these items once every few years, the savings average out over time. Smaller discounts are available on grocery and cleaning supplies, but since you use these more often, the savings can really add up. Whether it’s a huge discount on a big-ticket item or steady savings on everyday items, keeping more of your hard-earned money is a good thing. Savings big is exciting. Saving small is smart.
Saving money is big business.
With more than 44% of all U.S. e-commerce sales in 2017, Amazon has certainly positioned itself as the leader of the online retailer pack. But they’re not the only game in town. There is a staggering array of online coupons and discount codes available. A quick Google search will reveal page after page of potential saving options.
In fact, the savings are so plentiful that companies like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com created their entire business models around compiling online promo codes and coupons in one easy-to-find location. With so many deals available, it’s always a good idea to search services like Amazon Coupons or Coupons.com before you shop online or head to the store.
Save big. Save small. Save often.
The Sunday newspaper may be a thing of the past and coupons may look different than they used to, but saving money remains an essential habit for building a strong financial foundation. And with the mind-boggling multitude of deals and promotions available through services like Amazon Coupons, RetailMeNot, Coupon.com, and others, it’s never been easier to save money on big purchases, small purchases, and every purchase in between.
