I’m in the process of switching my Internet connection to DSL.  Currently I’m reduced to using my mobile phone as a modem.  I also gave my Dad my old wireless router since he needed one, and I usually manage to snag better deals than my Dad can. Yes, we’re still talking even after I criticized him for his selection of toilet paper.  I was hoping to pick up a new 802.11g router for less than $20. I was disappointed that cheapest router I saw at MicroCenter was $29.95. In casual conversation I mentioned to a few friends that I was looking to buy a new router to see if they had any recommendations. One these friends emailed me yesterday a link to a $5 router at CompUSA after rebates. This deal is only good for a purchase made before December 8th, 2007.  It’s one of those quick one week promotions.

I also made a purchase from Red Envelope with a $50 off promotion code. I almost didn’t use this promotion code, ETHNOL, not because I forgot about it, but because I didn’t have it until about a minute before checkout. Most online retailers such Red Envelope, Amazon, Buy, Overstock, etc. all allow you to enter a promotion code if you have one.  If you don’t have one, you don’t need to wait for next Sunday’s circular.  Just do quick Internet search for coupon codes for the retailer that interests you.  Websites like Coupon Cabin, and Coupon Chief quickly appear with lists of coupon codes to use.  Don’t take the first coupon that catches your eye.  Take some time a poke around and look for the best and most appropriate coupon.  The first coupon I found was for free shipping which would’ve saved me $8.95 - not enough to get excited about.  However after a minute of poking around I was able to find the $50 coupon for a purchase of $200 or more which fit the bill quite nicely.  As there are a number of promotions and coupons at any given time, it’s important to look around for the one that best fits the shopping situation.

I’m not a consummate shopper.  I don’t buy very much stuff in general, and tend to get alerted to deals by more astute consumers amongst my friends.  If you are buying something, it’s almost always worthwhile to do a quick online search for deals, and coupons. Five minutes can save you over $75 bucks as it did for me.