5 Years in the Making.. A FREE Trip to DISNEY!

OUR Family is Going to Disney Next Year

For "FREE"

True Story.

This is like the ultimate couponer's dream, right? Well, it took 5 years of saving Disney Rewards Points/Dollars, but we FINALLY got enough saved up to be able to go during the "off season" and stay at  a "Value Resort" for 7 nights for FREE! All 5 Members of my family! That includes a FREE Quick Service Dining Plan and the basic theme park tickets.  Whew!

Of Course! I had to upgrade the trip to get the FULL dining plan, because we want to eat with some characters! And, after some other upgrades I threw in, the out of pocket on the vacation plan we are getting will be right at about $500. For 5 people! That is just amazing. It took years and years and lots of patience. No, there were no insider tips or tricks. No saving "found money" in a separate account.. just straight forward saving our Disney Rewards Points until we could cash them in for this trip.

The lesson there is PATIENCE. You can get what you want through hard work and patience.

But mostly, I am a planner. I have been throwing things in a "Disney Trip Bin" for a couple years now so that when we were ready to go, we would be READY TO GO!  And on the cheap!  

Things I have been watching for sales on and couponing for and will be taking with us:

Disney Fruit Snacks:  Bought the boxes of 10ct packs using rare coupons for about 75c a box... grabbed Phineas and Ferb, Princesses, Cars, Tinker Bell, you name it! Hello cheap in park and road trip snacks!

Disney Cars Juicy Juice Juice boxes: Can we say Back to School Clearance time??! Yeah!

Glow Sticks for the evening shows: Bought at Michael's crafts stores using 40% off one item coupons, making them 60c for about 15!

Every time I see a clearance for Crayola Color Wonder, Those get snatched by me and thrown in for the car ride... I have gotten quite a few of these sets for FREE after coupon and sales... and a few for $2.50! (Reg up to $8 ea)... Also, found a Melissa and Doug Travel wooden Hang Man set for $3 instead of $20! My Friends Tigger and Pooh compact Magnetic travel book/games that will be great for while we are sitting waiting for a parade to begin, Highlights activities kits on clearance for 75% off, etc etc etc.

Walmart has Disney Color/sticker activity sets near the check out for $1 ea. Grabbed a few of those.

Went to VistaPrint and Ordered T-Shirts for FREE (shipping only, about $4 a shirt).. and used a 40% off coupon to buy fabric markers so that the kids can get SHIRTS signed instead of autograph books. These will last longer and the kids can wear the signatures from their fave characters!

Stocked up on $3 shirts from the Disney Store to take with us to wear...

Ditto on $1 Disney Sunglasses, $1 Disney Flip Flops, $4 Disney Crocs, etc.

Found $9 (reg $40) Disney Store Princess Dresses, $3 Crowns, and $3 light up wands.. each girl will get to wear a full princess costume and be fancy for our fancy (and free ) dinner at California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort...

Bought a "Lot" of Trading Pins on Ebay on the super cheap. (about $1 a pin!)  They come as an undescribed mixed lot. Bought 99c Disney Lanyards from Party City for the kids to keep the pins on.. they can trade for the ones they really want once they get to the parks...

AND, I wont forget to stop by the FREE Character Meet n Greet at Epcot's Imagination's West Pavilion. Show a Disney Visa there, and you get a private session with 3 characters and the Disney World photogs. Then, you get to pick out your favorite picture to keep for FREE!

Also, I made sure to include on all my dining reservations that it was the FIRST TRIP to WDW for my kids... they tend to make a big deal when they know these things! We might get free confetti decorations on our table, or free cupcakes, or...?? You never know!

What I do know is that as I go along and find things super cheap for the trip, it goes into the bin.  IF you are planning a trip next week, next year, or a couple years from now, I suggest starting a bin of your own. It helps focus what you have, what you need, keeps it all in one place so you can pack more easily when it is time... It is a lifesaver to me! And prepacking things like snacks and "souvenir" type stuff now will save soo much time and money later. Who wants to wait in line for a bottle of water when you could be on Space Mountain???

Special shout out to the folks at Chip and Company for all their great dining suggestions for me! They will take the time to give personalized advice. They are super great and have awesome Disney Giveaways all the time. Go like them on Facebook and tell them I sent you! :)  

An Entire Holiday for 3 Kids, Including Party, For Less Than $40?

I Love the Holidays. 

Some Say I Go WAY Too Detailed With Them

I Say Couponers Can Rock a Good Holiday!

If you are new to the world of couponing and pro-actively deal seeking, it is too late for this Easter for you to pay pennies on the dollar for everything you need.  I think this post is good timing, however, to get you in the right frame of mind to get ready for next year.  Yep, next week you will be shopping for all your family's Easter needs for 2012!

Last year, I got really annoyed with the community egg hunts. You wait outside in the heat for an hour with the rest of the crowd.  There are always THOSE kids that show up and run and scoop all the eggs for the little kids.  Last year, at one egg hunt, my kids and I (my kids are all preschoolers) walked over the field after the egg hunt to put egg halves together and scoop up forgotten candy.  No, we hadn't arrived late. In fact, we were first in line for the hunt. The other kids just knocked my kids over and got all the eggs.

It was pitiful and really maddening.  So, we decided to surprise our kids with a hunt the next weekend. My husband slipped out and hid eggs on a local elementary school's Kindergarten playground.  It was perfect.. and relaxing.  

I had a plan for this year: I would throw a mini egg hunt party with a couple of other preschoolers my kids love to play with.  Then, we would have a little celebration back at my house! The plan was hatched and I had a year to get ready.

I started with the Post-Easter Clearance.  (did you realize you CAN use unexpired coupons on clearance like this??!  Seriously.  It really makes it super awesome when you can find a coupon for clearance stuff!!)

I ended up getting:

Spring Cake Mix: 50c

5 Felt Easter Baskets:  35c ea (They WERE $5 ea at Old Navy prior to clearance!)

Spring Sprinkle sets: 75c ea for 2 (were about $5!)

Candy to Stuff the Eggs: $1.88 for the HUGE HUGE 65ct bag (Skittles and Starbursts. FROM Halloween Clearance!!)

Bunny Cupcake Stand:  $1.25

Party Easter M&Ms: $1.15 ea bag, 2 bags bought at CVS Last week on sale and with $2 off 2 Easter candies coupon

Pretty Flower Paper Plates: 35c  (Easter Clearance last year!)

Bunny Marshmallows: $1

Sparkling Pear Cider:  88c (Harry and David. They closed locally and the store went 75% off plus I had a coupon!)

Cupcake Liners and Picks: 50c

Kit Kats: $2 worth

Sweet Tart Jelly Beans:  Got PAID 51c to own ($2.50 off Q, they were on sale last week for $1.99 at Rite Aid

I also used Eggs we already had, and icing, etc left from a previous bday party.

Foam Craft for all the kids $1

Stickers for Craft $1

Total Spent  $15.40 for a really great Easter Party for 5 kids!  

Also, this weekend we celebrated the Bunny coming.  We have a crazy schedule this week and had to move it up a week.  My kids got one HUGE basket to share.. Each kid got an item or two that is specifically for them, and then they got a bunch of "community property" items that they divided up between them quite fairly!!

The total spent on stuff for this basket was about $18. 

In this huge basket the kids received:

Little People figurines, a Tag (Leap Frog) Bunny book, a Little Critter Easter book, a Mickey Mouse Cartoons DVD, 4 Mr. Men Plush Toys, 3 Mr. Men figurines, Mr. Men Stickers,  2 bendy bunnies, 3 chocolate bunnies, assorted candies, a couple packs of jelly beans, and more! *all items in the basket were BRAND NEW from the store. I didn't pull a fast one here. (Not saying that second hand is not as good... just explaining where I got mine!  Hint: The DVD was FREE through Disney Movie Rewards program...)

Full price would have run me $64+ for all the items in the basket.   I like the $18 I spent over the year much better.

Total Price for Easter Gifts and Party for my family of five and a few friends:  $33.40 plus tax.  

I can live with that! 

It is really funny, because people are always amazed at what I can put together on the cheap for my kids at the holidays.  Those same people raise their eyebrows at me when I leave Target with a buggy full of clearance Halloween candy!  That candy is AWESOME. Usually, there is plentiful candy left at Halloween clearance time... and it usually expires in 1-2 yrs from when you buy it.  I use it for everything from Garage Sale Freebies to hand out when I sell my resale and drugstore overstock items, to stocking and Easter Basket fillers.  It is great.

My handy tip for planning a holiday a year in advance? Start a small box. Clearly label it EASTER or whatever.  AS SOON AS YOU GET BACK FROM THE STORE, everything you bought for that holiday goes STRAIGHT INTO THE BOX! This is a must so you don't clutter stuff and so you can easily find it when the holiday rolls around.  If you cant find it and miss the chance to use it and even have to buy more to replace it when the items are full price, it was a waste of time, effort, and money no matter how cheaply you got it.  

**The same principle goes for my Ebaying.. I buy my stock a year ahead during post-event clearance.. like backpacks at the back to school clearance.... and clearly label the boxes I store them in until the next year when I can get more money for the items.

Happy Easter, or Whatever you celebrate!  And Remember, next year's holiday planning and shopping starts a week from today!

A Very Interesting Opposing POV From a Fellow Blogger

Why Do I Sell My Overstock In Yard Sales And On Ebay 

Instead of Donating Them?

An Interesting Discussion on the Different Couponer's Philosophies.

From time to time, you will run across different ideas and perspectives on various couponing issues.  Is it ok to take a peelie off an instore item if you are not going to buy that item on that trip, but know for a fact you WILL buy it at that store on a future trip?  What about ordering bulk coupons online to get more of the deal items?  And, is it ok to hook up multiple printers at home so you can print more than your allotted coupons off of sites?   These are all interesting dilemmas.

Now, a new friend and fellow blogger has posted an interesting discussion about whether or not couponers should sell their overstock.  We have very different perspectives on this issue.  What do you all think?

Follow the discussion HERE if you like or want to weigh in.  You can also weigh in on this post. 

Here is the preliminary:

"We thought we heard everything when we heard about “extreme” couponing; then we heard and read about selling your stockpile at garage sales?

First thing that comes to mind is why do you possess a stockpile (even further out is people insure their stockpile)?

Second question is why would you sell a stockpile…you stocked it because you needed it right?

Final question is why would you want to be a retailer selling to your friends, neighbors, others in need? Why not share your knowledge, your experience, your coupons, your stockpile?

The idea of selling a stockpile of things you apparently needed (remember you bought it) is kinda weird. If you didn’t need it why buy it?

This extremism-is-ism is going a bit overboard when the local garage sale becomes your local retail outlet for toothpaste (because every hoarder has a stockpile of toothpaste for generations at this point).

Modern Families approach? Donate, donate, donate, help a neighbor, help a friend who lost their job, help a family who is struggling. Last thing we want to do is sell something we did not need to our Modern Family"

*Post copy/pasted from reference link above. 

My Response:  

I think you heard this from me at Walgreens? I am not ashamed to say I sell my overstock on Ebay and in yard sales. So, if you don’t mind? An opposing POV….

I have a single income family with three small children. To put them all in daycare/preschool is about $18,000 annually, plus expenses. I would put them in preschool and go back to work just to fund that, essentially. Therefore, I have to figure out something else to do so that we live a little bit more comfortably, stay off any sort of assistance, stay debt free (yep, debt free), and have a little cushion.

What do I do? I coupon and deal seek. I try to get my friends and family to do the same. The reality is that most people will not put the time and effort into it.

I have ONE closet that I put my stock into. When that closet gets full, I give away and sell the extra. If I am at the store, and I know my closet is full of Pantene, but I am working deals and find one that makes more Pantene FREE or a moneymaker, I am going to grab it while I am there. I know I can hold a yard sale and make $1 by taking three more seconds in my trip to grab the Pantene off the shelf while I am there. I never work extreme deals or clean a store out of items.

I don’t poach my friends to get them to buy my extra Gillette Razors. I do gift my 82yr old neighbor with a bunch of odd necessities every month.. dish soap, lotion, toothpaste, etc. She LOVES this.

But I will totally hold a yard sale to sell items I buy for resale purposes (another side business I have), and I will throw my drugstore extras in there too. My neighbors and strangers from the community love when I do this. They show up and get a $10 razor for $2. Pantene for $1. They ask why and how I have this stuff (usually about 10-15 items like this per sale) and I tell them about couponing. I am honest. I use it as a learning experience for them. Most of the time, they tell me they are glad I take the time to do it to bring the savings to them bc they will not take the time and effort to do it for themselves.

So, why not donate the items instead? Bc we are a single income family and this is how I provide my kids with fun trips to the Zoo in New Orleans, or the museum in Mobile, etc.

I am not in a place where I can afford to donate much. I do donate a few times a year, don’t get me wrong. bUT, while we are debt free, we do not indulge in extras such as cable (even though we would all love it!) because we are trying to build a small cushion for the what ifs… car problems, plumbing problems, illness, whatever. And if my option is to give away my extras I spent hours to work the deals on, OR to take my kids for cupcakes.. or the very rare once a year movie theater trip… well.. I am going to do give my kids the experiences.

I don’t order extra coupons to do extreme couponing. I am not saying I wont ever order coupons to get some great deals. But currently, I do not.

I understand why you might be confused about a difference in philosophy of why buy in the first place.

BUT, if I can buy $10 eye drops we dont need and get PAID $2.88 in rebate overage to own them.. and then I can put them in a yard sale or on ebay to make another $1 on it and then take my kid out for one on one time and a FREE Happy Meal, why wouldn’t I do that?

It really is no different than taking the time to make Deluxe Hair Bows and sell them at a festival or fair or whatever. Instead of that, I take the extra moments while I am already in the store, coupons in hand, to grab an extra item or two that I can put into my yard sale that funds the next family outing.

I just offer a different perspective."

So, what do you guys think? It is a very interesting discussion. 

Thanks, Modern Family blog at that70schick.com!  It is a very interesting debate.  There are many subtle implications and such within.

Guys, if you haven't already, go check them out! They follow some stores and deals that I don't and have another idea about how to organize your coupons and POAs.  Give it a looksie and see for yourself what you think.  

And, weigh in on this discussion! I want to know what you, the readers, think! 

*as for me, I will still sell my extra/unneeded freebies at yard sales and on Ebay. Aside from experiences for my kids, this also allows me to pay for other items that don't necessarily have coupons. Like milk. 

Ebay for Profit: Find Your Niche, Sell What You Know

Dabbled In Selling Your Old Stuff From Around the House On EBAY?

Want to Try to Ebay for Extra Cash and Profit?

Here are Some Tips That Work for Me.

**This comes with a standard disclaimer... weigh all the pros and cons before you try to Ebay, much less Ebay for profit. Go read all their rules, conditions, and terms, etc.  Also, know that you may have different results than me. Heck, some months I have different and mixed results myself.  So, proceed with realistic expectations and take my tips, etc as opinions. :)

Ebaying for profit or extra spending money can be exciting.  I love it when something I found for a super low price inspires a bid war between buyers!  Also, the extra cash it can bring in is quite welcome.  Some months the extra money is enough to pay our water bill. Some months the extra money is enough to fund our entire Christmas.. and some months I make enough to take the whole family on a weekend getaway to a popular city with a zoo and all kinds of fun.  And, some months, whether it is just how it goes, or because I am too busy to fool with listings, my earnings amount to enough to purchase a Route 44 soft drink at Sonic.. during half off happy hour...

There is a definite learning curve involved when you decide to try to eBay (or Etsy or whatever) for profit. I have gotten pretty good at being able to critically evaluate potential inventory for my Ebay venture. I know about how much in fees Ebay and PayPal will take. I know about how much time it will take to photograph and list my item. I can determine what will bring me the most bang for the least buck.  And, I generally stay in my own personal niche base. 

Here are some of my tips: 

1. Get comfortable with Ebay before you decide to dabble in it for profit.  Know all the fees and such going into it.
2. Sell what you know. Find your niche. Mine is children's toys and clothes and drugstore overstock type items. When I get a bunch of Airwick Imotion refills for free or Gilette ProFusion razors, I put them on Ebay. I am very familiar with what clothing and toys go for and which toys are "It" toys and how hard they are or are not to find. This is why I focus on these categories. My husband Ebays electronics sometimes.. that's  what he knows.
3. Sell what you can find at ridiculously cheap prices.  If you live near an outlet, become a regular there and see what you can find.  Last year I found Gap sweaters ($90 worth) for $5 total. Gap Backpacks for 87c on a trip to an outlet.  Also, I regularly check Amazon.com and Crocs.com. When they have an online sale, they have an online SALE! Crocs for $6 a pair? Sign me up for 10! I will keep half for us and sell half on Ebay.. for enough profit to make the Crocs we keep end up "free".  Amazon had the popular Elmo Shape and Spin Play Doh set for $4! Shipped! At Target and Walmart, they were $15 at the time.. sometimes even more than that. I sold mine on Ebay for $11.  
4. Search the item you are about to list on Ebay before you list it.  Scroll through the results.  See what the going "buy now" price is and see which items have bids. On the ones with bids, what are the bids going for? Look at the competitors' listings.. how are the ones that are getting bids listed? Do NOT copy their listings. Do NOT save yourself a step and use their pictures. But do get a feel for how it is worded and see how much the going shipping rate is too. 
5. If you get good enough at the Ebay selling, consider getting a $20 digital ounce scale. I have a DigiWeigh that works pretty well. This way, you can weigh your items before you list them to know how much shipping you should charge. Also, when you go to ship the items you sell, this scale will save you time and money and a trip to the post office. Postage is cheaper when you go through "Printing Your Labels" through Ebay. Also, the tracking numbers are way cheaper and sometimes free.
6. Always charge for tracking numbers.. well, do most of the time. And especially at Christmas. I learned that the hard way. One lady ordered something from me 3 days before Christmas. She didn't want to pay for faster shipping or tracking, just economy. And then chewed me up one side and down the other about "where is my package? it's Christmas day!"  This Christmas, paying for tracking will not be optional...
7. Use abbreviations in your listing title: NWT (new with tags), EUC (excellent used condition), GUC (good used condition), etc. If you have room, it is useful to include the size info in the title, and/or the original value.  If you are charging $5 for a $90 sweater set, put $90 orig.
8. List as honestly and as detailed as possible in the description area. Use good grammar. Use phrases like "From a 100% smoke/pet/child free home" if they apply.  Thank the buyer for looking at your listing. Include phrases like "Will answer any question.. will ship within one business day of payment confirmation... Loves to Combine Shipping, so check out my other items for sale if you like..." etc.
9. KEEP TRACK OF EVERY EXPENSE AND INCOME YOU HAVE RELATED TO THIS VENTURE!  What did your inventory cost you? How much money did you spend on tape or packaging supplies? How much did you make on the sale of the items? How much in fees did Ebay and PayPal take out?  I made a simple spreadsheet on Google Docs to keep up with all mine. I am hoping that I have to print it out this year and take it to the tax man. I hope to make enough for it to matter...
10. Pay attention to trends. Last year, I paid close attention to what the Disney Costumes went for at Halloween time. Then, I have been  looking for deals and clearance Disney costume items. I am ready for Halloween this year. 
11. Consider storing items for up to a year to maximize your profit potential.  After holiday clearance throughout the year is a great time to get inventory. When things go 75-90% off, that is when you want to buy. I have clearly labeled boxes of Princess costume items, Valentine Mickey Mouse items, Adorable Felt Easter baskets, etc just waiting their turn on Ebay. Also, I have boxes of back to school items. $30 Gap Backpacks for less than $1 ea with tags still attached? Couldn't pass that up.  Worst case scenario, I have items to donate to a school with students in need. Best case scenario, I make enough to pay me back, give me a small profit, and let me fund my kid's entire classroom with Crayola art supplies I will coupon for in September... On backpack sold will pay me back, give me profit, and provide 30 boxes of crayons if I can sell it for $10.  The next backpack might fund Clorox wipes, etc etc.  So, consider storing clearance items if you have the room and will not turn yourself into a hoarder. These stored items will give you the most bang for your teensy dollar.
12. STAY ORGANIZED or don't do it. It isn't worth the frustration if it gives you more stress instead of more money in your pocket.
13. A couple times a year consider making a Craigslist ad or something and having a yard sale for your inventory.  Or, heck, consider Craigslist anyway!

You can Ebay. You just have to "get" the groove of it. Also, you have to find your niche. Do you frequent recycle bins on Monday to get the discarded Sunday Paper coupons? (some folks do that.. for reals).. You can "sell your time to clip" those coupons!   Are you a video game player? Maybe that will be your niche. Do you have a rare outlet store nearby? Do you have children and are up to date on what's "in"? Did you stack coupons last month and get lots of free items or moneymakers at the drugstore that you don't need? Make a lot set and put it on Ebay. Whatever it is, dip your toe into trying to sell it for profit. You just may be surprised.

AND ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO THE FEES AND CONDITIONS.  AND ALWAYS EBAY WITH INTEGRITY AND PROMPTLY SO YOU CAN GET POSITIVE FEEDBACK SCORES. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO EBAY FOR PROFIT WITHOUT POSITIVE FEEDBACK! :)

Good luck and let me know what works for you! Have any tips that I didn't think of? Share!! :)

Turn Catalinas Into Cash

Got a Bunch of Catalinas You Can't Use?

Put Em on Ebay!

Recently, every time I went in to Target, the Catalina (randomish coupon printing machine at the checkout) would spit out one or two coupons (manuf) for $5 off ANY PediaSure product coupons.  

 

I worked the "Try Me Free" rebate (and made $5 in profit) about a month ago. My kids did not dig the PediaSure SideKicks drinks. So, I almost threw these 4 $5 off coupons out. But then, I searched Ebay on a whim to see if folks buy these.  And guess what? They do.

As coupons are general and it is the information on them that is important, I did a Free Ebay Listing for my time to collect and list and then mail the PediaSure coupons.  I did not even take the time to take and post a picture. Why bother? It doesn't matter what they look like, and I have positive feedback ratings as being honest... so I just made a quick and easy listing describing the coupons. I started them at 75c +S/H.  They got bid up to $1.25 + S/H.  Ok, so that isn't a LOT of money. But it took less than five minutes to list them.  And, that is $1.25 more than I had two days ago.  If I did this every week, I would bring in about $52 a year (after Ebay/PayPal fees) on items that I would otherwise throw out.

 

It all adds up.

Ebay Deal On Groupon: You Don't Want to Miss This One

Today There Is A Great Deal On Groupon:

$7 for $15 to Ebay

You have to have a Groupon account.. Don't have one yet? Go HERE to get started.

Then, you will need an Ebay/PayPal account. Just go to www.Ebay.com and www.PayPal.com to get started with them.

Purchase the Groupon deal HERE.  I had trouble finding the deal when not going directly through the link. That's a bummer.  With Ebates, you get cash back on Groupon purchases. I just could not find the deal through the Ebates link. It would have been pennies back, anyway.

What a great deal. You can only buy one per account. Hurry, this deal is super hot and won't last long.

Give Dollar Tree A Closer Look

Give Dollar Tree A Closer Look

While Many, if not Most, Items are OverPriced at Dollar Tree, 

You Can Really Get Some Great Finds at Dollar Tree

When I go to Dollar Tree, I only shop for certain items. Many of the items are cheaply made there, or overpriced. You can't use a coupon. $1 for an Oral B toothbrush might seem a good deal at first. But when you can use a coupon at another store and get them for 50c or less, it isn't such a good deal. Also, look at the size/quantity of the items you are buying. Many times when you take it down to an ounce or quantity level, it really isn't that great of a deal. 

Many retailers have regular clearance. Those clearance prices are usually better than Dollar Tree prices. So, get to know where and when these stores have clearance items. Old Navy has nice thick socks for 75c or less from time to time. Target puts their paper plates to 75c-35c after major holidays and at the end of seasons. Stock up in advance.  Drugstore deals change weekly. You can get items way cheaper than $1 when you work these.

HOWEVER! There are items that I go to Dollar Tree for. Items you may not think to buy at Dollar Tree.

Here are my fave picks for the Dollar Tree:

• Rolls of thick brown wrapping paper. These are actually good quality. I buy them here and often can find simple designs like polka dots or stars.  You can make presents look simple and boutique-y with these. Also, I love using these to mail out my Ebay items. My buyers on Ebay love to get the cute packages in the mail.
• Mylar Helium filled balloons. Yep. They have the fancy ones like at other stores for only $1 each. I just snagged some Disney Princess and Elmo ones for a bday party we attended. They were really good quality.  
• Pregnancy Tests. NO LIE! Seriously. The Dollar Tree pregnancy tests are $1 and work BETTER than the name brand ones. I have many stay at home mom friends that have between 4 and 6 children. They first told me about these tests. They work perfectly most of the time. And, in my case, they show up a positive WEEKS before the name brand tests show a positive. Last time I was pregnant, we did a side by side comparison. Dollar Tree beat out First Response, Clear Blue, and EPT.  
• Make up: Almay, elf, Revlon, CoverGirl, Neutrogena, Sally Hanson, etc. all seem to sell their overstock to Dollar Tree. 
• Hardback Books:  Big Name Booksellers sell their overstock to Dollar Tree. You can find some really great deals looking for books at Dollar Tree sometimes.  A lot of times, you can even find current big name authors there.  You just have to check your Dollar Tree from time to time.
• Every rare once in a while, you can find some good dvd's at Dollar Tree. I have found A Guy Thing on DVD there.. and some of the Food Network Stars Dvds like Bobby Flay and Rachel Ray.  Also, I have found Veggie Tales VHS tapes and even Elmo.  

So, keep your eyes peeled at Dollar Tree. But also, don't just automatically and blindly think you are getting a good deal just because it is only $1.Be a critically savvy shopper and don't fall for the gimmicks and just watch the savings pour in!

Ebay Basics and a Few Tips.

Ebay Tutorial: Getting Started

Usually, folks decide to give Ebay a try when they have stuff around the house that they want to sell.

To get started on Ebay is pretty easy. Ebay will walk you through the steps. Go HERE to get started.

You will need to set up a PayPal account to get paid, etc. Go HERE to get started with PayPal.




Read the fine print at both of those sites, and see if this is for you. Then, follow their steps to get your accounts.

When you list and sell stuff on Ebay, you will incur Ebay fees.  These fees vary.. and again, they are listed on the site.

Also, make sure you are prepared for the PayPal fees. When you use PayPal to get paid, PayPal will take a small percentage out of the payment received on your behalf.

Until April 19, Ebay will charge you a fee to list your item to sell, and then another fee based on the final sale value price of your item. They do not charge a fee for your shipping costs, currently.

This is changing, however.  After April 19, they will not charge a listing fee for up to 50 auction style listings a month, per account. But the WILL be charging a fee based on your shipping charges.
 

Every special "add on" to the listing has the potential to cause your listing fee to go up. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page where you are creating your listing to see what the current fee to list using those features is. As you add features, the cost updates and changes. Some features are free. Just add the ones you want and scroll down before you submit to see what the cost would be. I stick mainly to the basic format and have had some success keeping it simple.

Again, read the fine print and make sure this is for you.

To List:
1. Take a picture of your item. (Use your own picture. It is illegal to use a picture you don't have permission/license to use.. even if everyone else is doing it.. remember Napster?)
2. Make your listing. Upload your picture, Describe your item as completely and accurately as possible. Use full sentences.
3. Once you make sure all the details and items on the listing are finished, submit your listing. You can keep track of it in "My Ebay".
4. Answer any and all questions from potential buyers promptly.
5. When your item is sold, wait for payment confirmation and then ship the item promptly.
6. You can leave your money in PayPal and use it online to pay at different retailers. OR, you can transfer your money to your bank account.

It's that Easy!

Tips:

1. ALWAYS accurately describe your item(s). Use terms like "gently used" (GUC in a listing title) , "excellent used condition" (EUC), "new with tags" (NWT), etc.  If it is in terrible shape and you are selling it "for parts", then put that too. If there is a small hole or stain in clothing, tell that.  People will buy lots of stuff sometimes.. and they want honesty. It is important to have the best most honest listings possible so that you get positive feedback. Positive feedback from buyers is how you get "street cred." as a seller. It is what makes people want to buy from you. Negative feedback kills your ability to sell. Plus, if you have positive feedback, sometimes Ebay will give "good standing" sellers a break or discount.

2.  ALWAYS ship items promptly after payment confirmation. Again, looking for a positive feedback score here.

3. Look your item up on Ebay before you list it. Check out the competition. See what price point has bids. Look at the listings with bids closely so that you can see how they are worded and detailed so you will have an idea what to do to make your listing successful. Even look at the category they used in the listing. NEVER COPY, but get an idea of what works.

4. If you can honestly use these phrases, put them at the bottom of every listing: "My items are from a 100% smoke/pet free home.  I am usually able to ship items within one business day of payment confirmation. I love to combine shipping. If you are ordering multiple items, please wait to pay until all the auctions you are bidding on end and I can send an adjusted invoice.." etc. 

5. NEVER EVER let someone message you and talk you into selling them something outside of Ebay. It isn't safe to do it that way. And, it is against Ebay policy. You can get your account suspended if caught. You are supposed to report these folks. Instead, I just message them back a polite no thanks, OR I tell them I am willing to let them make one bid on my item and then I will "end the item early selling to highest bidder."

Big News For Ebayers

Big Changes for Ebay Starting in April

Some Fees are Going Away, Some are Being Added

I just got an email from Ebay.  If I understand it correctly, there are some big changes coming to Ebay around April 19th.

Here are the changes as I understand them:

1. It will be FREE to list auction style, any start price, up to 50 items a month for free.
2. BUY NOW will be a new option that is FREE.  Again, I think it is for up to 50 items a month.
3. Now, they will be restructuring the Final Value Fee. Looks like they will be charging a Final Value Fee on the WHOLE amount of the sale, shipping included.  This is to do away with those that were circumventing the Ebay Fees when they charged little for the item and a lot for the shipping.  Also, it is to encourage Ebayers to keep their shipping costs as low and reasonable as possible to promote more sales.

If you ask me, it looks like 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of another. They are promoting it as good for the sellers and buyers. It could be. We will see what the final value fees start looking like.  If you are a buyer, this should be really good news. There is a new incentive to keep your extra costs like shipping down.  If you are a seller.. I dunno if these changes are quite as wonderful as they are being promoted.  I know I keep my shipping costs at cost. This means my fees will probably be more than when I just waited to list 30 items at once during regular "Free Listing Auction Style" sales.  

Shoot Ebay an email for further information on all of this, or just go check your email to see if you got the update.  I supplement my family's income with Ebay, so I really will be curious to see how the fees pan out. I have a feeling it might level out and you might end up paying the same fees as a seller either way.  Hopefully these changes will save some money on the fees. I bet we see less of the cheaper items and more of the expensive ones now though. If you can sell an item for $1.99 on Ebay, but it costs $4 to ship, I bet the fees will make selling it a wash now that you will be paying a fee on the $4 as well. Who knows. Let me know how it pans out for you once they swap over how they are doing it.

Anyway, it is food for thought, and money related, so I thought I would give you the head's up!  

Ebay Special: Free Listings and More

For The Ebayers Out There:

A New Special Starts Today and Runs Through Feb 28th

Ebay just sent out the notice yesterday. Starting today, through the 28th, Ebay is offering Free Listing Fees for any starting price auction style listing. Also, as a nice added bonus, they are waiving the "Buy Now" feature fee.  This is pretty nice!  

*Limited to 50 listings. Account has to be in good standing, etc.  

Go HERE to get your auctions up and get the official terms.

As for me and mine, we will be up late tonight taking pictures and working on listings... well, after I get back from my CVS shopping trip!

Take the Family to the Movies on the Cheap!

Going to the Movies These Days is Not Cheap

Here are Some Ideas on How to Save on a Fun Family Trip to the Theater

Taking my family of 5 to the movies can take quite a bite out of our monthly budget.  5 tickets and popcorn can run us $80!  We could buy a bunch of movies for home less than that. And, with the growing popularity of services such as Netflix for about $10 a month, it hardly seems worth the cost to go to the theater. However, sometimes, you just have to go see it on the big screen.  The question is, how can you save money when you go to the movies?

I have some ideas:

1.  Check out various companies that offer rewards for buying their products.  Kelloggs is pretty good about offering point codes on specially marked cereal boxes, etc.  You then enter these points into your online account and redeem for Concession Cash or Movie Tickets. Check to see if your theater participates.  When you can coupon and get Kelloggs for 75 cents-$1.50 a box, this can really be a great deal.  I worked these deals a few months ago and spent about $9 out of pocket for more than $35 worth of movie tickets, concession cash, and got about 7 boxes of Kelloggs too!  Go HERE for current information about this promotion. This deal must be done by June, so go check it out today.
2. PopTarts by Kelloggs has a similar promotion. You get points for trying new flavors. Codes are on specially marked boxes. We love Pop Tarts, so this was an easy deal to do.  Go HERE for more info. This promotion ends in September.
3. Save time and make sure you get your ticket before they sell out. Check out Fandango for discount movie ticket promotions too!  Go HERE  to see if there are any current promotions that would work for you.  Also, Google Fandango Discount Code any time before you buy and see if you can get an even better deal.
4. Months ago, Groupon had a hot deal: $4 for a movie ticket on Fandango.  You could only purchase one per account. I got one on my account, and my husband got one on his. They expire this month, so we are looking at taking the kids to the movies for Valentine's Day.  This deal is gone, but the point is to keep an eye out for these deals.
5. Check out your movie theater's website for deals, offers, or coupons.  Regal even has a customer loyalty program. Go HERE to see Regal's site. OR, google your theater for their site. 
6. Pampers Gifts to Grow Program sometimes has Movie rewards you can redeem. Like THIS one for free popcorn.
7. Heck, even My Coke Rewards has gotten in on the Movie rewards scene. Go HERE for an example.
8. Check sites like Ebay for coupons and passes.
9. EMAIL the corporate entity that owns your local theater. Tell them about an experience you had there, be complimentary. Tell them about your family's budget and love of the movies. Who knows, they might send you some vouchers for tickets or concession!
10. Not a couponer? Maybe try taking the extra time to coupon for a couple weeks. PAY YOURSELF in a jar or "excursion fund" the amount you save off your budget by using coupons. When you have enough money, go to the movies.
11. Keep blogs like mine, Couponing To Disney, and Totally Target on your Facebook wall. Every now and then, you will see some good coupons for the movies show up! 
12. If all else fails, go to the first showing of the day for the cheapest tickets. Buy the big expensive popcorn and get tons of napkins to divvy it up! These tubs usually come with a refill.  When you have a large group, this is the most economical way to get popcorn.  Share a drink... get the large and ask for some water cups so you can divide it up.  A friend of mine takes donut holes (the kind  that come in a large plastic cup from Krispy Kreme) to the movies with her. They fit right in the cup holder. I am not endorsing sneaking food in... I do it sometimes. But I worked at a theater and know the real money for the theater comes from concessions, not the tickets. Crazy, right? Those movie actors have to get paid somehow.. lol. But really. To sneak food in or not has to be a personal decision!).  *I did enjoy those donut holes at the movies though! Shameful as it was!! :) 
13. *You can go to special family showing events. These are often during the summertime and usually on a weekday. They show an old movie, family friendly, for like $1 a person. Some theaters show movies for $3 a person, but that includes a teeny popcorn and drink. Ask your theater about this. I tried it one time and was a bit discouraged. It was really crowded with tons of field trip students.  Every area is different, so give it a try if you like.

You can take your family to the movies. It may take a little effort and creativity. But you can do it.  I think we paid $2 out of pocket last time we went. We had enough Kelloggs Concession Cash and tickets to pay for tickets, popcorn, and drinks. My husband had to buy his candy, so that is why it was $2. 

Know a way to go to the movies on the cheap? Let us know!

*As always, pay attention to the fine print on all the programs and coupons,etc.

$185+ of loot for $16.69.. No Coupons Necessary

On a Lark, I Stopped in at Our Local 

Hudson's Treasure Hunt

A reader has posed a unique challenge for me: How to snag really great deals and help her family save with minimal couponing and shopping.  I promise to do a more in-depth post about that later. But, one way to do this is to make a quick stop in to your local discount stores:Hudson's, Treasure Hunt, Dirt Cheap, or even Tuesday Morning to name a few.  I grew up really hating Hudson's and all stores like that. I hated the stigma of those stores. Now, I realize that I wasn't shopping for the right items there. AND my Hudsons,etc were really dirty and yucky and disorganized. IF your local stores are like that, it might not be worth your time. 

*Usually, I find Rose's Freds, and other Dollar type stores to be way over-priced. Big Lots sometimes has a good deal to offer.. but usually on items that are hard to find.. like my beloved Clearly Canadian drinks. Also, they have jugs of Juicy Juice or Motts for about $1. IF you need Pedialyte and don't have a coupon, when they have this or the Gerber equivalent in stock, these are good buys at a Big Lots... BUT I DIGRESS.

Yesterday, I decided to pop in to our local Hudson's Treasure Hunt.  I managed to get $185+ worth of items for $16.69 after tax.  

Here is what I bought (pre tax amounts):

• 11 Pop Brand (from Walmart) Items: Pink/Purple Glitter Hair mascaras and fun kids' eyeshadow kits (reg. 1.99 each)  for .55 each!

• 2 Counting Garden Board Book and Stuffed Toy From the Story Gift sets (reg. $15 each) for $1.50 each! (These are for Ebay and/or the gift closet)
• 4 Crib Skirts/Dust Ruffles (Circo Brand) (reg. $18 each) for .49 each! I sell these for $7-$11 on eBay quite often.
• 8 Assorted Sticker/Coloring/Poster/ Workbooks  Books (Reg. $1.99-$3.99 ea) for .40-.80 each (think My Little Pony, Arthur, Trucks, etc)
• Sesame Street Wipe Off Learning to Write Book Plus Crayon (Reg. $5) for $1
• 2 Curriculum Books-One about Time/Money for 2nd Grade and One about Creative Problem Solving (Reg. $7 ea) for $1.40 each
• 1 Kumon Learning System Preschool Book (Reg $8) for $1.59

There were also a lot of Horse Tack and Riding/Showing gear and clothing items on sale for 50% off. They had everything from fly masks to Saddles and reins and such.

And, if you know a man in need of a $100+ suit jacket for $14.99, you might want to stop in real quick at your Hudson's Treasure Hunt, too.

I Saved 82.5% At the Disney Outlet Yesterday

Quick Bargain Brag:

My Disney Outlet Excursion

Yesterday, I was out and about. When I am out and about, I always chit chat with fellow shoppers,etc. It is a useful way to exchange deal hunting info and tips. This one lady had the cutest little boy with her. He was wheeling around this Disney Cars rolling luggage with blanket and pillow set. The mom gushed that she just came from the Disney Outlet and they had every red tagged item an additional 25% off! This past weekend, only! Crap. I had to go. I really did not have a choice, right??!

I am so glad I did go! See, I have a few daughters. And, we are planning a trip to Disney in the near future. AND, I Ebay... (shameless plug.. Go HERE to see my items. I try to buy low and sell at a discount to others so that everyone gets a good deal!)

Anyway, I went to the Disney Outlet, an extra 10% off coupon in hand, and really got some amazing deals.  I am sure my girls will get first dibs, and then the rest will go on Ebay.  

Here's What I Bought for 22% of the Original Price (remember, 25% off sale, plus 10% off coupon)

• Jack Skeleton Cafe Mug (don't look, dear!)  .84
• Belle T-Shirt for Back To School next year-  1.68
• Infant's Tinker Bell Costume-  4.49
• Snow White Costume-  9.55
• Minnie Mouse Dress Up Shoes-  2.24
• Snow White Shoes - 2.24
• 2 Piece Tangled/ Rapunzel PJ Pals - 2.81
• Fleece Throw Blanket Tangled/Rapunzel- 2.81
• Aluminum Thermos (pink Princess) for Back to School- 1.68
• Tiana Princess and the Frog Costume- 8.43

All that would have been more than $220! I paid $39.36 after tax!

Looking at my receipt today, I am really annoyed I didn't buy more stuff. Especially t-shirts and pjs!  And, those costumes were killer cheap! Last year, I sold costumes cheaper than folks could buy them in the store at Halloween time and made a tidy profit. Ebay funded my kids' Christmas in one month alone doing that!

There are always deals out there to find. Knowing when to hit the sales is a big part of the couponing philosophy.  And, as you can see, you can use a coupon with a sale, unless specifically stated otherwise. I am really glad I almost never leave home without my coupons. You never know when you will stumble upon a sale like this.

Anyone else have a bargain boast they want to share??

Ebay is Offerring Free to List Starting Today!

Have Stuff to Sell?

Ebay is Offering Free Listing Fee To Eligible Members!

From time to time, Ebay waives their listing fees when you are eligible and meet certain criteria.  Go HERE for the official rules and info, but essentially, most Ebay Sellers will qualify.

I just got the email that announced Ebay will be letting folks list items for FREE starting today, through February 8th.  This offer is good for up to 100 auction-style listings. You can list at any starting price, but must not include a reserve price to get the free listing. Also, you have to be a member of good standing, have had 10 or so transactions, and have ratings of 4.5 or better in certain categories.  AND, you cannot have an Ebay store.

So, essentially, if you are an Ebayer of integrity and do not have an Ebay store, you are pretty much good to go.  Just go look at the official guidelines to make sure if you have a question.

This is wonderful! I was about to list my Valentine's Items to sell, and all my Osh Kosh Girl's Sandals for Spring/Summer!!  What a wonderful FREEBIE for the day!

**REMINDER*** YOU WILL STILL PAY FINAL VALUE FEES WHEN YOUR ITEM SELLS!