Keeping Track Of Reward Certificates
photo credit: joelogon
I received my Staples reward certificate this week for $8.80 on Canon inkjet toner cartridges purchased last year. Keeping track of all the junk mail we receive can be overwhelming and the Staples certificate almost made it straight to the junk mail pile. Fortunately I decided to open it up and was surprised to see the reward check for $8.80. The certificate has an expiration of 3/31/09, so I only have a little over a month to spend it. Typically I would put reward certificates, coupons, or checks in a special file for future shopping trips. But with this Staples reward I need to use it quickly or I will forfeit the $8.80. Since I don’t need anything at Staples right now, this is going to require me to organize my thoughts and my future office needs. I bet Staples hopes that I immediately drive over to the store and find some must have item for my office.
Create a list to determine future office supply needs:
1. Paper is always needed for computer printer or crafts.
2. Cannon toner cartridges. My newest printer seems to go through them quickly, so I could always use more.
3. Crayons and pens.
My list is brief and I’ve decided to shop online to make sure I don’t fall victim to any impulse purchases. Shopping online is much easier to stay focused as I try and multitask at all times on my computer. Do you find that you make more impulse buys when purchasing at a store? One of the best features of my Staples reward certificate is that it can be redeemed online or in a physical store. I will also look for free shipping or online coupons to stretch my reward certificate even further.
Could I save more money purchasing the Cannon ink on ebay or another retailer? Probably, and I’m going to check out deals on ebay first before making my Staples purchases. If I can save money elsewhere I will only buy paper or look for sale items at Staples.
Other ways to spend your rewards certificates:
1. Donate supplies to a classroom or teacher. I have several teacher friends that are always in need of school supplies like pens, pencils and crayons. Many school districts only provide for a certain amount of funds, if any, and teachers have to make due with the supplies they have.
2. Daycare center or preschool. Your child’s preschool could also benefit from supplies. From crayons to glue sticks, I’m sure they could use them.
3. Local church. Your church could also benefit from office supplies. Call your church office and I’m sure they would be happy to provide a list of needed supplies.
4. Homeless shelter. A local shelter could benefit from office supplies or even items for children to make crafts or draw.
5. Local women’s shelter or non-profit. Check your local phone book for women’s shelters and you probably will find an opportunity to provide some much needed resources.
Do you have any money saving tips that you utilize with your reward certificates? Do you research other stores before making a purchase or do you stick to spending only the amount of the certificate?
Similar Posts
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Miranda Said:
Honestly, I hate trying to keep track of my rewards certificates. Anyway, I like the idea of buying school supplies and donating them to my son’s school. Great idea!
Posted on February 25th, 2009
Craig Said:
Other than grocery store I don’t even bother anymore just because they are such a pain to hold onto.
Posted on February 25th, 2009
pfincome Said:
I think it is important just to remember to use your rewards or even know you are getting them. I had to explain to my grandparents just last week about how they could use their CVS Extra Care Bucks to purchase more items. They use to just throw them away not realizing that was money they could have used on a prescription.
Posted on February 25th, 2009
Manshu Said:
I am really glad to hear that someone else feels that their printer eats up all the paper
Posted on February 25th, 2009