Current Discounts And Deals #11
Here's some great money saving tips to take you into the New Year, including a true gem from online retailer Amazon.
This is the last 'Current Discounts And Deals' article of 2007, so we've packed it with the latest offers to help you save the final pennies and pounds to take you into the New Year.
First up is a real gem from Amazon. The online shopping giant has a little known price drop policy where if they lower the price on something you've bought within the past 30 days, they'll credit you with the difference.
However, as with most things, if you don't ask, you don't get. Check for current prices on the website by looking through all your invoices for the past 30 days.
If you've paid more than the current price, submit a Refund Enquiry by selecting the `email' tab on the link, choosing your relevant order and selecting `Refund Enquiry' as your subject.
Mention the item(s) that have dropped in price, by how much, and that you want to be credited with the difference.
It's as easy as following these few simple steps. And it works! I've done it myself and was credited within a few days. Good on ya Amazon!
On a different note, following on from our midweek freebies, Fools can get their mitts on a free Jack Daniel's 2008 calendar. Simply fill in the online form to qualify.
Gearing up for that final Christmas shop? Somerfield has some great deals on booze at the moment, including half price champagne and beer, together with discounts on snacks and treats this festive season.
Sushi lovers everywhere, Yo! Sushi is offering a whopping 50% off your meal from 14th January 2008. You can get up to 10 plates per person at half price if you register with the site.
For wine lovers, or those just looking to stock up on booze for the new year, claim a £40 voucher at Virgin Wines today. Simply enter the voucher code: AMAZWB and password WINEBANK to claim the discount.
Be aware that you have to spend at least £79.99 to qualify for the discount, and if you use the voucher you will automatically be signed up for Virgin's Winebank. This means you will be debited £20 a month if you don't cancel your membership after you've ordered your tipple.
Offers which continue to be valid:
Fancy an hour of free calls to catch up with your loved ones on Christmas Day? Well, sign up to Jajah Direct and you can have just that. All you have to do to qualify for 60 minutes of free airtime is register for an account, dial a local access number followed by the number that you want to call and Jajah will connect you. You don't need to sign a contract or buy a snazzy phone to qualify. Just register and bag those free minutes!
Virgin is currently offering one free mobile SIM card per household. What's more, you also get £5 of free credit to get you started. Simply fill out the online form to claim your SIM.
Calling all nature lovers, why not order a free Nature of Britain calendar courtesy of the Open University? Alternatively, you can pick one up at your local library while stocks last, or download a copy from the website.
If you're still looking for stocking fillers for the men in your life, Burton is currently offering 30% off a range of scarves, hats and other winter accessories.
Argos has knocked 50% off over 600 toys and gifts.
For regular rail users, beat the fare hike blues and console yourself with some discounted food. Sign up for a BiTE card and you can get 20% off food and drink at many participating outlets across the country. Registration is as simple as filling out an online form - and cards valid for 2008 are available now.
Looking for a personalised gift? Why not take advantage of a special offer at createagift.co.uk on A3 posters. Register, upload your chosen image, then enter discount code PBPOSTER at the checkout to get your gift for the bargain price of £1.50. That's 70% off the regular price.
For those looking for a luxurious bargain this Christmas, Uniqlo has cashmere sweatshirts on offer for the bargain price of £29.99. There are 11 colours available, and you're unlikely to find 100% cashmere for cheaper than this.
Calling all students: Opinionpanel Research has teamed up with Amazon to offer free gift certificates in return for the completion of short web-surveys. You get £10 in total when you register, and a further £1 to £2 per survey thereafter. Once you've reached £25, you receive your Amazon gift certificates by email.
In order to qualify, you must have a valid email address issued by your university (ie, ending in ac.uk). The certificates continue to roll-in after you've graduated, as you are automatically transferred to the Graduate Panel when you finish your studies.
For the food connoisseurs among us, why not sign up to Toptable, where you can earn points by booking restaurant tables through their website. Currently, 6 bookings will earn you a free two or three course meal, with an automatic 200 points for signing up. If you eat out regularly, the points can quickly build up, and there are lots of offers such as 2 for 1 dining available through their regular newsletters.
Boots and Marks & Spencer have their usual 3 for 2 offer on toys and gifts this Christmas - and as Boots is giving £1 to Children in Need for every toy sold, you can be doing some good at the same time. Don't forget to check out the Advantage Point machines in-store to see if there are any further offers you could be benefiting from.
For bargain cinema tickets, why not check out lastminute.com, which is offering tickets at any one of 14 participating VUE cinemas (unfortunately this offer is only available in London) for the bargain price of £4.99.
Register your details with Vision Express and you can get a voucher entitling you to a half-price eye examination, and one for 10% off prescription glasses.
And Nectar is continuing its special Christmas offers, including 25% off theatre tokens.
Finally, everything can be neatly wrapped up with a trip to Bhs - which is now offering 50% off lots of cards, crackers and gift wrap.
If you have any more suggestions, please let us know by posting them on the Moneysaving tips discussion board, adding your comments to this article or by sending us an email at moneysavingtips@fool.co.uk.