Finding and Using Special Offers and Coupons

Finding and Using Special Offers

Local businesses post discounts, seasonal deals, and coupons on Buy it Local.US. They are collected in one place so you can see what is available near you without hunting through a dozen websites.

Where to Find Offers

Choose Special Offers from the main menu. You will see every current offer from businesses in the directory. Offers also appear on the home page and on each business listing.

Offers are removed automatically once they expire, so what you see is current.

Narrowing Down the List

Use the filters on the offers page to focus on what is relevant to you. You can typically narrow by category and location, and switch between a list view and a grid view depending on whether you prefer to scan text or photos.

If you are looking for something specific, such as a meal deal this weekend, filter by Restaurants and your town.

Reading an Offer

Open an offer to see the full details. Check these four things before you get excited:

1. What is actually included. Twenty percent off one item is different from twenty percent off everything
2. Any conditions, such as a minimum spend, a required booking, or a limit of one per customer
3. The end date. Some offers run for a weekend only
4. How to redeem it, which is usually stated at the bottom of the description

If anything is unclear, use the contact option on the business listing and ask before you go. Businesses would much rather answer a question than disappoint you at the counter.

Claiming a Coupon

Some offers include a coupon. To use one:

1. Open the offer and choose the option to claim or get the coupon
2. Save it, print it, or keep it open on your phone
3. Present it when you pay, or mention it when you book

Show the coupon before the transaction is rung up rather than after. Most systems cannot apply a discount retrospectively, and it puts staff in an awkward position.

Buying an Offer Online

Some businesses let you pay for an offer or product directly through the site. If you see an add to cart or order option:

1. Add the item to your cart
2. Check the description for pickup, delivery, or shipping details
3. Go to your cart and complete checkout
4. Payment is handled securely by the payment provider, and you will receive a confirmation by email

Your payment goes to the business, not to the directory. If there is a problem with your order, contact the business first using the details on their listing.

Getting Notified About New Offers

New offers appear regularly, especially around holidays and seasonal changes. Checking the Special Offers page once a week is enough to catch most of them. If you create an account, you can also bookmark the businesses you like so you can check back on them easily.

Practical Tips

• Check the offers page before you shop, not after. Two minutes can save real money
• Try somewhere new. Offers are often aimed at first time customers, which makes them a low risk way to test a business
• Note the end date in your calendar if the deal matters to you
• Do not assume offers combine. Most cannot be stacked with other discounts
• Be kind about it. These are small businesses running thin margins. Turning up ten minutes before closing with a complicated coupon is nobody at their best

If an Offer Is Not Honored

Occasionally an offer runs out, staff have not been briefed, or terms were misunderstood. Raise it politely with the business first, since most sort it out on the spot. If you cannot resolve it, contact the Buy it Local.US team and we will follow up with the business.

Getting Help

If a coupon will not load or an order has not gone through, contact the Buy it Local.US team with the name of the business and the offer. More guides are in the Support section.