However, I find the amount of content to be a bit overwhelming when you start to browse "All Categories". For instance, in perusing "Health and Beauty", I had to scroll through pages and pages of offers like 10% off Advil or 5% off Vitamins, only to find no deals on what I really needed (Listerine). Sorry, but when I go to Target for necessities, I want to get in and get out; I don't want to spend a lot of time "browsing for deals" on my smartphone. Perhaps the point is to take the time before your visit to the store to identify what coupons you want to use and then "save" them in your account.
Cartwheel also connects to your Facebook account (if you allow it to) so you can view what coupons your friends are using. I find this a bit creepy, as I don't really want to know everything my buddies are buying. And from the looks of this recent log on the TargetStyle Facebook page, Cartwheel is still facing some technical issues, with folks reporting that the barcode won't scan upon checkout.
The bottom line? I'll probably use Cartwheel to check for deals before heading to Target if I'm shopping for something specific in housewares, clothing, electronics, etc. - in other words, anything with a substantial price-point where the savings are significant. Otherwise, I don't find 5-15% off items that are under $5 worth chasing down.
9 comments:
I've had a lot of luck with it, but I use the search option a lot. Whenever I have a specific item or brand, I'll search to see if there are deals for it. If I'm just buying something general (for instance, girls jeans) then I'll use the category to look under kids clothing deals. Hope that helps. I've saved almost 20% off my purchases every time I've used it.
I slightly disagree with your review. I've only been using cartwheel for a couple months but I have already saved almost $40 and most of that was from some of the offers that were maybe only 5% off but I've also racked up higher savings like 30% off a lampshade and 20% off shoes. To me, that's a huge savings - especially if the item is already on sale or if I have a coupon. I think Cartwheel is a fantastic way to get extra savings on items, especially those that there are rarely, if ever sales or coupons for (my most recent example for this is canned tuna fish, also fresh fruit/vegetables).
I echo the suggestion from the person who commented before me to use the search item for what you are looking for when you're in the store if you haven't preplanned rather than browsing through the categories... that definitely takes too much time, especially the grocery category!
Hopefully you'll give Cartwheel another try! It can definitely be used to your advantage when shopping!
I agree with the search option. I forget to look at Cartwheel before I go - plus you're right, it is a lot of content to shift through. But I found that if i have some items in my cart I am buying anyway, I will take a moment to search for the item by name to see if there is one. One thing I didn't like while browsing is them showing me expired deals - it's expired, I can't use it, why is it still there?!?! They might have fixed that by now, since I don't browse much anymore, just search.
Thanks for the tips, readers! I'll give the 'search' function a try, and Cartwheel another chance :-)
I had also 'tried' cartwheel and just didn't 'get' it... too much browsing. Thanks for the search tip, I'll try it! But I don't have a smartphone, so I imagine I would have to print all my coupons, and ink is pricey.
One quirk I have experienced is the cashier needs to scan the barcode after any coupons. If s/he scans it first the savings are not applied. I finally figured this out after a few trips where I didn't get my savings, and then went guest service who told me not all cashiers know to scan cartwheel last. Sigh.
I'm kinda over it. I forgot to use it on my last trip...my fault but still, it's too much of a hassle!
I just added it and have used it twice now & saved nearly $5 with the app alone. That, combined with the 5% discount using by Red debit card - you can also combine a Target coupon AND mfg coupon all together for added savings. Yes, you need to plan your trip ahead of time - but it's probably best to do that anyhow to maximize your savings :)
I think it is great. I use it every time I go to target. The browsing doesn't bother me much. I scan items I am buying and if it on cartwheel then I save. If not, oh well. Between Cartwheel, Red Card, Target coupons, and manufacturers coupons, the savings add up!
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