Merchant Cashback Strategies: Best Buy

This week, our Merchant Cashback strategy focuses on Best Buy, one of the original big box electronics retailers.  For many consumers, this is the place to go when purchasing big ticket electronics items, such as TV's, stereo sound systems, laptop computers or car stereos.  These purchases can represent a significant dollar amount, which is why it is extremely important to take advantage of every cash back strategy in the book.  The savings can be significant.
    The first questions I ask are usually: 1) Will I be purchasing in a local store or online?; and 2) Will I get more cash back from using my credit cards or by purchasing discounted gift cards?

   I can purchase Best Buy gift cards at a 7% discount at both Plastic Jungle and Cardpool.  If I am in a hurry and want to purchase online, I can probably find an Ecode gift card from one of these two merchants. The discounts that I get by purchasing gift cards usually will surpass even a 5% cash back credit card. However, if I am smart, sometimes I can have my cake and eat it too.  If you are buying online, then it is always good to see what discount your credit card shopping portal is offering for Best Buy.  For example, Discover gives you 5% back if you buy from the Best Buy website using their shopping portal.

  If I elect the gift cards route, I will purchase my Buy Buy gift cards through Cardpool by first going through the Mr. Rebates website, so I can pick up an extra 1%.  Now I am at 8% discount.  If I pay for my purchase with a 1% or 2% cash back credit card, I can get that discount up to 9-10%. I also check on Ebay to see if there are any 10% off coupons available for purchase.  While there are sometimes restrictions, often this will knock another 10% off your purchase, hence doubling your savings!  You may even find these in your local newspaper. Now remember, the discount you achieve using these methods is ON TOP OF whatever your final price is.  If you are shopping online, you may be able to get free shipping thrown in as well, or even additional cash back using coupon codes. Just remember that if it is a big ticket item, it is always worthwhile to comparison shop first. At a minimum, you should be able to expect 9-10% cash back savings, no matter what you purchase.
   Happy shopping!

Previous Merchant Cashback Strategies 
Lowes
Amazon.com

How to Buy an Ipad 2 and Get Cash Back!

Unless you live on another planet, you probably know that Steve Jobs and his Apple crew unveiled the new Ipad 2 yesterday, to go on sale March 11th.  The price is $500, same as the current price for the original Ipad, but with a lot of upgraded features.


Apple has also announced that the Ipad 2 is going to be distributed in several major outlets in addition to its own stores.  Merchants currently include Best Buy, Sam's Club and Walmart.


I sincerely doubt that any of these merchants will be discounting the price of the Ipad2, so plan on paying $500, both online and in the stores.


So how does one get cash back (in addition to using a cash back credit card)?  It's not as hard as you think. Let me take you through the process using Best Buy as an example.


1.  Sign up at Cardpool, a major gift card reseller, if you are not already a member.  It's free.


2.  Sign up at Mr. Rebates, a major online cashback portal, if you have not already done so. It too is free.  This site gives you 1% cashback on all your purchases at Cardpool.


3.  Go through Mr. Rebates to the Cardpool website and purchase a Best Buy giftcard for a 6% discount.  You are getting an extra 1% from Mr. Rebates for going through their site, so that is 7% so far. If you plan on buying your Ipad online, you can buy an electronic Ecode instead of an actual plastic gift card, and the code will be sent to your email within hours.


4.  If you are purchasing online (and why not, you might save sales tax), wait for your gift card or eCode to arrive.  Then go to Mr. Rebates again, select Best Buy as your merchant, and proceed to the Best Buy website.  Purchase your Ipad 2 with your gift card.  Mr. Rebates will give you another 1% ($5) on your purchase.


5.  Sit back, pat yourself on the back for being a smart shopper, and wait for your new Ipad 2 to arrive at your doorstep. You have just saved 7-8% on the Ipad2 going through Best Buy.