New duty-free rules as of June 1, 2012! Headed to the USA? How to find coupons for your trip

No matter your transportation method, a trip to the States often represents an opportunity to access sales that are unavailable north of the border. And with the new duty-free rules taking effect on June 1, 2012, Canadians may be able to bring home more than they have in the past (depending on the length of your trip).

New duty-free limits:

**For a full explanation of guidelines including additional rules regarding alcohol and tobacco purchases, please visit DutyFreeCanada.com***

For trips between 24 and 48 hours= $200 (previously was $50)

For trips between 48 hours and seven days= $800 (previously was $400)

For trips longer than seven days= $800 (previously was $750)

There continues to be additional rules for alcohol and tobacco that you should read up on before making any related purchases.

A good idea to keep in mind that duty-free limits only apply to items that are for your own personal use (non-commercial). Finally, always keep your receipts as proof of purchase as customs officials might ask to see them.

Want to sweeten the deal? Check for printable coupons! Click, print, pack… and you’re on your way to savings!

Where to find printable coupons for the USA:

Red Plum

Smart Source

Target

Walmart

Coupons.com

Coupon Network

Blogs that feature specific promotions:

Personal favourite: hip2save.com. I love this comprehensive resource!!! Excellent, fun layout and up-to-date information

Other blogs worthy of note:

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.ca/

http://www.wow-coupons.com/exclusive.php

http://dealspl.us/printable_coupons

http://www.couponcabin.com/printable-coupons/

http://printablecouponsanddeals.com/

And for all of you outlet shoppers, consider signing up for e-mail listservs at your favourite outlet locations. Premium Outlets offers a "VIP Club". Members can often access a voucher for a free copy of the coupon books (which normally cost money) as well as other online coupons that can be used in-store.


Safe travels and happy shopping!

How to find rock-bottom prices on Tide Laundry Detergent

Paying full price for Tide Laundry Detergent? Here’s something to consider:

Earlier today, I was at my local Costco. I decided to walk around while I was waiting for some photos to develop and came across a Tide display:

88 Loads of Tide Cold Water for $21.59 (originally $24.59).

I saw the price and my jaw dropped. Although there are many good deals throughout Costco, this was not one of them. Here’s why:

• After taxes (12% HST), the sale-priced Tide costs $24.18. 
• Divided by 88 loads, the cost per load of laundry is $0.274.

Versus

• Just this past week, Safeway had a sale on 52 loads of Tide Coldwater for $11.99 (Club Card price; membership is free)
• After taxes, the product cost $13.43 or $0.258 per load. Alternatively, $22.697 for 88 loads if you prefer to compare it to the price of the Costco product.

So the scales were already in favour of the Safeway price. 

Here’s the thing: Safeway had mailed out to Air Miles subscribers a 50% off Tide Coupon to be used at any participating Safeway location. 

• After using it, the cost before taxes for 52 loads was $5.99 (or $6.71 after taxes). 
• Cost per load: $0.129 or $11.35 for 88 loads.

In either scenario, why would I pay a $55 Costco membership for the privilege of being charged more for the same product when I can go elsewhere, pay no membership fee, and get the same product for less? Specifically $12.83 less (not factoring for the cost of Costco membership)?

Please don’t get me wrong: There are some great products at Costco that represent good savings and I am happy to shop there for these items. For example, the complete set of the Hunger Games is priced at $34.99 plus taxes- this is one of the lowest prices anywhere. Or Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese (12 pack) for $12.49 (plus taxes) is a great deal over paying $2.50 or more per unit at a regular grocery store. 

All I'm saying is that I won't buy Liquid Tide there! As a Costco shopper, it is really important to identify which products represent savings and stick to those.

Didn’t get a Safeway coupon for Tide in the mail? Here’s another easy way to get a similar deal:

Step One:

Order coupons from Proctor and Gamble Brandsaver. They currently have a “Save $2.00 when you buy any Tide liquid or Tide powder product (excludes 6 load Tide liquid trial size)”

http://www.brandsaver.ca/en_ca/

Step Two:

Watch flyers for 26 load bottles on sale for $5.99 or less. 

Flyers to watch: Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmasave, WalMart

Step Three:

Use your coupon and watch the savings follow. Here is a table that will show you your savings vis-à-vis the Costco 88 loads pricing (and please keep in mind, Costco’s regular price is three dollars higher than currently posted given the sale in progress)

26 Loads of Liquid Tide:

$6.99 (or $5.83 after $2.00 coupon and taxes)= $0.224 per load or $19.70 for 88 loads

$5.99 (or $4.71 after $2.00 coupon and taxes)= $0.181 per load or $15.92 for 88 loads

$4.99 (or $3.59 after $2.00 coupon and taxes)= $0.138 per load or $12.13 for 88 loads

Moral of the story: always check cost-per-unit of products when shopping at wholesale stores such as Costco. After all, you probably went there with the intention of saving money.