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They’re everywhere: jammed in your purse, stuffed in your wallet, scattered across your car and left on the counter.
Receipts can seem like a nuisance in a world that encourages reducing the amount of paper you use. But there are still plenty of good reasons to keep those little paper slips as often they can save you time and money.
I was bursting with pride at a recent company lunch outing when almost every co-worker pulled out an old Kroger receipt to use a coupon for a popular Mexican restaurant. Kroger receipts are a gold mine for savings. On the back are several restaurant coupons and discounts for tire and oil changes.
Couponing garners some pretty long receipts at the grocery store — which in turn offers me some great discounts other places. Who doesn’t want to save $8 off dinner out?
Beyond additional coupons, many stores offer coupon codes or web addresses to receive more savings. IKEA offers a percentage discount on your receipt for your next purchase when you use a debit card. For filling out a survey online after making a purchase, you can receive coupons off your next trip at stores such as the Gap Outlet, New York & Company, JCPenney, Rite Aid and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Make sure to check the bottom of your receipt to find similar offers.
Another receipt deal are survey contests. Lowe’s and Home Depot commonly offer a survey at the bottom of receipts that will enter you to win gift cards. I rarely enter these contests, and your chances for winning are about as good as playing the lottery: Home Depot picks just one winner every three months, giving you a one in 1.3 million chance. But if you’re a faithful lottery player, maybe you can save yourself $1 and enter receipt survey contests for free.
Of course, the most common reasons to keep receipts are for returning an item or for warranty purposes. It may seem like a hassle, but this is invaluable as many stores will only accept returns with the original receipt. I’ve been glad to have mine still on hand several times. A simple file folder or inconspicuous drawer will serve as the temporary home for receipts. Just be sure to clean it out regularly to cut down on clutter.
So think twice before you toss that sales slip — it might just save you in the future.
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