Razer/FacebookRazer CEO Min-Liang Tan holds the Razer Edge.
It’s a story we’ve heard before: A retailer posts a coupon or markdown that seems too good to be true, then quickly pulls it when it realizes its mistake.
Usually, the story ends with the retailer announcing that it won’t honor the erroneous coupon, and voiding the transactions of any customers who managed to snag those once-in-a-lifetime deals. But one video game company bucked that trend by agreeing to honor an incredible 90%-off coupon code that was mistakenly circulated earlier this week.
Razer is an online retailer of video game hardware peripherals like controllers, keyboards and headphones. The coupon code, which spread rapidly in social media, was good on purchases at its U.K. Razerzone site. Razer quickly moved to disable the code, but not before many eager gamers snatched up heavily discounted hardware.
On Friday, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan took to Facebook to explain that the code was accidentally made active by a third party that was attempting to test the website’s shopping cart. Nevertheless, he went on to announce that the company would honor the code for customers who bought “single products for their own use.”
That means that opportunists who used the code to buy large amounts of merchandise with the intention of reselling it on eBay and elsewhere may yet have their orders voided. Still, it’s an incredibly consumer-friendly move by Razer, especially when you consider how much money honoring the transactions with cost. The CEO said in his statement that “thousands of orders” were placed in a matter of hours, resulting in “an insane amount of losses.”
And Razer would be well within its rights to void those orders. A couple years ago, for instance, the Sears (SHLD) website accidentally offered the iPad 2 for $69, but quickly took the down the offer and canceled the orders of anyone who had purchase it at that price. More recently, Best Buy (BBY) forgot to exclude gift cards from a 50%-off coupon, resulting in many customers snatching up Amazon gift cards at half-price. It soon realized its mistake and replaced it with a revised coupon.
Razer could have gone the same route and saved itself a lot of money, but the consumer-friendly move is winning the company plaudits on blogs and in social media. No doubt the company hopes that the long-term PR benefits balance out the revenue losses it incurred this week. But even if its choice was based solely on business considerations, it’s still a classy move.
Matt Brownell is the consumer and retail reporter for DailyFinance. You can reach him at Matt.Brownell@teamaol.com, and follow him on Twitter at @Brownellorama.
Depending on where you live, finding a 128GB Surface Pro in stock can prove challenging. Best Buy only allows you to pick one up in-store, provided there are any available, and the 128GB SKU is sold out online at Microsoft’s online store and at Staples. That’s the bad news. And the good news? Well, if all you’re interested in is the RT version anyway, we can help you save a few bucks.
Just head over to Staples’ website, plop the Surface RT 32GB or 64GB into your virtual cart, and enter coupon code 99279. According to SlickDeals, the coupon code saves you $75, slashing the price of the 32GB model to $424 before tax and the 64GB model to $524 before tax, both with free shipping.
Bear in mind that Surface RT is powered by an ARM-based processor and therefore isn’t capable of running legacy Windows applications. It’s designed for home consumers looking for an alternative to the iPad, Galaxy Tab, and other tablets on the market, whereas Surface Pro is essentially a full-fledged notebook with a Core i5 foundation.
It’s hard to advocate a high-end Android tablet against one of Apple’s iPads, but we’ve always said that if the price is right a Google-powered slate can be a more-than-decent choice. Enter the Asus Transformer Pad TF300T, available today for a mere 285-bucks from Best Buy Computing Clearance.
Mind you, this is not a sleek budget-friendly 7-incher like the Nexus 7, but a full-fledged massive 10-inch tablet with an above-par spec sheet. Now, don’t be expecting a Full HD panel or a state-of-the-art CPU from this baby.
Instead, what you’ll be getting is a 1,280 x 800 pix res IPS LCD screen, a 1.2 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 CPU, 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB of on-board storage, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and an 8 MP rear-facing camera. Nothing too extraordinary (besides maybe the 8 MP snapper,) but it’s awfully attractive at less than $300.
To take advantage of the deal, you’ll have to enter the “TRUELOVE25” coupon code on Best Buy before checkout. The $400 list price will magically go down to $284.99 and you’ll have a snazzy red tab to wrap up with a bow and give as a Valentine’s Day gift to your better half. Or you can keep it, because there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be in style, is it?
Conventional bargain-hunting methods include checking coupon websites, subscribing to retailers’ newsletters, and doing a quick Google search for a coupon code. But what do you do when these methods leave you without a discount? Consider these four alternatives that could easily ensure you don’t pay full price when shopping online:
Use live chat. Many online retailers utilize a live chat service, where they have operators standing by to answer questions about products and services. In many cases, these operators are also armed with online coupon codes to give consumers just for the asking. Offers may include free shipping and up to 25 percent off your online purchase. If you can’t find a coupon for a specific online retailer, open a chat session, if available, and politely ask the operator if they would be kind enough to share a coupon to help lower your bill. Remember to be polite, as many operators will be inclined to have you pay full price if you are rude or abrupt with them.
Abandon the shopping cart. Another online shopping trend that is gaining traction is the virtual cart abandonment strategy. In an effort to build customer loyalty, online retailers are sending a coupon code via email to shoppers who have abandoned their cart before finalizing their purchase. A few of the popular online retailers that are actively employing this technique include Best Buy, Lands’ End, Zappo’s, Home Depot, and Bass Pro Shops.
For this to work, you’ll need to register with the retailer, login to your account, add the items you want to purchase to your cart or basket, and proceed through the checkout process until you reach the payment page. It is not until you reach the payment page that you want to abandon or logout of your shopping session. By doing this, you increase your chances of getting an email from the retailer saying something like, “Hi, please come back to our site and finish your purchase. As our way of saying how much we appreciate your business, use coupon code SAVE15 to get 15 percent off your next purchase.”
Get social. Do you have a few online retailers you regularly shop at? If so, make sure you “’like” their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. A majority of online retailers are using their social media accounts to not only interact with loyal shoppers but to share coupons and discounts. Many of these coupons are exclusively provided to their social media followers and can’t be found anywhere else online.
Discounted Gift Cards. Are you aware you can purchase gift cards to popular online stores at less than face value? Do a quick Google search for “discounted gift cards” and you’ll find reputable websites that buy and sell gift cards. These sites purchase unwanted gift cards from consumers and re-sell them for slightly more than what they paid. For example, they might buy a $100 gift card for $85 and resell it to you for $92 with free shipping. This is a great savings strategy for consumers if you know you are going to purchase a high-priced item from a specific retailer. You can easily save 10 to 15 percent by buying discounted gift cards. They also make for great last-minute gift ideas.
As technology changes, so does the way retailers interact with customers. As savvy consumers, knowledge is power, and that has never been truer than in the world of technology and the Internet. By knowing these four unconventional ways to find a coupon or deal, you have a new arsenal of tools at your disposal when shopping online. No longer are you forced to pay full price when a coupon seems unavailable.
Kyle James operates Rather-Be-Shopping.com which specializes in online coupon codes, printable coupons, and mobile coupons for over 800 popular retailers. Top stores include Lands’ End, American Eagle, Macy’s, Wal-Mart, and Best Buy.
More PC download games are on sale through the week, with some nice additions for console gamers too.
Probably the hottest deal this week is the PC download of Dead island from Green Man Gaming for only $4.08 (standard edition) and $5.44 for the GOTY edition. All released Dead Island games and DLC are 66% off instantly and eligible for an extra 20% off with coupon code.
If you need to renew the ol’ Xbox LIVE subscription soon you’re in luck. Best Buy has a rare week-long sale for 12-month Xbox LIVE cards at only $34.99 (list price $60), with free shipping or store pickup. Amazon has price-matched.
The newest co-op hack and slash game Dungeonland released today on PC. Green Man Gaming’s 25% off pre-order games coupon still works even though the game is released. This pre-order coupon tends to work on release dates but stops working the day after.
Amazon is offering hefty bonus credits on five pre-order games for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC (physical copy only). Dead Space 3, Sim City, Crysis 3, and Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel each get a $20 bonus credit (good towards anything sold by Amazon, not limited to gaming orders like usual) and God of War: Ascension gets a $10 credit.
Hot Deal of the Week
Dead Island – $4.08. Next best is $15 at GameFly. Deal expires January 31. The GOTY edition is $5.44. Activates on Steam.
Today’s release: Dungeonland (PC Download) – $7.50. List is $10. Deal expires January 30. Game activates on Steam.
uDraw GameTablet with uDraw Studio (Xbox 360, PS3) – $5.99. Next best is $14 at Amazon. Deal expires today. No surprises this is so cheap with the breakup for THQ (sniff).
Awesomenauts – $3. Next best is $10 at Green Man Gaming. Deal expires today. Game activates on Steam.
Green Man Gaming PC Downloads
Last Wednesday’s release: Strike Suit Zero – $16. List is $20. Deal expires January 31.
Instead of paying upwards of $20 for one HDMI cable, why not get six for $12.99?
(Credit:
1SaleADay)
I don’t know about you, but I never seem to have enough HDMI cables. Maybe Obviously it’s because I live in a gear-heavy household (Roku boxes everywhere!), so I’m always looking to pad my supply.
Today’s deal ought to last me awhile. Today only, and while supplies last, 1SaleADay has a six-pack of 10-foot gold-tip HDMI cables for $12.99 shipped. That works out to about $2.16 per cable, which is less than what you’d typically pay for a single six-footer.
By now I suspect that most people (or at least most CNET readers) know the truth about HDMI cables: They’re all pretty much the same.
These are high-speed HDMI 1.4 cables, meaning they’re capable of transmitting 3D — for all 10 of you who have 3D Blu-ray players and TVs and all three who actually use them to watch 3D movies.
One of the listed features is Ethernet, suggesting that the cables also support Ethernet over HDMI — for all zero of you who have need for that feature.
Anyway, the bottom line: half a dozen extra-long HDMI cables for about a dozen dollars. What’s not to like? (Maybe this: 1SaleADay notes you should “Please allow up to 7 days for your order to ship.” Translation, based on past experience: It could take 2-3 weeks for your order to arrive.)
Bonus deal: These probably won’t last long, but while supplies last, Best Buy has the refurbished Kindle Fire for $84.99 when you apply coupon code BEMINE15 at checkout. You’ll have to pick it up in-store, but at least you won’t be on the hook for any shipping charges. This is the first-generation Fire; it comes with a 90-day Geek Squad warranty.
Bonus deal No. 2: Got Xbox? For a limited time, Amazon has an Xbox Live Gold 12-month Subscription card for $34.99 shipped. Regular price: $59.99. I don’t love having to pay for Gold just to get features like online gaming and Netflix streaming, but at least now I don’t have to pay full price for it.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
Remember earlier this week, when we mentioned that Banana Republic has been going crazy with deals this month? Well, the madness continues this weekend, with the retailer once again offering 30% off through the end of the day Saturday. The deal is online only (you’ll need the coupon code BRTAKE30) and it’s down from the 40% we saw just a few days ago, so it’s possible that Banana Republic is starting to ease off on the deals a bit. With that said, we wouldn’t be shocked to see 40%-off deals return as early as next week.
• In that same article, we also mentioned that consumer electronics deals were up from last January. Well, Best Buy is in the midst of “Winter Doorbuster Days” which it says “feels like Black Friday.” The two-day event lasts through Saturday, and online purchases ship free. Deals include a Droid Razr M for free with a two-year contract and a free $20 gift card when you buy the current generation iPod nano for $145. You can also get a 55-inch Insignia TV for $550, marked down from $800. Finally, Best Buy is taking $200 off all models of Apple’s MacBook Air.
• Every couple of months, the 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription gets marked down to below $40. This week it’s happening at NewEgg’s eBay store, where you can get the subscription card for $34.99 with free shipping. The card has a retail price of $60 and usually sells for $50. Even if you’re not a big online gamer, getting the Gold subscription allows you to access media services including Netflix and Hulu Plus through your Xbox 360. Quantities are limited and it usually sells out fast, so get on this as soon as you can.
• If you’re looking to decorate your house for a Super Bowl party, you might check at FatHead, which is currently offering 25% off all NFL products. The discount can be had via the coupon code VICTORY25, which is valid through the day after Super Bowl Sunday — 11:59 p.m. PST, Feb. 4.
Matt Brownell is the consumer and retail reporter for DailyFinance. You can reach him at Matt.Brownell@teamaol.com, and follow him on Twitter at @Brownellorama.
New York, NY — (SBWIRE) — 12/31/2012 — Ibotdis.com, a website that caters to online shoppers with special deals and coupons from some of the most reputed stores declared that Best Buy Coupon Code is a very good incentive for converting a visitor to a customer. Promotion codes and deals that are provided by online stores like Overstock.com, Best Buy and Macys to name a few does help to drive sales.
During the holiday shopping season, the store with the best visitor to customer conversion has been BestBuy.com. Due to the site-wide and specific category based coupons, online shoppers have given a positive response to the deals. Best Buy being a one stop shop for all your needs always has the best deals for every occasion and season. Generally, specializing in Electronics and Computer related products, Best Buy has the best offers on LED Tv’s, Digital Cameras, Laptops, Tablets and more.
“BestBuy.com has some of the best products at discounted prices. These incentives have proven to become a successful formula for converting visitors to customers.” Says Victoria Wong, Content Manager Co-Founder of Ibotdis.com website.
A few of the deals from Best Buy are below:
- $50 off on Nikon Speedlight Flash when you buy Nikon DSLR Camera.
- Up to 30% Off HDTVs from reputed brands.
- Toshiba 15.6″ Laptop with 4GB Memory and 320GB Hard Drive, Only $299.99, plus free shipping.
- Save $100-$750 on Select DSLR Packages, plus free shipping.
- Save $20 on 007 Legends for Xbox 360 or PS3, on sale for $39.99.
Nowadays everything sells online. Everything is instant and so is online shopping. Nobody wants to be a part of the crowded store and wait in queues to make payment or exchange goods.
About Ibotdis.com
Ibotdis.com is a website that provides online shoppers with coupon and deals to save more while they shop at their favorite online store. Ibotdis.com has some of the most reputed stores listed in their website, namely Best Buy, Macys, Overstock and more. Apart from the website version of a physical store, Ibotdis.com also lists online store like Buy.com and Newegg that does not have a physical store but has the best deals in their respective niche.
The Launchpad is a series that introduces Mashable readers to compelling startups. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here.
One-Liner Pitch: ZenDeals uses patent-pending technology to verify online-coupon codes, so consumers don’t end up wasting time trying to redeem outdated or fake offers. ` Why It’s Taking Off: A much-needed solution to the biggest problem facing the online-coupon industry.
If you’ve ever tried to redeem coupon codes online, chances are you’ve come across a bunch that don’t work. That’s the problem ZenDeals hopes to solve.
ZenDeals, a startup based in Palo Alto, came out of stealth mode Tuesday after spending the past 18 months working under the radar on a new service to eliminate the headache that comes with redeeming coupon codes online. The resulting service, which is free to use, relies on patent-pending technology that uses machine-learning algorithms to verify that every coupon code offered on the ZenDeals website is in fact redeemable at that time.
To date, ZenDeals has tested more than 5.5 million coupon codes, and it has verified coupon codes from all the largest e-commerce companies, including Amazon, Gap, Best Buy and Target. Users must click on the code on ZenDeals’ website, which then automatically pulls up the retailer’s website. The coupon code is displayed at the top of the retailer’s site, and is redeemable for a limited period of time.
“There are a lot of dirty and expired coupons out there,” said Alexi Suvacioglu, co-founder and product lead for ZenDeals.
By way of comparison, he noted that when consumers go to book a flight online, they expect to find listings that are current and unfilled. Yet, when it comes to searching for coupon codes, it’s practically inevitable that consumers will have to sift through outdated and fake listings. “Our value proposition is that if you come to us, we’ll save you both time and money.”
Suvacioglu and his co-founders Christopher Couhault and David Lemphers came up with the idea for the service after Couhault struggled to find a redeemable coupon code to buy diapers online (at his wife’s request). At the time, they were in the middle of a brainstorming meeting for a project, but soon recognized the opportunity to solve a problem for consumers.
At launch, ZenDeals is available for online shoppers in the U.S., Italy, Brazil and China.
ZenDeals is backed by Eric Schmidt’s venture fund Innovation Endeavors, as well as by several startup CEOs, and executives originally from Facebook and Zynga. As with the current crop of coupon websites, ZenDeals will generate revenue from referrals when users click through a coupon-code link to a retailer’s website, and make a purchase there.
While many in the tech community have been focused on the growth and decline of daily-deal companies, the online-coupon industry has continued to grow. Earlier this year, eMarketer estimated that there would be more than 90 million online-coupon users by the end of 2012.
As ZenDeals’ founders are quick to point out, big money is flowing to some of the marquee startups in the online-coupon industry. Savings.com, an online-coupon code and deals site, was acquired earlier this year by Cox Target Media for $100 million, while Coupons.com raised a $200 million round in mid-2011 at a $1 billion valuation.
The hope, according to the founders, is that ZenDeals can compete against these and other companies by offering verified coupon codes that work reliably. If so, perhaps they’ll get a nice payday of their own down the road.
Ibotdis.com announced today that Best Buy Coupon Code was the most popular search term for Cyber Monday. On Black Friday and more on Cyber Monday, Best Buy store section of Ibotdis.com website had nearly 4 times more visit from search engines.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 11, 2012
Ibotdis.com, a coupon and discount deal website declared today that the online store that was most search during Cyber Monday was Best Buy. On Black Friday and specially on Cyber Monday the website had nearly 4 times more visitors coming from search engines with terms like Best Buy Coupon Code and Best Buy Promo Code to the websites page http://www.ibotdis.com/store/best-buy/. Digital Camera was browsed the most and yes not to forget the Free Shipping offers by the store on nearly all orders was one of the main reasons of this success and demand. Apart from Digital Cameras, there were shoppers who even purchased Video Game Consoles and Television sizes above 42 inches from numerous brands.
“Best Buy has taken the online deals with a storm this year and has pricing that is difficult to be found elsewhere.” Says Victoria Wong, Content Manager Co-Founder of Ibotdis.com website.
Ibotdis.com has also been redesigned keeping in mind the users comments and requirement and now has the new browsing pattern :
New Search Box that provides instant Store Name as a dropdown.
Today’s Discount Deal section for products on instant discount up to 60% off.
And as always a Store List and Category link very much visible on all pages.
It’s all about online in today’s world. Everything is instant and so is online shopping. No longer does a shopper need to visit the crowded stores to purchase the products of their choice. It’s all available online.
About Ibotdis.com :
Ibotdis.com is a website that provides online shoppers with coupon and deals to save more while they shop at their favorite online store. Ibotdis.com has some of the most reputed stores listed in their website, namely Best Buy, Macys, Overstock and more. Apart from the website version of physical store, Ibotdis.com also have online store like Buy.com and Newegg that does not have a physical store but its online version has the best deals in their respective niche.
It’s hard to advocate a high-end Android tablet against one of Apple’s iPads, but we’ve always said that if the price is right a Google-powered slate can be a more-than-decent choice. Enter the 
Remember earlier this week, when we mentioned that 
