Finding the best deals and discounts on products and services is quite exciting. And what better way to save on the next purchase than to use coupon codes readily available on the Internet? However, a coupon code is only effective if one uses it correctly. While an individual might have access to a host of codes, they may still fail to get the best deal because they might end up making these mistakes:

1. Forgetting to check the expiration date
Most coupon codes have an expiration date. Forgetting to check this could result in missing out on the benefits. One should always check the expiration date to avoid missing any benefits.

2. Sticking to a single coupon
While a coupon might offer the best price on a retail platform, one should never use only one option. Some coupons may have problems with usage or might not apply to all products. One should look for additional coupons to use as backup and to find the best overall value possible. For instance, a coupon might offer free delivery, which might look attractive, while another may offer 50% off on the product, which is still a better deal.

3. Getting lured into buying more
Coupons with a minimum purchase value often compel shoppers to buy more than they need. If one does not need something, one should avoid using the coupon code instead of getting lured into buying something expensive.

4. Forgetting to get additional discounts on pre-discounted things
One might find products already on sale for 50% off. In such situations, users do not realize they can sometimes use the coupon code to get an additional discount on the item or service. While this might not always work, one could always try using the code, and they might get lucky.

5. Overlooking terms and conditions
Each coupon has unique terms and conditions associated with it. For instance, some may have a minimum purchase requirement, while others will only work with a specific product category. So, using it in incorrect categories would render the code useless and waste one’s time. Therefore, the coupon holder must always read the terms and conditions to check if the code is worth their while.

6. Not tracking savings
While a coupon might help one save money, many never track savings. Noting how much the applied discount was will help one determine the stores that provide the best deal.