Looking to score unbeatable local deals without the hassle? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re hunting for a discount on dinner, searching for a special sale at your local store, or simply trying to save extensively while shopping, there’s a world of apps and websites designed to help you. From deal-hunting apps to those specializing in hidden gems, we’ve got the inside scoop on snagging the best local offers near you.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- The best websites and apps for local deals.
- How to maximize savings on every platform.
- Tips for stacking coupons and cashback offers.
- Pro tips for saving on groceries, dining, and entertainment.
- Why timing and seasonal sales matter.
- How to combine apps for more significant savings.
- How local deals help you budget smarter and explore more.
1. Dealhack
Website: Dealhack
You didn’t think we’d leave out Dealhack, did you? As a team of online shopping experts, Dealhack specializes in uncovering the best deals and discount codes from all around the web. While our primary focus is online shopping, we also curate an impressive selection of local deals, offering savings on everything from dining and services to retail and entertainment.
How Dealhack Works
Dealhack is a comprehensive coupon database aggregating codes and discounts from thousands of retailers. For local deals, simply enter your location, and we’ll show you a list of offers available nearby. We make sure you’re saving no matter where you are.
Best Dealhack Features
- Daily Updates: New deals and codes are added daily, so you’ll never miss out on the latest discounts.
- Verified Codes: Our team works hard to ensure all coupon codes are up-to-date and working.
- Local Deal Integration: Looking for deals near you? Dealhack’s local feature helps you find hidden discounts at nearby stores.
Pro Tips for Dealhack
- Bookmark Our Blog: Stay updated with our money-saving hacks, from how to stack coupons to maximizing cashback apps.
- Use Our Extension: The Dealhack browser extension automatically finds and applies the best codes at checkout. No more manually hunting for deals!
Best for: Online and local deals
Bonus hack: Stack your savings by combining Dealhack coupons with in-store cashback programs like Rakuten for double the discounts!
2. Groupon
Website: Groupon
Groupon has been the go-to site for local deals for years, and for good reason. With a vast range of discounts on everything from dining and travel to beauty services and events, it’s a treasure trove for deal lovers. You’re missing out on savings if you’re not checking Groupon regularly.
How Groupon Works
Groupon connects businesses with consumers by offering exclusive discounts on local services, experiences, and products. Deals can be purchased directly on the platform, and many come with an expiration date, encouraging users to act quickly.
Top Categories on Groupon
- Dining and Nightlife: Find restaurants, bars, and cooking classes deals.
- Travel and Getaways: Look for hotel discounts and vacation packages.
- Health and Wellness: Get discounts on spas, yoga classes, and fitness memberships.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Groupon
- Stack Promo Codes: Groupon often offers additional promotions. Check for discount codes in addition to the listed deal.
- Check Reviews First: Always read the reviews of the business offering the deal to avoid disappointment.
Best for: Dining, travel, beauty, activities
Bonus hack: Combine Groupon with cashback apps like Rakuten to earn while you save! Now that’s smart shopping.
3. RetailMeNot
Website: RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is one of the most trusted coupon sites, offering online and in-store savings. Whether shopping at a big retailer or looking for deals at your local stores, RetailMeNot has you covered.
How RetailMeNot Works
RetailMeNot offers thousands of digital coupons, discounts, and deals from local and national retailers. You can search by store, category, or location to find the best offers near you.
Best Features of RetailMeNot
- Location-Based Notifications: Allow location services and get pinged when you’re near a store offering a deal.
- Cashback Offers: Some retailers offer cashback through the RetailMeNot app in addition to coupons, letting you double dip on savings.
Pro Tips for RetailMeNot
- Use the Browser Extension: Install the RetailMeNot Deal Finder extension to apply coupons when shopping online automatically.
- Check for Expiring Coupons. The best discounts are often found before they expire. Don’t let those savings slip away!
Best for Restaurants, clothing stores, tech
Bonus hack: Use RetailMeNot’s Deal Finder for automatic savings when shopping online.
4. LivingSocial
Website: LivingSocial
LivingSocial is your perfect match if you love local experiences but hate paying the total price. Like Groupon, it offers a wide range of deals but specializes in experiences, making it ideal for the adventurer.
What Makes LivingSocial Different
LivingSocial curates local experiences, offering discounted event tickets, fitness classes, and even unique experiences like helicopter rides or wine tours.
Popular LivingSocial Categories
- Events & Activities: Concerts, comedy shows, and outdoor adventures.
- Health & Fitness: Yoga classes, gym memberships, and personal training deals.
- Beauty & Spas: Hair salons, massages, and beauty treatments.
Pro Tips for LivingSocial
- Flash Sales: Look for limited-time flash sales to snag deals over discounted experiences.
- Combine Deals with Gifts: LivingSocial deals make great gifts! You can send them directly to friends or family.
Best for Local events, activities, and classes
Bonus hack: Watch out for flash sales to stack even more significant savings.
5. Flipp
Website: Flipp
Love saving on groceries? Flipp should be your best friend. This app curates all local grocery deals in one place, so you can easily compare circulars and digital coupons without rifling through paper flyers.
How Flipp Simplifies Grocery Shopping
Flipp compiles all the weekly grocery flyers from local stores and matches them with coupons to maximize savings. Users can create personalized shopping lists that align with ongoing promotions.
Key Features of Flipp
- Grocery Circulars: View weekly flyers from your favorite stores in one app.
- Coupon Matching: Use coupons from multiple sources to apply to your grocery purchases.
- Personalized Deals: Set up lists and get notifications when your desired items go on sale.
Pro Tips for Flipp
- Create Shopping Lists: Let Flipp match local deals to your needed items.
- Plan Weekly: Check your list before heading out for your grocery run so you can take advantage of every deal.
Best for: Grocery deals, household items
Bonus hack: Set weekly alerts for price drops on your most-purchased items.
6. YipitData
Website: YipitData
Yipit is a powerhouse for aggregating deals from multiple sites, so you never have to open countless tabs hunting for the best savings.
How Yipit Works
Yipit gathers deals from popular platforms like Groupon, LivingSocial, and more, presenting them in one streamlined location. It saves time by consolidating the best local offers.
Popular Categories on Yipit
- Dining & Drinks: Restaurant deals aggregated from several platforms.
- Entertainment & Events: Tickets and experiences, all in one place.
- Health & Fitness: Local classes, gyms, and spa services are discounted.
Pro Tips for Yipit
- Check Before You Buy: Always review Yipit before purchasing to ensure you get the best price possible.
- Subscribe for Curated Deals: Yipit offers a daily newsletter featuring the top deals in your area.
Best for: Deal hunters who shop multiple sites
Bonus hack: Subscribe to Yipit’s curated newsletter for top daily deals.
7. Honey
Website: Honey
Honey is the browser extension every deal-savvy shopper needs. It scans the web for promo codes and automatically applies them at checkout. While Honey is known for its online prowess, it also offers local deals through its Honey Gold rewards program, giving you cashback for purchases made at participating retailers.
How Honey Works
Honey scours the internet for discount codes and applies them for you at checkout with just one click. Its Honey Gold program also allows users to earn points (Gold) for purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
Honey’s Best Features
- Coupon Search: Automatically finds and applies the best promo code at checkout.
- Honey Gold: Earn rewards for local purchases and redeem them for gift cards.
- Price Tracking: Set alerts to monitor price drops on your favorite items.
Pro Tips for Honey
- Use on Desktop and Mobile: Honey is available as a browser extension and on mobile to save on local deals and online purchases.
- Stack Rewards: Earn Honey Gold and combine it with existing cashback offers from other apps, such as Rakuten or Ibotta, for double savings.
Best for: Online shopping, local cashback deals
Bonus hack: Use Honey’s price tracker to monitor items and buy when they hit their lowest price point.
8. Ibotta
Website: Ibotta
Ibotta has taken the cashback world by storm, especially regarding groceries and everyday purchases. It offers cashback for shopping at major grocery chains and has partnerships with local retailers, making it a top choice for finding local deals.
How Ibotta Works
Ibotta allows users to earn cashback by submitting receipts or linking loyalty cards to their accounts. It also features in-app deals that can be activated before they shop, ensuring they get the best savings on local groceries and products.
Best Ibotta Features
- Receipt Scanning: Upload receipts for instant cashback on eligible purchases.
- In-App Offers: Activate deals within the app before shopping to ensure you receive cashback.
- Loyalty Card Integration: Link your store loyalty cards for automatic savings on qualified purchases.
Pro Tips for Ibotta
- Use Ibotta Pay: Pay for purchases through the app to earn additional cashback.
- Maximize Grocery Savings: Combine Ibotta deals with Flipp and paper coupons for grocery savings galore!
Best for: Grocery cashback, local retail stores
Bonus hack: Pair Ibotta offers store-specific coupons for the ultimate savings stack.
9. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Website: Rakuten
Rakuten is one of the most popular cashback platforms, offering savings on online and local purchases. It’s simple: shop through their links and earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash. Local deals are available at partner stores, including restaurants and retail stores.
How Rakuten Works
Rakuten gives you a percentage back on purchases when you shop through its app or website. Simply click through to the store of your choice and make your purchase. Rakuten will automatically apply the cashback to your account. For local deals, you’ll find offers at nearby businesses, particularly in dining and entertainment.
Best Rakuten Features
- Cashback Offers: Earn a percentage back from a wide range of stores.
- In-Store Cashback: Link your card to get cashback from local retailers and restaurants.
- Referral Bonuses: Earn $30 for every friend you refer who makes a purchase.
Pro Tips for Rakuten
- Shop During Bonus Events: Look for special bonus cashback events where stores offer increased cashback percentages.
- In-Store Deals: When shopping locally, remember to activate in-store offers! It’s easy to forget to use Rakuten when you’re not online.
Best for: Local and online cashback
Bonus hack: Use Rakuten’s Cash Back Button browser extension to earn cashback on local and online purchases automatically.
Expert Tips for Becoming a Local Deal Pro
Want to take your savings game to the next level? Here are some advanced strategies for becoming a local deal pro:
1. Timing Is Everything
Check apps like Groupon and LivingSocial during seasonal sales or before major holidays. Retailers often increase their discounts during these times, giving you a better chance of snagging bigger deals.
2. Combine Apps for Maximum Savings
Don’t rely on just one app. For example, use Flipp to find grocery deals, pair them with Ibotta offers for cashback, and then use your store’s loyalty card to add even more discounts. Stacking savings like this can significantly reduce your overall spending.
3. Set Alerts
Setting deal alerts is critical for frequent savers. Apps like Slickdeals and RetailMeNot let you set up alerts for specific items or stores, so you’re always notified when a deal that matches your preferences comes along.
4. Shop Off-Peak Hours
Some local deals, especially those on Groupon or LivingSocial, offer better discounts during off-peak times. For example, you might find better prices for spa treatments or restaurants during weekdays versus weekends.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Sometimes, local businesses will have exclusive deals or promotions that are not advertised on apps. Don’t be shy about asking your favorite local restaurant, gym, or salon if they have any ongoing deals or discounts you might have missed.
Why Local Deal-Hunting Matters More Than Ever
In today’s world, saving money isn’t just a hobby. It’s a necessity. With inflation, rising living costs, and unexpected expenses cropping up, the ability to find local deals can significantly improve your financial health. By tapping into these apps and websites, you’re not just saving on the small stuff; you’re making a long-term impact on your spending habits.
1. It Helps You Budget Smarter
Knowing where and how to find deals allows you to set more realistic budgets. When you factor in potential savings, you can allocate more of your budget toward critical financial goals, like paying off debt or building up your savings.
2. It Encourages You to Explore
Local deal apps like Groupon and LivingSocial make it easy to discover new restaurants, activities, and stores in your area that you might not have otherwise tried. These platforms often feature small businesses looking to attract new customers so you can support your community while saving money.
3. It’s Environmentally Friendly
By buying locally and taking advantage of in-store deals, you’re reducing the need for long-distance shipping and packaging, which can help lower your carbon footprint. Apps like Flipp also reduce paper waste by letting you access digital flyers instead of printed circulars.
4. It’s a Fun Challenge
Let’s face it: something is thrilling about finding a great deal. Deal-hunting can become a fun hobby once you get the hang of it, especially when saving severe money. Plus, sharing your savings tricks with friends and family can make you the local deal expert in your social circle.
How to Combine Local Deal Platforms for Maximum Savings
Now that we’ve covered the top apps and websites let’s discuss how to use them together for the ultimate deal-hacking strategy. Combining these platforms strategically can save you even more than using one at a time.
Step 1: Start with a General Deal Aggregator
Use apps like Yipit and Slickdeals to check for local deals across multiple platforms. These apps will give you a broad overview of what’s available in your area.
Step 2: Check for Specific Coupons
Once you’ve found a deal, head to RetailMeNot or Dealhack to search for coupons. Often, you can combine these promo codes with in-app deals for extra savings.
Step 3: Stack Cashback Offers
Remember to use Rakuten or Ibotta to earn cashback on top of your savings. These apps are handy when shopping at local retailers or restaurants participating in cashback programs.
Step 4: Leverage Flash Sales
Keep an eye on LivingSocial and Groupon for flash sales or limited-time offers. These can sometimes be combined with other deals for a short period, allowing you to save even more.
Comparison of Popular Websites/Apps for Finding Local Deals
App/Website | Key Features | Best For | Bonus Hack |
---|---|---|---|
Dealhack | Verified codes, daily updates, local deal integration | Online and local deals | Stack coupons with cashback apps like Rakuten |
Groupon | Discounts on dining, travel, and beauty services | Dining, travel, beauty, activities | Stack promo codes with cashback apps for double savings |
RetailMeNot | Digital coupons, cashback offers, location-based notifications | Restaurants, clothing stores, tech | Use Deal Finder for automatic savings |
LivingSocial | Discounted local experiences, flash sales | Local events, activities, and classes | Look for flash sales to combine deals for bigger savings |
Flipp | Local grocery flyers, coupon matching, personalized deals | Grocery deals, household items | Set weekly alerts for price drops on frequently purchased items |
Yipit | Aggregates deals from Groupon, LivingSocial, etc. | Dining, entertainment, fitness | Subscribe to Yipit’s daily newsletter for top deals |
Honey | Automatically applies promo codes, Honey Gold rewards | Online shopping, local cashback deals | Look for flash sales to combine deals for more significant savings |
Ibotta | Cashback on groceries, receipt scanning, loyalty card integration | Grocery cashback, local retail stores | Combine Ibotta offers with store-specific coupons |
Rakuten | Cashback offers, in-store cashback, referral bonuses | Local and online cashback | Use the Cash Back Button browser extension for automatic cashback |
Conclusion
Finding local deals can be your secret weapon for wiser spending in a world where every dollar counts. By using apps like Groupon, Flipp, and Rakuten, you can save on everything from groceries to entertainment. With the right strategies and tools, you’ll turn deal-hunting into a lifestyle, unlocking savings wherever you go. Start exploring these apps today, and watch your savings add up! Happy deal-hunting!
For expert tips and exclusive deals, follow us at Dealhack – your go-to source for smart shopping and savings!
FAQ
Flipp is ideal for finding local grocery deals by compiling flyers and matching coupons for added savings.
Groupon and LivingSocial offer a variety of local dining deals, from restaurants to bars and cooking classes.
Yes, apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Dealhack allow you to stack coupons and cashback for more savings.
RetailMeNot uses your location to send notifications about nearby deals, ensuring you never miss savings.
Both offer local deals, but Groupon focuses on a wide range of services, while LivingSocial specializes in experiences like events and fitness.
Simply shop through Rakuten’s links or activate in-store offers to earn cashback on your purchases.
Honey also offers local deals through its Honey Gold rewards program, giving you cashback at participating retailers.
Activate in-app offers, scan your receipt, or link loyalty cards to earn cashback on grocery purchases.
Yipit aggregates deals from multiple platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial, saving you time when deal hunting.
Use Flipp to find deals and coupons, then submit receipts through Ibotta for extra cashback.