DealHack Guides

9 Best Websites & Apps to Score Local Deals Near You

September 28, 2024 · 16 minute read

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:

1. Dealhack

WebsiteDealhack

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

Pro Tips for Dealhack

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

Pro Tips for Maximizing Groupon

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

Pro Tips for RetailMeNot

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

Pro Tips for LivingSocial

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

Pro Tips for Flipp

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

Pro Tips for Yipit

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

Pro Tips for Honey

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

Pro Tips for Ibotta

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

Pro Tips for Rakuten

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

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

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

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.

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

What is the best app for local grocery deals?

Flipp is ideal for finding local grocery deals by compiling flyers and matching coupons for added savings.

How can I find local restaurant deals?

Groupon and LivingSocial offer a variety of local dining deals, from restaurants to bars and cooking classes.

Can I stack coupons and cashback offers?

Yes, apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Dealhack allow you to stack coupons and cashback for more savings.

How does RetailMeNot’s location feature work?

RetailMeNot uses your location to send notifications about nearby deals, ensuring you never miss savings.

What’s the difference between Groupon and LivingSocial?

Both offer local deals, but Groupon focuses on a wide range of services, while LivingSocial specializes in experiences like events and fitness.

How do I earn cashback with Rakuten?

Simply shop through Rakuten's links or activate in-store offers to earn cashback on your purchases.

Is Honey only for online shopping?

Honey also offers local deals through its Honey Gold rewards program, giving you cashback at participating retailers.

How do I use Ibotta to save on groceries?

Activate in-app offers, scan your receipt, or link loyalty cards to earn cashback on grocery purchases.

What is Yipit’s main advantage?

Yipit aggregates deals from multiple platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial, saving you time when deal hunting.

Can I combine Flipp and Ibotta for grocery savings?

Use Flipp to find deals and coupons, then submit receipts through Ibotta for extra cashback.

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