Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Eating out can be fun and is generally easier than cooking – but it can be very expensive. Using coupons while eating out should be a no-brainer for most of us. They're plentiful – and there's no excuse for not using them – but it does take a bit of planning. If you find yourself short on printed coupons, no worries: there's an app for that. More than one, actually.Here are some of my favorites:RetailMeNot (retailmenot.com) has branched out even further with the addition of their restaurant savings section. You can print coupons at home, if you're a planner ““ but if you are more “˜on the fly' ““ get their mobile app. Just install the app from the App Store or Google play, search for your cuisine du jour, and show your mobile device to snag the savings. Don't want to go through the app stores? Have the app texted to you from RetailMeNot's home page instead.
Of course, RetailMeNot has tons of coupons and coupon codes for stores and services too. So don't forget to check before you head to any cashier.
Valpak (valpak.com) has become so much more than the old school mailings that came to your house. They've moved into the tech age and added a mobile app for local coupons ““ including restaurant coupons. They even have Wallet Integration to add coupons to your iOS Passbook, Samsung Wallet, or Windows Phone Wallet. Have an iPad and time to plan ahead? You can print out coupons through your iPad to your wireless printer, too.
Restaurant.com (restaurant.com/mobile) is probably one of the most widely recognized names in dining savings. And they've continued to expand their brand. Available on Google play, the App Store, and Amazon apps, they allow you to find, purchase, and immediately use deals. Any device that hosts mobile web can also get the app by simply going to http://mobile.restaurant.com.
Restaurant.com is also a fantastic place for the coveted “double-dip”. No ““ not ice cream, although that's always fantastic. We're talking a coupon on top of a coupon. Restaurant.com gives you dining certificates worth more than you paid ““ but will often take a coupon code themselves. So, for example, a restaurant certificate worth $25 might be priced at $10, but a coupon code (valid on the Restaurant.com site) might slash your purchase price to $5.
Groupon and Living Social are two of the biggest daily deal sites, and having apps is definitely part of the reason. Both deal-brokers allow you to browse, purchase and redeem in minutes. Get their apps from the App Store or Google Play, or opt to receive the download link via a text message. In the case of Groupon, you can also get the app via the Windows Store; and they even have it for Blackberry.
Two more ways”¦
Some restaurants offer a discount if you check-in online and/or make a comment about being at their place. Watch for signs, or front entrance window clings, advertising this savings opportunity usingFacebook,
Foursquare, or Yelp.
Texting or scanning a QR (quick response) code is now a favorite of restaurants. Usually advertised at the table, you can get free appetizers, percentages off, and more. Texting or scanning usually results in signing you up to their email list or loyalty program, but can be well worth it.
I'd love to hear what apps you use when choosing restaurants with the goal of getting a great deal. Please share below!
