Browsing for shoes online can easily become the most delightful — and time-consuming — way to put off responsibilities.
While bargain sites sometimes offer tempting prices, they don’t always deliver the quality I want. I’m not saying I’m obsessed with brand names, but… I might be.
For a long time, I assumed shopping at Zappos was out of my price range. Over time, though, I discovered the best solution to my footwear needs was hiding in plain sight the whole time.
If you won’t pull the trigger without free shipping or a discount code, keep reading: We dug up the smartest ways to save at Zappos — and some might be unexpected.
The One Thing You Can’t Do to Save at Zappos
First up: Zappos does not have coupon codes.
Stop looking. It won’t do any good.
“Many online sites may claim to have Zappos.com coupons or discounts,” the retailer’s site clarifies. “But the truth is Zappos.com does not offer coupons or promotion codes.”
So while you won’t find stacked codes for near-total discounts, there are still legit ways to cut costs at Zappos.
Below are our top six strategies for happier (and smarter) shoe shopping.
1. Free Shipping — Just Because
Ever hastily added a $4.25 trinket to an order just to qualify for free shipping?
You won’t need to do that here.
Waiting four to five business days for a delivery isn’t long — though it may feel that way in our instant-gratification era.
And if the shoes or sweater don’t fit? All returns are free, and you’ve got a full year to send back unused items for a complete refund.
2. Shop Enough to Earn VIP Perks
Zappos’ VIP program is a little enigmatic.
The company doesn’t publish clear rules about how to join or enroll. It basically just… happens.
How many orders does it take to become a VIP? I couldn’t tell you.
I’ve been a customer for roughly five years, but only buy a few items annually (maybe three pairs of shoes). I’m hardly the most reliable source.
When I asked Zappos for details, I got the reply I expected: The VIP program is “something we like to remain a mystery,” according to Molly Beare, PR communications advisor to the CEO.
Once you make it in, you never lose VIP status — and you receive free one-business-day shipping on all orders.
There’s even a dedicated customer service line for VIP shoppers if you need help with returns or other issues.
Note: One-day shipping without VIP status runs about $25.
3. Use the Zappos Mobile App
Not a VIP? No worries.
Install the Zappos app on iOS, Android or Kindle and you’ll get free one-business-day shipping when you place orders through the app.
Zappos also hints that app users see new merchandise early, but you’ll need to try it to judge how meaningful those previews are.
4. Watch for Price Drops
Keep tabs on your recent purchases!
Zappos is well known for excellent customer service, which includes efforts to keep money in your wallet.
If something you bought on Zappos is marked down on the site within 10 days of your purchase, contact the company. They’ll refund the difference to your original payment method.
(If you’d rather not manually monitor price changes, there’s an app that can do it for you.)
5. Sign Up for the Visa Rewards Card
If you’re shopping for a new credit card, Zappos makes a tempting option available.
The Zappos.com Rewards Visa card gives three points per dollar spent on Zappos’ site and one point per dollar spent elsewhere.
Rewards are delivered via email: Whenever you accumulate 2,500 points, you receive a $25 Zappos.com gift card.
Other perks: there’s no annual fee, and you’ll get a $25 statement credit after making your first purchase with the new card.
6. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
One of our go-to frugal tricks is purchasing discounted gift cards before buying online at favorite retailers.
Try it once and you’ll likely get hooked.
Deals and stock fluctuate, but while researching this piece we checked Zappos gift cards on Raise. There were $100 cards listed at an 8.7% discount, selling for $91.33. These electronic cards are delivered instantly — ideal for late-night shopping sprees.
Saving 8.7% may not sound huge, but wouldn’t you prefer to keep an extra $8 to spend on something else?
As we often remind ourselves: mind the pennies and the dollars will follow.
