For online shopper who purchase often from the Internet, you will usually notice "promo code" or "coupon code" box during checkout process. What is that box for ? Or what should I do with it ? It is not a problem for savvy shoppers who are expert of taking advantage of any possible opportunity to save money while shopping online. This "promo code" or "coupon code" box in your shopping card page or any page during checkout process is a reminder from online merchant that you are entitle to save money if you have the secret code to enter into that box. It is just like you have to present the coupon to casher in bricks-and-mortar stores. Depends on the code you apply, if it is not expired and there is no restriction applied on the item you purchased, you might be able to get 10% off, $20 off or Free Shipping (which usually worth $5 - $10) from your order. Isn't that wonderful ? Happy online shopping for all of you! It is not so simple. We forget one thing - How can we get the secret code ?

Online merchants tends to issue coupon code just to some specific group of shoppers via private communication channels. Deep inside their mind, online merchants are afraid everyone use coupon code while shopping in their sites. Even though coupon code help to convert online surfing into transaction, any discount from using coupon code affect merchant's margin to some extent. That's why it is rare to see online merchants display coupon code publicly in their web pages. However, thanks to search engines and other online applications and websites which allow delivering, sharing, and exchanging information online, most of these secret codes have become public information to all online shoppers.

Search Engines - You can use generic search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN or discount shopping search engine such as Keeca.com to get coupon code. It is easy, just type "[merchant name] coupon" or "[merchant name] discount" (e.g. "dell coupon" or "oldnavy discount") in the search box to get coupon codes or coupon sites which post coupon codes.

Coupon Sites - Many online coupon sites post update-to-date coupon code for you to choose from. Some offer coupon notification service to deliver coupon code in a timely manner from merchants you are interested in. Some provide interface for online shoppers to share coupon codes and comments about whether coupons are valid with each other. That is just awesome.

Merchant's Newsletter - Join merchant's email list to receive new promotions from merchant.

Catalog or Magazine - From time to time, you'll be able to find coupon code from merchant's catalog or merchant's ads in magazines.

When you see the "promo code" or "coupon code" box, instead of "what is the code to enter?", the question become "how to get the code ?" or "how determined you are to get the code ?" Because it is now a public information some where just in front of you.