Two things you should do before any major purchase. ("Major" being defined as any amount you choose.):
1) Visit the Gift Card trading websites to see if they have a discounted card available from the merchant where you want to shop.
http://www.plasticjungle.com
http://www.giftcardrescue.com/merchants/sell
http://www.monstergiftcard.com/search.php
For example, right now there are 2 Sierra Trading Post cards available at http://www.monstergiftcard.com/searc...category_id=29 for 15% off. (That's a $100 face value card you purchase for just $85. Gift Cards from many major retailers are available from 5-15% off. I often save 10% at Lowes & Home Depot. Target, Walmart, Macys, Best Buy always seem to be available, albiet at lesser discounts. Some of these sites (Plastic Jungle for sure) offer a free "Alert" service that sends you an email whenever a card you want is posted. Very handy!
2) Visit eBay and search the retailers name for discount coupons. For example, there are always 10% off coupons for Lowes and Home Depot available, usually for just a few dollars. (eBay is also a huge seller of discounted gift cards, however most are auction format which means it'll be days before you win and you could easily be overbid. My experience is bidding on gift cards at eBay is frustrating and rarely a good deal. I much prefer the sites above.)
Using these two methods, I routinely save 20% on my purchases, BEFORE the retailer's sale or everyday price.
A final note: most retailers accept gift cards and coupons online, so you can use these methods to make purchases from retailers not located in your area or on products not normally stocked. Sometimes, I buy it all online, have it "shipped to the store for free" and then just pick-it up. Saves time and money.
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