The InnoBlog

1. Use the coupon code! If you click onto a site to take advantage of a discount being offered with a coupon code... Make sure you enter the coupon code upon checkout! Yes, it happens! On-line shoppers end up clicking here and there throughout the web store and forget to enter the coupon code before checking out, consequently paying full price!

2. Search for a coupon code! If you've found a product you like, don't automatically accept the regular price. Take a moment to run a Google search for "product name" coupon code. There are often bloggers or deal sites offering coupon codes. You won't find one every time, butit's worth trying.

3. Request a discount! Don't be shy! For smaller on-line stores, e-mail the company and ask if they could offer you "trade show pricing" or "friends and family pricing" or maybe a discount if you order more than one. If not, be sure to ask if they have any sales planned in the near future (might be worth the wait!). For both small and large on-line stores, be sure to sign up for their monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about deals and sales.

4. Ask about sizing! On-line store owners are more than happy to answer questions about sizing and fit. Contact the store by e-mail or their "contact form" to inquire about whether their sizing is accurate or fits a bit loose or even a bit tight. You'll be glad in the long run that you took those extra few minutes to ask, rather than having to pay for shipping again later when you want to make a return or exchange.

5. Seek out Canadian sites. Often times, a Google search will point you toward the product you want, but on an American site. Do a bit more searching to see if that same product might be available on a Canadian-based web store. Not only will you save on shipping by staying within Canadian borders, but you are also contributing to our Canadian economy by supporting a Canadian business.

6. Ship it to the correct address! When ordering through PayPal (or any other on-line payment system with which you have an account) make sure you're address is correct! I can't tell you how many people e-mail me within 3 minutes of pressing the "checkout" button to say that they've moved and that the PayPal system has their old address.

7. Ask about local pick-up options! Click on the web store's "About Us" page or "Contact Us" page. If they are in the same city as you, or a city you visit, or a city in which you have family, make arrangements for a local pick-up to save on shipping. It's probably more environmentally friendly too, since you're reducing the load on our transportation system... but that's a whole other blog post!

8. Go in with a friend! You can also save on shipping by chipping in! Ask your sister-in-law, ask a neighbour, ask a co-worker. If you all shop on-line regularly, check with each other before placing an order. With Christmas shopping on the horizon, splitting the shipping can be an effective cost saving measure, especially when done time and time again!

9. Bulk orders! This is a combo of # 3 and # 8. The savings are adding up here ladies! If you find an awesome product on-line, but it's expensive and/or you only want one and/or it's large or heavy (costing more on shipping), set up a bulk order. Put out a notice to your co-workers, post a message on Facebook or ask your fellow mommy group or book club members if they too would be interested in purchasing this same product for back-to-school, Christmas, etc. Then, e-mail the company and ask for a bulk order discount. Even if it's just 10% off, it's better than paying full price. Plus, you'll save on shipping by dividing it amongst the group of you.

10. Share! If you've found a great product, experienced exceptional customer service or enjoy returning time and time again to the same on-line store, take the time to tell others! Share it on social media or tell your friends at work! Don't keep it to yourself! A great deal is meant to be shared!

Create litter-less lunches with Zero Waste Lunch Kits! Fashionable, fun and functional, they're a sustainable green solution for every day lunches and snacks for kids or you! Includes a reusable lunch bag (made from recycled plastic water bottles), two stainless steel food containers and a stainless steel water bottle (also sold separately here).

Scrunch 'em, Roll 'em or Wear 'em Up! These funky "boots" have a ribbed cotton sock-like tube, durable leather upper with a solid rubber grooved sole that are sure to be the most fashionable in the school yard!

Attach an I.C.E. Tag to helmets, shoes, backpacks, key chains, etc. in case of an emergency! These durable tags are perfect for children who have a hard time remembering their phone number, or who might forget in the event of an emergency!

The best part about Summer is picnics! The worst part about picnics is crushed food! Stop crushing your rice rusks, cereal bars, cookies and crackers with Cookie Safe!

Road trips are synonymous with Summer! Exploring our great Canadian landscape with the windows down brings a smile to all of us. But our kids wining in the backseat is a major downer! Keep 'em busy with Kidzsack! An eco-art reusable activity and backpack.

Today I Ate a Rainbow: Summer Eating Solved!

Freshly picked produce is irresistible... to adults! Set healthy eating habits for your children with a Today I Ate a Rainbow Kit. Make eating green asparagus and red peppers fun so your kids will be eating rainbows all summer long!

Kissaboo: Summer Injuries Solved!

Sooth summer scraped knees and scratched elbows. Hide bumps, bruises, booboos and bug bites. Kissaboo Covers are reusable, washable and have no sticky residue.


Happy Summer!