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How to Earn Kicks: 16 Tips for Shopkick Success

Posted on March 18, 2021 by shopkick

I’m a Shopkick master, everyone knows that. I mean, it’s nothing for me to earn a gift card a month, which I promptly spend on splurges at Starbucks or combine with all my Walmart Savings Catcher deals for extra savings. Right now, I’m saving up for a Best Buy gift card for a special someone.

But, it recently came to my attention that while almost everyone knows how Shopkick works (you shop! you get kicks! you redeem for gift cards!) not everyone really knows how to earn kicks on Shopkick the right way. So, I thought, “Let’s fix that!” Here are some things every Shopkicker should be doing, how to follow the Shopkick rules—and some tips for getting the most out of the very best shopping app, Shopkick.

How to Earn Kicks: The Nitty Gritty

Obviously, you’ve already downloaded the Shopkick app and set up your profile. Once you’ve done that, everything else kind of runs itself. Still, there are some things you can master to get the most kicks possible:

Turn on notifications and Bluetooth: Do this so that you never miss an opportunity, like a great sale or a chance for extra points. The app will also let you know if you’re about to walk past a store that’s got a deal for extra kicks.
Open the app at least once a week: New places to get kicks come up all the time. Plus, kick amounts increase often and products change frequently.
Stay up-to-date: Be sure to update the app whenever there’s a new release to make sure you always have the latest, greatest working version of Shopkick.

How to Earn Kicks in-Store

So, you’re up-to-date and your Bluetooth is turned on. It’s time to start earning kicks … for everything you do. Challenge yourself to do these four things the next time you go shopping and watch the kicks start rolling in:

Walk into a store: Many stores give kicks just for walking through the door! Just remember to have the app open and Bluetooth turned on.
Scan products: Get kicks!
Buy products and upload a receipt: Get kicks!
Link your credit card and make a purchase: Get kicks!

How to Earn Kicks from the App

Sometimes, I’m too lazy to go out. At those times, I like to earn kicks while shopping in my jammies. From my phone. And, hey, Shopkick is the best mobile shopping app, after all. When I open the Shopkick app, I:

Watch a video: Learn more about products—and get kicks!
Find an instant surprise: Go on a treasure hunt to find instant surprises. These are located under the Discover tab.
Make an online purchase: This is self-explanatory, but here’s an added tip: Sometimes I go to my favorite online shops on my desktop to load up my cart. Then, I open up my Shopkick app and navigate to that store and buy everything in my cart—and get kicks!
Invite friends: You can earn free kicks whenever someone you invite to Shopkick downloads the app and starts using it.

How to Earn Kicks on the Web

So, as I mentioned, sometimes I prefer to shop online, then buy everything from my handy-dandy Shopkick app. Other times, though, I like to earn rewards for shopping on the web. Here’s how:

Open a browser on your computer: Go to www.shopkick.com and login using the same credentials as you do to log into the app on your mobile phone.
See unique stores like Macy’s and Sephora where you can earn kicks for online purchases.

How to Earn Kicks on Shopkick the Right Way

As it turns out, some people like to try to break the rules. Nobody likes a cheater, so here’s how to play fair and not get banned:

Scan in-store only: For scans, make sure you are in the store when you attempt to scan a product and that you scan the actual physical item. Remember, the companies paying for all those amazing free gift cards you get with your kicks—retailers like T.J.Maxx and Marshalls and brands like Lego and Tylenol—love to be on Shopkick because it helps them connect with their customers in a fast, fun, easy way. They reward Shopkick for helping them, and Shopkick passes those rewards on to all you awesome Shopkickers. It’s a win-win-win for everyone, but it only works if you’re physically interacting with products in the store.
Also, don’t fall into any traps or “creative shortcuts” that may have you breaking the rules; Shopkick’s technology detects when rules are being broken. Yikes!

It’s a win-win-win for everyone, but it only works if you’re physically interacting with products in the store.

Be unique: Another way people get in trouble is by having more than one Shopkick account on their phone. If someone pretends to be multiple people—by signing up for multiple Shopkick accounts—that raises serious red flags. To protect the members of the Shopkicking community who are playing fair and who want to keep getting gift cards, Shopkick asks rule-breakers to leave (which they hate to do!)
Keep your mobile number to yourself: Don’t share your number with someone else. No one else should be logging into your account from their phone. It looks suspicious, like one person is trying to pretend to be many people.
Invite—and shop with—friends: Help your BFFs get Shopkicking! An easy and fun way to keep racking up the kicks is to Shopkick with others. I personally love to head out with my friends. I hear all the time how Shopkickers like to Shopkick with their sisters, mothers, daughters, husbands, wives, etc. They use it as a way to get their steps—and kicks—in on evenings or days off. Both you and your friends will get extra kicks after they earn their first kicks in-store within seven days of accepting your invitation. Why not go with them on their first Shopkicking adventure and show them the ropes?

So, that’s it my Shopkicking friends—my best advice on how to earn kicks on Shopkick so you can rack up the points! If you have any other ideas, I’d love to hear them.

If you’re as social media savvy as you are shopping savvy, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping fun.

Image courtesy Zinkevych

Top 5 Tips on How to Utilize Online Grocery to Save Money

Posted on May 13, 2020 by shopkick

Do you shop for your groceries online? I have been opting to skip shopping in stores over the past few weeks as a way to keep myself, my family, and my fellow shoppers safe. However, I have to admit shopping for groceries online is not an entirely new practice for me. One of the top ways to experience a sudden increase in your grocery bill is by adding additional items to your cart while you’re roaming the aisles, and I’ve found shopping online is a great way to curb that habit. Below, I’m sharing details about how to best utilize online grocery shopping, including explaining why we think it’s best to do curbside pickup rather than at-home delivery.

5. Lookout for Hidden Fees or Service Charges:

Many online grocery delivery services offer you the perceived value of ultimate convenience; however, this convenience usually comes in the form of a fee or service charge. Looking for options that are a little less convenient (Store Pick Up, Curbside & Click and Collect) could be a better option as most of these services are free to shoppers.

4. Plan Your Meals Ahead:

Traditional grocery shopping offers the opportunity for in-store surprise and delight via end caps and displays. In the online grocery environment, shoppers can plan out cost effective meal solutions via recipe websites or influencer blogs to find cost-saving tips paired with inspiration.

3. Identify Promotions:

Many retailers are adapting their models to extend savings to their shoppers via Online Grocery (especially the pickup version). Pairing those with rewards and savings can be a winning combination. Some retailers that run specific pricing promotions have reduced these during this time of Covid-19 due to excessive demand; however, retailers such as Walmart who maintain an EveryDay Low Price model have been winning the value equation over the past several months.

2. What about Leftovers:

Shoppers right now have the opportunity to make an online grocery order be more efficient and save money by thinking through what is the follow up leftover meal that follows the previous day’s recipe. There are countless websites that can provide this leftover strategy as you are thinking about eliminating food waste during this time and helping your dollar go farther.

1. Pickup is the Key:

I don’t want to belabor the point, but the best way to drive savings and avoid pesky upcharges is to make the effort to go to curbside pickup at your participating grocery location. Almost all grocery retailers are extending pricing and discounts for at-store pickup orders. This gives you full confidence you are maximizing the convenience factor while avoiding delivery fees and up-charges.

How have you been saving money on your weekly grocery budget? Join the conversation with fellow Shopkickers on Facebook!

The Best House Plants for Your Home

Posted on May 4, 2020 by shopkick

While we have been spending more time at home, we have been looking for ways to bring nature inside. It’s felt like a welcome respite to see plants and flowers throughout our homes! In order to source new house plants, we have been looking for online options with great selections. And, we have noticed 1800Flowers.com has plenty to explore! After searching through their inventory, we thought we would share some of the house plants we have discovered that promise to last for years while only requiring you to follow simple care instructions.

Dieffenbachia Plant:

The Dieffenbachia Plant is available in three sizes on 1800Flowers.com – floor, table size, and shelf – which means you can choose the best option for your home. The leaves feature a variety of green and yellow tones, which we’re drawn to. Plus, the plant loves indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil. The care is simple, but it will require a little more effort than other options on our list.

My Pet Plant:

We spotted this Pet Plant, and immediately thought of dog and cat lovers as well as kids. The plant that arrives in the cat or dog planter is a spider plant, which only requires water when the soil is dry. Spider plants don’t love direct sunlight, but any other kind of light will work! If you opt to purchase this house plant, you can also choose to have it arrive with cat or dog treats for your real life animal.

Pilea Peperomioides Plant:

If you have heard about propagating, which means starting a new plant using a leaf and roots from an existing plant, the Pilea Peperomioides Plant might be for you! 1800Flowers.com describes this plant as one that has extra bright and airy green leaves. It requires water when the soil is dry, which means the care is very simple! Plus, it doesn’t grow too large, which means it will always look wonderful on a table, desk, or counter.

Snake Plant:

Snake Plants grow vertically, so they will always feel like 1800Flowers describes – modern and architectural. Similar to the other options on our list, snake plants only require water when the soil is dry, and they do enjoy indirect sunlight the most. A bonus? They purify the air!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Floor Plant:

If you have spent any time reading blogs or exploring Instagram, you have likely seen Fiddle Leaf Fig trees! They are one of the most popular house plants, but be warned – they do require a bit more work in order to truly thrive. According to 1800Flowers.com, Fiddle Leaf Figs do best in inside spaces that offer indirect sunlight, watering when the soil is dry paired with daily misting, and space to grow. Humidity is also a bonus for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees, so you will definitely benefit if you live in the south!

Do you like to grow house plants at home? What plants would you recommend that are easy to care for? Let us know on Facebook!

How to Support Your Community During COVID-19

Posted on April 16, 2020 by shopkick

We all have favorite small businesses we enjoy supporting whether they’re located in our hometowns or online. Many of the businesses we are thrilled to support during other times throughout the year are the same businesses that are being hit the hardest now during the coronavirus quarantine. Though we may be inside and at home, there are still plenty of simple and easy things we can do to support our communities. Here are five of our ideas:

1. Contribute to Charity Campaigns

Online campaigns are launching to support small business employees who cannot work during COVID-19, and we have been happy to support them during this time. When many of us donate $5 or $10 to these campaigns, those amounts add up to much more and fast!

2. Order Takeout

We may not be able to eat in person at our favorite local restaurants, but many are still offering takeout. So, order online and turn to Uber Eats to bring you your delivery. P.S: Make sure to use Shopkick if you order with Uber Eats because you’ll earn kicks!

3. Purchase a Gift Card

A gift card can go a long way for a small business in your community. Your purchase provides cash flow for the business now, and it offers a promise that you’re going to return once they can open their doors again.

4. Post on Social Media

Posting about your favorite shops, boutiques, and restaurants on social media is a quick, easy, and free way to show your support! Consider sharing menu items you enjoy from local restaurants or items you have purchased from local shops. Everyone enjoys visuals!

5. Shop Small

If you do need to purchase something online, try supporting a smaller shop or boutique! Many have online stores so their items are always available, and now shopping online is the best way to pick up new items while still keeping your social distance.

How are you supporting your community? Chime in on Facebook!

Family Fun Themed Easter Basket

Posted on April 7, 2020 by shopkick

This weekend, we’re welcoming a chance to celebrate because Sunday is Easter! Since families are spending more time together than ever before, we thought we would curate an Easter basket with a family fun theme. From LED Easter eggs for a fun nighttime egg hunt to corn hole, a book, and even something for your pup, all of the items we’ve included below are budget-friendly (for the most part!), wonderful to enjoy together, perfect for many ages, and completely available online so you can shop with your Shopkick app and earn kicks. Let’s fill your Easter basket!

1. DIY Birdhouse

If you and your kids are looking for a new activity to enjoy together, consider building a birdhouse. The Home Depot has a complete tutorial available online, and their stores are still open for you to purchase all of your supplies. Once complete, your family will be able to enjoy the new animals that stop by to visit your birdhouse!

2. Corn Hole

Corn hole is a classic outdoor game, and it’s perfect for all ages to enjoy. This set from Dick’s Sporting Goods arrives with two boards and eight beanbags – four for each team – ready for you to play. Corn hole is a game you will enjoy long after our quarantine ends, and it’s the perfect addition to barbecues if you’re looking to up your gathering (once we can gather again!) with a little friendly competition.

3. Giant Jenga

Like corn hole, Jenga is another great family game! This Jenga set from Dick’s Sporting Goods takes the fun of the classic game to the next level thanks to its giant size. Add this set to your backyard collection to encourage you and your family to spend more time outside together on Easter and beyond.

4. Easter Book

Get ready to read along as Pete the Cat helps the Easter Bunny in “Pet the Cat: Big Easter Adventure”! Pete the Cat is already beloved by many kids, so whether your kids are fans or you’re hoping to find a new book for them to enjoy, this New York Times Bestseller is definitely the way to go. Find it online with Walmart.

5. Rainbow Kite

Bright colors are such a source of fun and joy, especially now when we’re all looking to find happy details. Fly this kite into the sky on Easter in your backyard and make sure to save it for summer beach trips that will start happening soon. You can add this rainbow kite to your Easter basket when you shop online with Walmart!

6. LED Easter Eggs

One of the highlights of any Easter holiday is an egg hunt with family, and these LED Easter Eggs from Walmart are about to make your hunt even more interesting! You can definitely still enjoy a classic egg hunt during the day, but make your Easter evening more fun when you hide this set of eggs in the dark. The glow is sure to make sure kids smile!

7. Disney Theme Park Edition Candyland Game

If you were supposed to spend your spring break at Disney World or Disneyland, you can still pay the parks a virtual visit. We found Candyland online with shopDisney, and this version might be even more fun than the original. It’s based off of Walt Disney World’s theme parks!

8. “Frozen II”

Once your Easter evening is underway, gather your family together for a movie night. It’s always more fun when you’re watching a new-to-you movie, so add the newly released “Frozen II” to your family fun Easter basket. You can shop this movie and many more on shopDisney’s website!

9. Pet Ball Thrower

It’s safe to say our pets are enjoying having us home the most! If you’ve been playing more fetch than ever before, make your job as Official Thrower even easier with this Hyper Pet Throw-N-Go Tennis Ball Launcher Dog Toy from Pet Care Supplies. There’s room for two tennis balls – one to toss and an extra, just in case – so you will be set for a long game of fetch.

10. Bunny Dog Toy

Your pup needs to join in on the festivities, so purchase a bunny dog toy from Pet Care Supplies! Available in three sizes, this Kong Wubba Ballistic Friends Dog Toy is durable and ready for play.

How are you and your family celebrating Easter? What items are you thinking about adding to your own family-fun themed Easter basket? Let’s keep the conversation going on Facebook!

10 Ways to Combat Anxiety

Posted on April 6, 2020 by shopkick

Have you been feeling more anxious over the past few weeks? It’s safe to say the majority of us are right there with you. There is new information daily about the coronavirus, the timeline for social distancing was extended earlier this week, and many of us are missing our daily routines. To offer a respite of calm to you, we thought we would share 10 ways we’re combatting our anxiety in order to weather the storm for the long haul.

1. Practice Deep Breathing

On Tuesday, first grade teacher Mrs. Lamb shared two great breathing exercises. The first involves inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts. The second is called Smelling the Cake and Blowing Out the Candles. Envision a birthday cake and breathe in as though you are smelling it (five counts works well). Then, exhale as though you are blowing out the candles (five counts works well here too). Repeat as needed!

2. Create a Routine

Many of us crave routine, and keeping one in place is a great way to create continuity in your day even if you’re spending the majority of your time at home. In fact, keeping your morning routine in place can work wonders to keep your mind in a positive place. We find one of the keys is to make sure to get dressed daily. Then, be mindful of meal times, and don’t be afraid to work in different rooms in your house if you’re working from home. Keeping your kids on a schedule they know can help to guide them too.

3. Limit News Intake

We find we feel more anxious the more we watch and read the news, so it can be helpful to limit how much information you’re able to absorb. Think about checking for the latest updates in the morning and perhaps once more later in the day rather than receiving information all day long. Sometimes the most helpful thing to do, mentally, is to take a step back.

4. Take a Walk

One of the best ways to keep your anxiety in check is through movement and exercise. It helps because it offers a change of pace and scenery, plus a walk offers the opportunity for a further distraction. Turn on an audiobook, listen to music, or catch up on a podcast! A walk doesn’t have to only occur one time each day either – multiple walks have benefits.

5. Get Cozy

Although stores may be closed for the foreseeable future, there are plenty of great deals to enjoy online. LOFT has great sweatpants and joggers, Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh have colorful and fun layers for kids, and Old Navy and Gap have athleisure pieces that are on par with more expensive brands at bargain prices. Plus, you can also stock up on essential oils and beauty products to have an at-home spa day, and there are weighted blankets you can purchase online.

6. Enjoy Screen Time

Sign up for a new Hulu membership and get lost in a new series (we’ve heard “Little Fires Everywhere” is excellent!), make progress on your “must watch” movie list with help from FandangoNOW, and more. TV and movies have the great ability to transport us to other places, and that’s definitely necessary right now.

7. Create a Playlist

Like TV and movies, music offers a great source of distraction. Create a playlist of uplifting songs or even those known to calm you down on your go-to site for streaming music. We’ve seen more than a few playlists titled “Quarantunes”, and we think the name is great! You might find your playlist is one you turn to during other moments that are known to cause stress even after our current climate shifts.

8. Socialize

A great conversation with a friend can make you feel so much better, so don’t be a stranger to friends and family! Schedule Zoom calls, Facetime, or simply talk on the phone. Everyone feels very similarly during these times, and it’s helpful to hear about someone else’s day to keep that in perspective.

9. Pursue a New Hobby

If there’s a hobby you have been wanting to try and you can easily pursue it from home, now is a great time to start! There is not a need to become an expert over the next few days and weeks, but jumping in is the very first step. Maybe you want to learn how to bake or cook; perhaps sewing or learning how to play the guitar are on your agenda; maybe taking up running or cycling have been on your list. Whatever you’ve been considering, give it a try!

10. Look to the Future

Even though we’re uncertain when our social distancing and unsettling newsfeeds will officially come to an end, all sources are pointing to the fact that this, too, shall pass. Remind yourself of that fact often. Consider making loose plans with friends and family to have dinner, meet for ice cream, or go to the beach once we’re able to gather again. Sometimes simply having a date (that can be altered!) on the calendar helps because it means you’re looking ahead.

What are some of the best ways you have found to stay calm? Chime in on Facebook and join us later today as we go LIVE on our page for a yoga class!

This shopping app for clothes will have all your friends envying you!

Posted on March 26, 2020 by shopkick

One of the best feelings in life is when someone compliments your outfit, and then asks you where you found such a cute shirt or pair of shoes. I’m always happy to tell my friends where I got something, but I would be lying if it didn’t make me feel good to be a subject of their envy, if even for a moment. I love the attention so much that it motivates me to spend more time and energy shopping at my favorite stores. However, the problem with spending more time and energy at my favorite stores is that I’m also spending more money. Luckily for me and my budget, I recently discovered a shopping app for clothes that rewards me for making purchases.

Now, not only are my friends envying my outfits, but they’re also envying the fact that I’m able to use a shopping app to help me shop for clothes (and make money while shopping). But don’t worry, I don’t mind sharing the wealth. So, if you’re looking for a shopping app for clothes, I’ve got you covered.

How to Find the Right Shopping App for Clothes

One thing I should note right away is that there are lots of different shopping apps for clothes to choose from. There are apps that you can use to find and buy clothes, there are apps that you can only use at certain stores, and there are apps that work like digital coupons, although those are much more common for something like grocery shopping than for clothes. At the same time, there is also a certain type of shopping app for clothes that you can use at many different stores, and these are the ones I would recommend. If you’ve done as much clothing shopping as I have, you know that to find the perfect shoes or handbag, you may have to visit more than one store. You need a shopping app that you can use at your favorite stores!

You also want to make sure you find an app that gives you rewards for shopping online, too. When I was younger, I used to buy all my clothes in physical stores, but these days I buy about half my clothes in-person and the other half online, especially now that I shop at stores where I automatically know what size and fit I need. Many of my friends do the same, and I suspect you’re nodding your head right now too, thinking about your own shopping habits. So make sure to get a shopping app that you can use online, too!

Look for Apps That Reward

In addition to being versatile, the best shopping apps for clothes, in my opinion, all work with a rewards system. What this means is that instead of having some kind of sale alert or coupon functionality, they give you rewards points instead. You can then trade these rewards points in for gift cards or use them to earn cashback. I think it’s pointless to use an app that doesn’t reward you. If you’re rewarded for making a purchase, you’re probably going to purchase again to earn even more rewards.

In addition to being versatile, the best shopping apps for clothes, in my opinion, all work with a rewards system.

Give Shopkick a Try

If you’re in need of a suggestion for a shopping app for clothes, I would recommend Shopkick—it checks all the boxes I talked about above. You can use it both online and in-person. It gives you points for several different activities, including walking into stores, scanning barcodes on items, and making purchases. Finally, it also gives you rewards points, which it calls kicks, that you can trade-in for gift cards that are just as good as cash.

What I also like about Shopkick is that the list of stores where you can use it is so large. I can use Shopkick at stores with great savings on designers like T.J. Maxxx, Marshalls, and Kohls. I can also use it for the stores where I like to get my work or going out clothes, like Lane Bryant and Banana Republic. I can even use it to get workout clothes at Under Armour! The list of stores is always growing so it’s best to check with the app often so you know which stores to find the best deals and earn the most kicks. And, while you’re checking it, click the “Discover” tab to learn about new products, too!

I highly recommend Shopkick as the shopping app for clothes that will have all your friends envying you. The list of stores is unmatched, you can use it both online and off, and it’s a whole lot of fun. With Shopkick, I’ve been saving more and more money while shopping for clothes. And you know what that means, I can afford to buy more clothes at my favorite stores!

It’s time to get your kicks while shopping for clothes! Shopkick is the best shopping app for clothes that will have all your friends envying you. Download the app today!

Image courtesy of Syda Productions

Use one shopping app to make money at your favorite stores

Posted on March 24, 2020 by shopkick

When I was little, my mom had a plastic case to store all the coupons she cut out of the newspaper. Her coupon case was red and inside it looked like a miniature file cabinet with little tabs for all the different stores that she and I shopped at all the time. When she got to the cash register at many of these stores, she would put on her glasses and tab through, looking for the perfect coupons to match her purchases. I was a little kid then, but I remember thinking: “there has to be a better way!”

Thankfully, nowadays, there is a better way. If you’re a savvy tech-friendly shopper like me, you have moved on from using coupons, and instead, you’re using a shopping app to make money. A lot of stores have their own shopping apps or rewards programs, which you can pull out at the register just like my mom used to do with her coupons. The apps for specific stores are fine, but they’re really just like fancy coupons in my opinion. I prefer to use one shopping app that can be used at my favorite stores.

If you’d like to reduce the number of apps you have to use to make money or earn rewards points at stores, you’ll definitely want to check out what I have to say.

How to Use One Shopping App to Make Money

As I mentioned before, there are a number of store-specific shopping apps that reward you for being loyal to one store; these are fine but not as versatile as I’d like. That’s why my favorite type of shopping app to make money is a shopping rewards app, which—as the name implies—gives you rewards for shopping!

Find a Shopping Rewards App That Works for You

One challenge with shopping rewards apps is that there are quite a few out there, which is why I suggest putting some thought into what would make you want to use a shopping rewards app each time you go shopping—which is very important because, in order to really maximize your rewards, you need to use the app frequently.

I like shopping apps that work with both Android and Apple smartphones. I have an iPhone but I like to share different deals with my mom who has a Samsung Galaxy. I also like a shopping app that works both in stores and when I shop online. I’m about 50:50 when it comes to how much shopping I do in-person versus online, and so I need an app that works for both. Finally, I want a shopping app that’s fun to use! That way I don’t have to try hard to remind myself to use it when I go to the store.

Give Shopkick a Try

With all of that in mind, my favorite shopping app is this app called Shopkick! In my opinion, it’s the perfect shopping app to make money at your favorite stores. The way that Shopkick works is that it gives you points it calls “kicks” for doing things you do when you shop already, things like walking into the store, scanning barcodes on items, and making purchases both in-store and online. Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can trade them in for store gift cards—which are just as good as cash. I’ve redeemed some of my gift cards to restock my groceries for the week or buy household items.

My favorite thing about Shopkick is that it turns every trip to the store—in person or online—into a fun scavenger hunt to earn kicks. Once I started using Shopkick, I found myself actually looking forward to shopping. I also love that I’m rewarded for learning about new products by watching videos on the app. Not only is Shopkick fun, but it’s also helpful; the “Discover” tab in the app is great when you need recipe inspiration or want to learn about new products.

My favorite thing about Shopkick is that it turns every trip to the store—in person or online—into a fun scavenger hunt to earn kicks.

Shopkick really is an amazing thing—a single shopping app to make money in the form of gift cards that can be redeemed at your favorite stores. If you already have shopping apps you love, you can even pair Shopkick alongside them to earn kicks through Shopkick while claiming discounts or points through other apps. Shopkick is also available for both Android and Apple smartphones, and you can use it for both online shopping and when you go out to the physical store. That kind of versatility is just so valuable, and I can’t say enough good things about it.

It’s time to get your kicks with one shopping app at your favorite stores! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience. Download the app today and start earning kicks today!

Image courtesy of Dean Drobot

Learn how to spend less money as a student in college with shopping apps

Posted on March 12, 2020 by shopkick

I always hear people talk about how college is a learning experience that extends well beyond the lecture halls and libraries. Well, I can definitely attest to that! Since I’ve been in college, I’ve learned so much—how to manage my time, how to be more responsible, and my most recent lesson: how to spend less money as a student.

You see, for the first time in my life, I’m completely responsible for my everyday essentials. And while I do love those random care packages from my mom filled with my favorite goodies, I know that I can’t expect them forever. I know that, eventually, I’ll have to learn to survive on a super tight budget like a real adult.

So, here’s my advice if you want to learn how to spend less money as a student. And, the best part, you can do it right from your phone!

How to Spend Less Money as a Student in College

There are so many ways to spend less money as a student in college. You could spend more time at the library, volunteer for community service when you would otherwise be going out spending money, and learn to love instant ramen noodles. I’ve tried all of these but I would still find myself going over budget when I went to the store. Thankfully, I discovered a way to spend less by downloading a shopping rewards app.

Choose a Shopping Rewards App

While there are many types of apps that reward you for shopping, the best type can be used, without hassle, at a variety of stores. It should also make shopping easier and enjoyable; that way, you can incorporate it into your routine trips. You don’t want to dread having to use the app like you would a Chemistry 101 exam during the first month of the semester. So, if you make sure the shopping app you select is actually fun, you’ll always be sure to use it when you go out shopping for anything, from food to things for your dorm room like storage crates, desk lights, and rugs.

Use the Shopping Rewards App Frequently

When exploring the available options of shopping rewards app out there, I found Shopkick to work the best for me. How it works is simple. Once you download Shopkick, you have access to many of the most popular sites for shopping for the necessities—groceries, clothing, electronics, and more. You can shop directly through the app or visit participating stores to make purchases. The more you use Shopkick to do things like watch promotional videos, visit websites and physical stores, locate products in the store, and make purchases, the more rewards points you earn which are called “kicks.” You can also earn kicks for making purchases online through the app or with a Visa or MasterCard linked to your Shopkick account.

Redeem Rewards from Frequent Use

Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can trade those kicks in for gift cards to many of your favorite stores. Now, here comes to the best part: you can turn around and use those gifts to purchase the items you need in college—spending less money!

Use Shopkick to Spend Less Money as a Student

What I like most about Shopkick, though, is that it’s a blast to use. Basically, Shopkick turns every trip to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for kicks. Shopping can sometimes be a hassle, especially when you have a million assignments due for a class, but with Shopkick, you’ll find yourself actually looking forward to going shopping. On top of that, you can use Shopkick for both your online and in-person shopping, which is especially convenient for those busy weeks when you don’t have time to make it to the store. Shopkick has definitely made it so much easier to spend less money as a student in college.

What I like most about Shopkick, though, is that it’s a blast to use.

So, there you have it, a brief cram session about how to spend less money as a student in college. I know you might not remember everything we discussed here today. But, if you remember one thing, I hope you remember to use Shopkick. In my opinion, there’s no better choice for earning rewards to spend less money when you go out shopping.

It’s time to pass your test and learn to spend less money as a student in college! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience! Download the app today and start earning your kicks today!

Image courtesy of Dmytro Zinkevych

How to save money on groceries without coupons

Posted on March 10, 2020 by shopkick

My friend Lisa has always had a deep appreciation for all things retro. She loves to go shopping at thrift stores for retro clothes—from 1950s dresses to leg warmers from the ‘80s. She has beautiful retro magazine covers framed and hanging all over her house. In fact, she even saves money on her groceries in a retro way: coupon clipping. When I came to her about wanting to save money on groceries, she recommended I give it a try.

We’ve been friends for a long time so, of course, I trust her judgment; I decided to give coupon clipping a try. Man, was it a fail! I didn’t make it a full two weeks before I was completely over it; it took too much time and effort—sifting through newspapers and sales papers for the best deal and physically cutting them out to place in a binder, just to get to the store to have to spend even more time searching for the products on sale. I realized that I needed to learn how to save money on groceries without coupons. Then I remembered something I read online about a shopping rewards app for groceries and how much I could save without having to do the work of couponing.

I shared the article with Lisa and while she was a bit hesitant to give up on her strategy, she said she’d give mine a try to return the favor. After about a month, Lisa told me how much time and money she’d saved by using a shopping rewards app instead of clipping coupons.

If you’re tired of spending countless hours clipping coupons, you’ll definitely want to read on to learn how to save money on groceries without coupons.

Say Good-Bye to Coupons and Hello to Shopping Rewards Apps

I definitely understood Lisa’s fondness for clipping coupons. She said—and I agreed—that it helps you relax and organize your shopping plan; I’ll give her that. But, in the end, shopping rewards apps were just so much more convenient. We all know how clipping coupons work, and, in fact, I’m sure many of us grew up doing it with our parents. Some of you, however, might be less familiar with shopping rewards apps, so I’ll explain how they work.

What Are Shopping Rewards Apps?

There are many types of shopping rewards apps out there but the best ones allow you to earn points for things you do when you go out shopping already, things like walking into stores, scanning barcodes of products, and, of course, making purchases. The more activities you do or the more you spend, the more potential you have to earn points. Once you’ve earned enough points, you’re typically able to trade them in for some sort of reward like cash back or gift cards to use towards future purchases.

Like coupons, shopping rewards apps can’t help you save money if you don’t use them. Having a shopping app that is fun to use makes you less likely to forget it when you go out to the store, and that means you’ll have the chance to earn points towards savings each and every time you shop!

How to Save Money on Groceries Without Coupons

My favorite shopping rewards app is called Shopkick; and, how it works is pretty simple. Shopkick gives you points—which it calls kicks—for things you do whenever you shop for groceries, things like ordering groceries online, walking into stores, scanning barcodes on items, and making purchases in-store. Once you get your kicks, you can then trade them in later for gift cards that you can use to purchase even more groceries—no coupons required. And, if I forget to open the app while shopping, no worries. By linking my Visa or MasterCard to my Shopkick account and making purchases, I can still earn kicks—maximizing my credit card rewards, too!

There’s a lot to love about Shopkick. For example, if you’re ever in need of meal inspiration, there are tons of recipes featured within the “Discover” tab of the app, making planning meals a breeze! Another one of my favorite things about Shopkick is the way I can use it to order my groceries online with Walmart and receive 900 kicks! I can open the app and shop directly on Walmart’s site and have my groceries delivered or I can pick them up. It’s the perfect way to save money while also earning rewards points towards gift cards to use on future purchases. Shopkick even has a cool feature that gives me ideas for recipes, helping me plan ahead. Many of the recipes feature products that allow me to earn kicks towards gift cards when purchased together. Shopkick has definitely turned into my shopping companion; I take it everywhere I go!

Shopkick has definitely turned into my shopping companion; I take it everywhere I go!

Speaking of shopping companions, I ran into Lisa last week while out shopping for groceries and it was so funny because we were both scanning the same product to earn kicks on Shopkick. We looked up at each other and laughed. We were saving money and having fun while doing it! Shopkick has literally turned every trip out to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points. It’s so fun to use and if you’re a competitive shopper like me, you’ll want to use it as much as possible to boost your savings.

So there you have it, a way to save money on your groceries without coupons. And, Lisa and I both agree that when it comes to shopping, there’s no better way to do it than by using Shopkick!

It’s time to let go of the old way of shopping for the best deals and start earning kicks! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience, and it’s the perfect way to save money on groceries without coupons. Download the app today and start getting your kicks instantly!

Image courtesy of mangostock

3 ways to spend less money on groceries when you’re shopping on a budget

Posted on March 5, 2020 by shopkick

When I’m planning my budget for each month I always look back over the previous month to see if there are any areas to improve. And of course, I always seem to go over my allotted budget for groceries; and I know exactly why that happens—my lack of planning. Then, once I’ve spent too much, I have to find ways to make my budget stretch in other areas.

The only advantage of having to stretch my budget for the past few months is that I’ve been thinking of ways to spend less money on groceries. And, luckily for all of you, I’ve found a few ways that I’m happy to share so that you won’t have to make the same mistakes.

How to Spend Less Money on Groceries

Plan Your List in Advance

When I was a kid, my parents would always say: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” If I’m being honest, at the time I didn’t think much of it, but now that I’m an adult, I find it invaluable. By keeping that saying in mind, I’ve figured out how I can spend less money on groceries. When I go to the store without a list, I end up buying items that don’t get used until months later. If I plan my shopping list in advance, even by meal sometimes, I only use the money that I planned to spend on groceries that month. Not only does this way of grocery shopping help me save money, but it also reduces the amount of food that goes to waste because of my impulsive buying. I’ve gotten so good at planning ahead, that I’ve even learned how to plan my meals around the items that are on sale. If there’s a discount on pasta sauce and noodles when purchased together, you can bet we’re having spaghetti!

Order Groceries Online

I have to be honest. When some of my favorite stores like Walmart began offering online grocery ordering, I was a bit reluctant. I’m the shopper who likes to pick up and look through the cartons of strawberries to make sure the ones at the bottom aren’t too soft and moldy. The thought of someone else just grabbing my groceries for me kind of weirded me out. “What if they don’t pick the brand I like?” “What if they don’t reach from the back and grab the milk with the furthest expiration date?” But, if I’m also being honest, because I finalize my grocery order online, I don’t have to worry about getting distracted and grabbing items that aren’t on my list. I even like that I can see my cart while shopping so if I feel something increases the bill by too much, I save it for next month.

By ordering my groceries online, I’m able to spend less money on groceries and I can do it from the comfort of my own home. I don’t even have to leave my house when I choose the delivery option—saving money on groceries and gas!

By ordering my groceries online, I’m able to spend less money on groceries and I can do it from the comfort of my own home.

Download Shopkick

This last way to spend less money on groceries is actually my favorite because I can use it with the ways I mentioned above. This way is a shopping rewards app called Shopkick. The way that Shopkick works is simple. It gives you points—which it calls kicks—for things you do whenever you shop for groceries, things like ordering groceries online, walking into stores, scanning barcodes on items, and making purchases in-store. Once you get your kicks, you can then trade them in later for gift cards that you can use to purchase even more groceries, spending less money from your budget.

There’s a lot to love about Shopkick. However, one of my favorite things about it is the way I can use it to order my groceries online with Walmart and receive 900 kicks! I can open the app and shop directly on Walmart’s site and have my groceries delivered or I can pick them up. It’s the perfect way to spend less money while also earning rewards points towards gift cards to use on future purchases. Shopkick even has a cool feature that gives me ideas for recipes, helping me plan ahead. Many of the recipes feature products that allow me to earn kicks towards gift cards when purchased together.

These three ways to spend less money on groceries have definitely been invaluable for me and my budget. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who wouldn’t want to spend less money on groceries, which is why I try to tell everyone I know about these methods. I want to spread the savings around as much as I can!

It’s time to spend less money on groceries while earning kicks! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience. Download the app today so you can get in on the savings!

Image courtesy of wavebreakmedia

3 ways to make money while shopping with friends

Posted on March 3, 2020 by shopkick

When you’re as busy as I am, it can be hard to find time to spend with friends. Work, family, and just about everything else tends to get in the way. Thankfully, I’ve found a great way to spend more time with my friends while also running a few errands; and it’s definitely paid off. You see, we’ve always been the group of friends who bond over shopping. When we were teenagers, we would go to the mall and help each other pick out outfits. Now that we’re older, with families of our own, we don’t have much time to spend shopping. And, when we do find the time, we have to make our budgets stretch because we have more responsibilities; adulting, bleh.

Recently, I’ve been looking into ways to make money while shopping with my friends and I was surprised to find that there are so many opportunities out there. Some of them allow you to earn money and others allow you to earn gift cards that are just as good as cash if you ask me. Of course, I couldn’t jump on every opportunity, so I decided to choose three that would fit into our busy schedules and also be a fun way to stretch our budgets.

If you’re looking for ways to make money while shopping with your friends, you should check out what I discovered.

How to Make Money While Shopping With Friends

One of the best pieces of advice I have for anyone who wants to make money while shopping with friends is that you should choose the best option that works for you. You don’t want to make the mistake and choose a way that takes the fun out of shopping, ruining your favorite hobby. Here are the three ways that I found to be both fun and rewarding.

Become a Mystery Shopper

One way to make money while shopping with friends is by signing up to become a mystery shopper. A mystery shopper is someone who goes shopping at a store and evaluates the shopping experience, providing feedback on how to improve and make that experience better. This has been a concept for a long time, and becoming one now is a great way to make money while shopping with your friends.

There are a number of different ways to become a mystery shopper. You can find lists of mystery shopper opportunities online, but the fact is these opportunities change often. That’s why I suggest regularly conducting your own research. It takes a little bit of extra work, but it’s worth it to find the best mystery shopper opportunities available. One thing to note, though, is that you might not always be able to visit your favorite stores which may take the fun out of shopping.

Shop for Others

Another great way to make money while shopping with friends is to work for services that make it possible for you to shop for others, and, obviously, get paid to do it. Like being a mystery shopper, there are different ways to do this. My personal favorite is a service called Instacart, which I also use as a customer.

The way Instacart works is simple. It’s an app that people who are too busy to shop for themselves can download, order groceries, and have someone else do the actual shopping in-store and deliver it to their doorstep. I’ve definitely used this service as a customer before when I found that I was even too busy to shop. (I know, right? No one should ever be too busy to shop!) Now, I’ve been using it with my friends to shop for others and make money while doing it! It’s a great way to spend time with my friends and make extra money to support my own shopping habits.

Use Shopkick

This last way to make money while shopping with friends is actually my favorite. It’s an app called Shopkick, and the way it works is pretty straightforward. Shopkick is a shopping rewards app that gives you points—which it calls kicks—for things you do while you’re out shopping already. With Shopkick, you can earn kicks by doing things like walking into stores, scanning barcodes, and making purchases. You can then trade your kicks in for gift cards, which are just as good as cash!

The potential to earn rewards while shopping at my favorite stores is one of the things that makes Shopkick my favorite. I also like that you can combine Shopkick with both of the other ways to make money shopping with your friends that I mentioned before. Shopkick also brings an added layer of fun to shopping by turning every trip to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points. And, I can’t forget to mention that Shopkick is so convenient that I can use it to shop online on my phone while chatting over coffee with my friends.

The potential to earn rewards while shopping at my favorite stores is one of the things that makes Shopkick my favorite.

So, there you have it—three ways to make money while shopping with your friends. There’s nothing better than shopping, but the simple truth is that it can sometimes get a little expensive. That’s where these ways come in handy.

If you’re looking for a fun way to make money while shopping with friends, I highly recommend you download Shopkick. It’s made going shopping with my friends even more fun while at the same time helping me earn kicks toward gift cards to do even more shopping.

It’s time to get your kicks! Shopkick is easily the best way to make money while shopping with friends. Download the app today and start to get your kicks instantly!

Image courtesy of MaxStrogiy