Insider Tips for Maximizing Savings at Hardware Stores

You may have used a coupon code or two if you are an online shopper. These codes can be found on a variety of money-saving apps that you can install in your browser.

Home improvement projects can be expensive, whether remodeling the kitchen, redoing the bathroom, or building built-in bookshelves in the family room. But savvy shoppers know how to stretch their budgets by using clever tips.

Look for Local Deals

Whether you need to replace a p-trap under the sink or troubleshoot an electrical circuit, local hardware stores are often your best bet. Small-town hardware stores tend to cater to ultra-local markets, and they often have employees with knowledge that can’t be found on youtube videos.

Some store owners even offer services like tool sharpening, key making, and glass cutting. Others have specialized departments for things like lawn and bicycle repair. Some offer classes on topics such as floor installation and cabinet installation.

Return policies at many stores are surprisingly liberal. Despite signage stipulating time limits and proof of purchase, some managers will grant regular customers refunds for indefinite periods. Part of the reason for these lenient policies is that hardware manufacturers now prepackage many items once sold out of bins, from bolts to corner braces.

While many retail industries saw sales declines during the COVID-19 pandemic, hardware and home improvement retailers experienced an uptick. This was due to growing per capita disposable income and private spending.

These spending trends helped to drive demand for products such as electrical, plumbing, and hardware-related tools. This was in addition to the fact that people were seeking out DIY projects and utilizing their homes more than ever.

Local hardware and home improvement retailers must stay on top of DIY consumer trends so that they can adapt their business strategies accordingly. One of the most important ways they can do this is by implementing adaptive visual merchandising.

Look for Coupon Codes That Always Work

There is no such thing as a sure bet regarding coupon codes. But some tips can help you maximize your savings on any given purchase.

For starters, always check online. Websites like RetailMeNot work with thousands of retailers and brands to aggregate sales and codes. In addition, these sites allow users to vote thumbs up or down on the usability of a code, so you can get an idea of how often it works before you try it yourself.

Another hack a tech worker shared on social media is to type a random phrase into the “Have a coupon or promo code?” box at checkout and see if it works. The tech worker says she has guessed a few codes this way, which has worked about 25 percent of the time.

Also, add a keyword or two to the code, as some codes are obfuscated to prevent dictionary attacks. That would make it less likely to work, but still worth a shot.

In an era when big box stores and the internet have become fierce competitors, hardware stores must employ various marketing strategies to attract customers. These include providing helpful, attentive customer service and utilizing in-store events and online content to promote their products.

In addition, hardware stores can offer promo codes — strings of letters and numbers that can be applied to an order at checkout to get a discount. These coupons can be distributed via social media, email campaigns, or mobile apps. 

Look for Free Shipping

With big box stores and internet retailers competing for local customers, hardware stores need to offer a variety of marketing strategies. They must attract potential buyers, show them why they are a better choice than their competition, and build customer loyalty.

They can do this by offering free shipping on online purchases. In addition, they can also offer free delivery in their physical retail locations. This will allow them to compete with their online competitors while giving customers a high-quality shopping experience.

Another option is to offer a status-based discount. For example, if someone is a military member or a senior citizen, they can often get discounts at their local hardware store. This is a great way to increase sales and bring in new customers.

Another way to save at a hardware store is to sign up for their rewards program. This is a free program that offers customers exclusive savings and deals. It also gives them a chance to earn rewards and bonuses. This will make their shopping experience even more rewarding and convenient.

Many hardware stores have liberal return policies, a big plus for customers. It’s not uncommon to miscalculate how much paint, screws, or nails a job needs, so having a flexible policy helps shoppers avoid over-buying or purchasing the wrong items.

Like all retail operations, hardware stores also pose some workers’ compensation risks.