QuickFinds vs RetailMeNot: are coupon sites still worth using?

RetailMeNot has been around long enough to be a household name for coupon codes, and it still gets people small discounts at checkout. But a coupon code answers a narrow question, and shoppers increasingly want the wider one: is this the best place to buy this at all.

What RetailMeNot still does well

It has a large, long running database of codes across many retailers, and it is simple to use, you search a store name and get a list of codes to try. That simplicity has kept it relevant for years.

The gap that matters

RetailMeNot does not compare that retailer's price against other stores, and it has no price history to tell you if the code is actually landing you a good deal or just a modest discount off an inflated price. QuickFinds shows coupons and promo codes too, but next to a cross store price comparison, a 90 day trend, and a typical price for the category.

• RetailMeNot codes can be hit or miss, expired codes are a known frustration with any coupon database.
• QuickFinds filters for the cheapest legitimate store before a coupon is even applied.
• RetailMeNot has a longer running, larger code database built up over many years.
• QuickFinds' price history helps you judge whether a discounted price is genuinely low.

Are coupon sites still worth using

Yes, as a layer. A working code on top of an already good price is genuinely useful. The mistake is treating a coupon site as your only check before buying, since it cannot tell you if the underlying price is fair.

Verdict

Use QuickFinds to confirm you are buying the right item at the right store for a genuinely good price, then apply a coupon on top, whether that comes from QuickFinds directly or a dedicated code site like RetailMeNot.