We tend to think of coupons as little advertisements you clip out of the newspaper on Sunday so that you can save 30 cents on a box of Shake & Bake at the grocery store. That idea is about 20 years out of date though. Even now, you would expect to see the little ‘Have a promo code?’ box on the checkout form at most online retailers. But did you know that you can use Ancestry DNA coupons to save on genetic testing? Here are some of the strangest things you can use a coupon for online.
Ancestry DNA & other genetic testing services
Since I already mentioned it, let’s stick with this one for now. Yes it’s true, you can use an offer code when purchasing a DNA test online. The fact is at-home genetic testing is more for one’s own personal amusement than anything else, it’s certainly not a necessity, and there are a few different companies that offer it now. So one of the ways that companies like Ancestry.com try to entice new customers is by offering coupon codes. It might be free shipping on your test kit, or it might be for a discount on access to their extensive database of historical records. The psychological effect of ‘getting a deal’ is well documented in studies. Even if it’s not a particularly great discount just the fact the fact that the company is offering one is often all the push that a potential customer needs to make a purchase.
Anyways, yeah. Get a discount on finding out if you have any Native American DNA! Why not?
STD Testing
This is one that will only make sense for Americans, as I assume that in most other first world countries with public health care STD testing is a free service. Maybe it will be offered for free here one day too, but for now we have to feel the burn in our wallets as well as our nethers if we suspect we may have contracted an STD. Good news though, this is another odd service that you can totally get a discount on if you know how to use Google.
I’m not going to go on a diatribe about public vs. privatized health care or the issues in the current American system, but if you suspect you may have contracted an STD it’s very important that you go get tested as they can be life-threatening if left untreated. I get it, money is tight for me as well and nobody enjoys explaining to a health care professional that you think you have the clap, but you really need to prioritize your well being. If you don’t have your health, you really don’t have much of anything. Look up ‘STD check coupon’, it won’t be that expensive I promise. Condoms aren’t that expensive either, just saying for the future.
Car Maintenance like Oil Changes & Seasonal Tire Changes
Maybe it’s just me, but I thought this was an odd one to use a coupon on. I mean, you definitely want your car to run properly and to not be driving to work on icy roads with bald all-season tires. Shouldn’t price be no object? Of course, but the oil change and tire businesses are just that: businesses. They have competitors and need to offer something to get you to choose them over anybody else. That’s where the coupons come in. I mean you gotta get your tires and oil changed anyways, why not save a little? As long as you have no major issues with your car, going to a Jiffy Lube or a Les Schwab is perfectly fine and gets the job done. Sometimes you can even get a free coffee out of the deal.
Online Courses & Diplomas
I sure wish I could have used a coupon at my university, I almost feel like a sucker for going IRL instead of doing it online and using a promo code. I guess they did give me a scholarship, that helped a little. Anyways, yes you can use an offer code when signing up for online courses, and some of them will even give you a diploma or professional certification at the end! Some of them are specfiic to learning a specific skill like coding, check out Codecademy. Some offer courses from top universities, you’ll want edX for that. Others offer a variety of courses on niche skills of all kinds, that would be websites like Skillshare or Udemy. Oh, and if you are prepping for a test like the LSAT or GMAT, look for a test prep website like Magoosh.
Wine Delivery
Okay maybe this one isn’t so much strange as it is awesome, and incredibly useful during the time of COVID. I can get wine delivered directly to my doorstep and I can use a coupon code? Incredible, what a time to be alive. Just try to save your glass for until after you’ve finished your online course that you also got at a discount, otherwise you’re not going to retain much information. Do a Google search for Wine.com coupons, you’re welcome. Oh and if wine isn’t your thing, depending on where you live you may be able to get weed or CBD gummies delivered to your door instead.
Coupons all the way down!
There is no reason not to use a coupon when shopping online, since there are codes out there just waiting to be used. Use your Google-fu and great savings will be yours!