Dollar Shave Club

Why are Razor Blades so expensive? I just don't get how a tiny sharp metal object that you throw away can cost over a hundred bucks a year.  When I saw the Dollar Shave Club sponsored on my Facebook feed, my interest was peaked.

Doing quick research The Club seemed like a good deal. The Dollar Shave club offers three Razor  options: The Twin (2 blades) The 4X (4 blades)  and The Executive (6 blades). I, like Goldilocks, chose the option that was right in the  middle.  I have also been using the Schick Quattro Razor which is 4 blades, so this gave me a direct comparison of quality.  A four pack of 4X cost me $6.00 and was even shipped with a free razor handle.

The quality of the razor blades are good overall. In comparison with the Schick Quattro Titanium, they do however dull faster.  I estimate it takes 4 of the Dollar Shave 4X blades to last as long as 3 of the Schick Quattro Titanium blades.  This makes the cost of the Dollar Blades slightly increase from $1.50 to $1.88 per blade. ($7.52 per 4 pack)

Is this still a good deal for you?....Well, it depends...

Price Shopping, the lowest price I could find for Schick Quattro 4pks were $8.65 with no coupons. (Though it did include using a Target Red Card for 5% discount)   Using some of my favorite couponing sites (krazycouponlady.com and hip2save.com) I did find some historical coupons that would have dropped a package of 4 blades to under $5.00. This included using a manufacturing coupon, a store coupon, and a sale item.  So, if you are an avid coupon clipper and love working for the super cheap razors, Dollar Shave Club isn't your best deal.  If you do not bargain hunt for razors and just buy at whatever price when needed...Dollar Shave club is for you!

Even after knowing it is possible to find cheaper quality blades, I still prefer Dollar Shave:

•  Dollar Shave Club includes a FREE razor with your first purchase. Buying a single razor at the store will set you back around $6.99

• 6 bucks is 6 bucks...no additional taxes for buying razors through the Dollar Shave Club

• No coupon clipping or bargain hunting

• No longer running out of blades, 4 pk of blades is automatically shipped each month. If you do not need blades that often, there is a "Not So Hairy" Option you can change to. That ships a 4pk of blades every other month

For more information on the club, or to join now. Check out: http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/

Walmart Savings Catcher

Walmart released its Saving Catcher Program this summer, and it's a legit deal. If you do grocery shopping at Walmart or Walmart Neighborhood Market this app is a definite download.  I started using the Walmart Savings Catcher for iPhone when it became available months ago. It is extremely easy to use, and has saved me about $20.00 in a 3 month period.  The best part is when I see a super discount from Albertsons or Kroger I don't have to actually go to that store. If I buy the same item at Walmart, Walmart gives me the difference.   I will say, Walmart does have a disappointing produce and meat selection, so I have gone elsewhere for other groceries. Overall, for standard pantry items, I rely on Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Here is how the Program Works:

1. Sign up for the Program either through the Phone App or Online at Walmart.com/savingscatcher
2. After you complete a purchase, enter your receipt into the savings catcher
• Scan the Barcode on your receipt using your phone
• Enter the receipt number (TC Code )directly into the Savings Catcher 
• Register your phone number through the Savings Catcher app or debit card reader located at in-store checkout.
• I habitually scan my receipt right there after checking out. It takes 60 seconds to add a receipt via iPhone

3. Once you Successfully submit a receipt, you will receive a confirmation email from Walmart letting you know your receipt is processing. When it completes you will get another email stating if you saved or not
• It says it takes 72 hours to check a receipt for savings. I've had my results in 48 - 96 hrs
• Actual email results shown below

4. You can chose to redeem your savings in an Walmart eCard or credit the savings to a American Express BlueBird Account...Go with the BlueBird Account...here's why
• Until 2/28/2015 Walmart will double your cash when you opt to add it to a Bluebird Account. If you go to redeem 10.00 worth of Savings Catcher, you will get a $20.00 BlueBird Credit.
• I haven't been able to find hidden fees or gotchas with using the BlueBird Account..so this is a no-brainer.

Visit www.bluebird.com to learn more about the features and benefits of Bluebird. 

The Fine Print of Savings:

• You can submit up to 7 receipts per week to Savings Catcher.

•  You can save up to $599.99 per year with this program.

•  You can use coupons at the register and still get the price match. 

• The ads must be valid at the time you made your Walmart purchase and include a specific item price.

• Only applies to in-store purchases.
•  Savings Catcher compares eligible items on your receipt to items found in the print and digital weekly ads of top retailers in your area. The ads must be valid at the time you made your Walmart purchase and include a specific item price.
• Savings Catcher does not compare the following types of offers:
• Items that require a separate purchase to get the advertised price (example: “Buy oatmeal to get cereal for $1.”)
• Items with no actual price that require a purchase to get a free product (example: “Buy both oatmeal & cereal to get milk for free.”)
• Items that require a purchase to get a gift card (example: “Buy a 12 pack of paper towels to get a $5 gift card.”)
• Buy one get one free (BOGO) deals where no item price is listed (example: Peter Pan Peanut Butter, buy one, get one free. Save up to $2.50.”) are not included in any state except Florida.
• Going out of business or closeout prices.
• Percentage off (example: “All mascara, 40% off.)
• Items placed on layaway are not eligible for Savings Catcher

https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/faq