Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.  There are zero coupon inserts this weekend.  I know I should take the time to get organized, but am doubtful that will happen.  

The weekend, a long weekend, is upon us again! Woohoo! If you aren’t busy sneaking in a last minute camping trip or BBQ there are a few national, free events occurring this weekend.

Bank of America: All weekend
Cardholders receive free admission to various locations around the country during the first full weekend of the month

Home Depot: Saturday September 4th from 9:00 until noon
Kids will make a football display

Lakeshore Learning: Saturday September 4th from 11:00 – 3:00 pm
Children will make an “All About Me” pop up book!

Walmart: Various times throughout the weekend
Be sure you check to see if there are any demonstrations at your nearest Walmart this weekend.

Doesn’t it seem like good daily deals are popping up everywhere?  In fact, there are so many local deals to be found that I have trouble keeping track of them all.  I am adding myEZdeal to my list of places to check in the future (when the have deals in Atlanta). The EZdeals bring 50 to 90 percent discounts off of products and services from local businesses to consumers, while also giving a portion of proceeds to local charities and schools. Deals that include restaurants, bars, spas, comedy clubs, sporting events, classes, retailers, salons and more can be found at EZdeals.

When applying for mystery shopping jobs you know to keep you credit card in your wallet.  No reputable mystery shopping company will charge you money……ever.   You should never pay an application fee or pay a company money to perform a job.  The only time you will need money is to perform your shop.  Remember, as you sit at your computer working on your application or shop to keep your credit card in your wallet.

One time that it is acceptable to whip out your wallet is if you are getting your Silver or Gold Certification.  There are two certification tests that are recognized by the Mystery Shopper Provider Association (MSPA): Silver and Gold.  The MSPA member companies have a huge goal – to have the best educated shoppers in the industry.  To achieve this result they offer training modules which are followed by a test.  The Silver certification is basically an introduction to mystery shopping.  The cost for the Silver certification module is $15 and can be completed online.  The gold certification is more work, including attending a conference or buying a set of DVD training materials.  The cost for the DVD set is $104 (with shipping).  The Gold certification is more comprehensive and includes critical skills for performing and completing shops.

What are the benefits of being certified?  While it is not required to have the certification some companies prefer shoppers who are Gold or Silver certified.  Being certified can mean a better selection of jobs for shoppers.  Often companies offer their most elite jobs (such as hotels, spas, and fine dining) to Gold certified shoppers, then Silver certified, then non-certified shoppers.  Having obtained this extra training companies feel you are more reliable and effective.

I have my silver certification.  It makes me feel special to put those extra letters in my application.  I cannot say that I have seen an increase in job range availability since becoming certified but I do not see what goes on at the scheduler’s level so I cannot say for sure.  My thoughts on the Silver certification test were that it was easier than some of the tests I took to shop for specific stores.  It is common sense stuff that everyone should know when being a mystery shopper.  If you have an extra $15 and are new to mystery shopping I recommend taking the test if you plan on shopping several times in a year.  It is filled with good information.

If you are in need of sporting apparel, clothing, or goods and have a Hibbett Sports in your area be sure to take this $10/25 printable coupon.  This coupon is valid through 9/12/2010.

Happy Shopping!

Crafters – this giveaway promotion is for you! Every day in September JoAnn’s is giving away a prize while celebrating National Sewing Month. Today’s prize is a $50 JoAnn’s gift card. Read the entry form and click the link that says: Prefer to enter the sweeps without starting a free trial subscription? [...]

Do you have a fabulous giveaway happening this week? List it here so all the Coupons Are Great readers can join in the fun. Every Thursday we will post a linky for you to share all of your giveaways. Happy Thursday and Good Luck!

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Wow!  If you have some points stored in your My Coke Rewards account now is the time to buy a KMart gift card since it is only 280 points!!!
I picked one up and am saving the rest of my points for World of Coke admission tickets to use in three weeks.  I love My Coke [...]

Just when I am about to run out of my freezer stash of shredded cheese, Kraft has come through and released a great coupon!!  Hurry and print yours now by heading HERE.  The coupon is good for $5 off five of the following cheese products:

Kraft Singles
Kraft Parmesan Cheese
Kraft Natural Cheese (chunks, shredded, cubed, sticks, or [...]

Do you ever look at your shopping receipt after the fact and say “Ugh.  The price on the shelf for that was $2.00 not $2.25?”  Or as the cashier scans your item do you notice that something is not right but you don’t want to speak up and make the people behind you mad because [...]