12 Ways to Save at DSW

If Carrie Bradshaw has a gold medal in buying shoes, I happen to know a good many other people (this writer included) who would earn a close silver. Any shoe lover is bound to have checked out designer shoe warehouse DSW for their footwear needs, but next time you find yourself feeling a little foot fancy, try these suggestions to save a bit on your haul.

Here are 12 ways to save at DSW.

1. Enroll in DSW Rewards

Membership is free, and you’ll earn 10 points for every $1 you spend at the store. You should also be on the lookout for Double Point Days and free birthday offers.

2. Become a Premier Member

Premier membership is actually based on how much you spend: DSW Rewards members who earn 6,000 qualifying points by spending $600 in a calendar year qualify for Premier membership. If that’s you, be sure to ask about the program, which offers free next-day shipping, five more points earned per every dollar spent at DSW and access to the Premier Choice Card, which earns you a Triple Points day every six months, (you get to pick the day).

3. Apply for a DSW Rewards Visa

Only Rewards members can apply for the DSW Rewards Visa, but once you do, you can really start racking up the savings. You’ll earn 20 points for every $1 you spend at DSW, two points for every $1 you spend outside of DSW, and when you reach 1,500 points you’ll earn a $10 Rewards certificate. You also get free return shipping, a one-time $25 offer when you spend $500 outside of DSW within 90 days of your first purchase and a $25 application offer when your card arrives in the mail. Just be sure not to revolve a balance — otherwise, you’ll lose those points to interest. (You can see how your credit card use if affecting your credit by viewing two of your scores for free on Credit.com.)

4. Use a Rewards Credit Card

A general purpose rewards credit card can also give you some kickback on your kicks. Here are some of our favs for shoppers.

5. Search the Site for Bonus Point Offers

Scroll through the entire homepage of the site to be sure and catch any additional rewards or bonus offers that might be hiding throughout. For example, ahead of Father’s Day, DSW was offering 25% off men’s dress socks with purchase of any men’s footwear.

6. Shop the Clearance Section

Don’t forget to check out the online clearance section frequently for new markdowns available online.

7. Sign Up for Email Newsletters

For exclusive offers and news sent directly to your inbox, enter your email address in the box at the bottom of any page on the site.

8. Search for Coupons

Besides your inbox and mailbox, search online at places like Coupons.com, RetailMeNot and Groupon for additional promo codes to use when shopping.

9. Follow Them on Social

As with most brands, DSW loves to engage with its customers, and one way they do so is by making sure their social media followers are up-to-date on the latest deals and special offers. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay in the know.

10. Go Where the Dots Are

The best way to save some cash when shopping in-store is to know what you’re looking for. At DSW, keep your eyes peeled for colorful dots that show up on clearance shoes — find them and you could score an extra percentage off the already marked down price. For example, a purple dot signifies 20% off, red is 30%, blue is 50% and green is 70%.

11. Ask for a Discount

Customers have also claimed success at saving by simply asking for a discount, especially on purchases with small defects. Why not give it a try — if nothing else it’ll help you practice your haggling skills.

12. Return Your Online Purchases in the Store

If you aren’t a rewards member, you’ll pay $8.50 in shipping to return (not exchange) purchases made online — unless you do it directly in the store, so skip the charge by hitting the streets.

Want more brand hacks? We’ve got you covered. Here are 19 ways to save at Target.

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.

Image: oneinchpunch