Can you please help us? We are trying a couple new things around here and looking for your feedback. We want you to be kept informed of all kinds of great deals, but we also don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information.
To that end, I (Laura) have started updating the shopping lists to reflect things readers identify in the comments – whether new deals, coupons that are out of print or other updates. We currently aren’t sharing every new deal as a new post throughout the week, even though we know that many other blogs update readers that way and don’t keep a main list current.
Pros and Cons of Current Approach
Pros: Limiting the number of updates to the shopping list that we send out, allows us to share more other deals. We want to send out 6-8 deals per day, to avoid information overload and focus on the best of the best, and we’d eat into those with updates. Also, if you visit the shopping list throughout the week you get all the deals in one place. You don’t need to scroll through multiple blog posts to be sure you have your Walgreens list covered.
Cons: Thousands of you receive a daily email from Pocket Your Dollars. That email is a snapshot of what the website’s content looked like at a single point in time. When we update the list throughout the week, you don’t see those updates if you only reference the shopping list you were initially emailed. You would see the updates via email if we published them each as a separate blog post.
We are flexible and willing to share updates to the shopping lists with you in any number of ways, even if that means we change from the approach we are currently using.
Please Help
We really, really want to hear your thoughts about this. Do you like to see the main lists updated? Did you not even notice it was happening? Would you prefer to see any new deals for CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart and/or local grocery stores highlighted in their own posts throughout the week? Would you like us to resend the entire list mid-week? Would like us to send a short reminder mid-week “New deals have been added to the CVS list, click here to see them all”? What other ideas do you have about how we can share this information in a way that works for you?
Your turn: What do you think?
If you are reading this via email, click here to come back to this article within the site, then scroll to the bottom to share your thoughts and preferences.
Personally, I visit this website often enough to catch any new deals that have been added to the main shopping lists. I like that the main lists are updated and I always reference back to the website one more time before I go shopping to make sure that I am not missing something. That being said, I would prefer for the main lists to be updated on the website rather then have extra e-mails come into my inbox.
Thank you for all of the work that you are doing!
I second Michelle! :)
I also agree! Its nice to have a “suprise” update when I look back!
I agree. I like to just check the list.
Ditto!
Same for me.
I agree too.
Me too!
I look at the website at least daily and double check the lists right before I go shopping. But I do love getting the updates via Facebook for special deals, since I do check Facebook several times a day.
I do check the web page during the week to see others experiences or news from whatever store I’m interested in so I like what you do now , that being said a midweek reminder that ‘cvs has new update’ or whoever would be helpful when in a hurry. Thanks-looove this website. Thanks.
I did notice last week that some of the shopping lists were updated and saved a couple more dollars than I would have if I hadn’t checked the updates. Thank you. I do receive so many emails so think I would like to check for updates myself and save you the trouble of having to send out more emails. Thanks for all the work that you are doing!
I really enjoy getting your weekly updates. I would like to see more deals for Walmart and Cub Foods. I’m ok with only getting notified weekly. Keep up the great work and thank you for helping to save us $$.
I love that you’ve been updating the lists and flagging what’s new on the list. But as others have said, I always visit before I go shopping so I’d rather not have another e-mail or FB post just to say that it’s updated. I subscribe to a couple of other FB deal blogs, and get completely overwhelmed some times with all their posts, to the point where it kind of blocks everything else out and I miss things.
I completely agree with Laura!!
I check facebook many times throughout the day and love getting updates about new deals daily.
The more updates the merrier! I am happy to read new deal updates, shopping list updates……whenerver they happen. If I don’t have the time to read the update then I save it for later. Thanks for all the info :)
Let me start out by stating I love this “pocket your dollars” and love saving money any way I can. And how a lot of you are saying is that we check the site before we go anywhere and to have that update works for most!!!! Please no more extra e-mails are needed in my mind, you would spend so much extra time getting those out you could miss a great deal…Not Likely..but it could happen. thanks for listening to me babble
I like your current method for update a few times a week with a comprehensive list for the stores. I do follow a couple other sites that update with every deal. It’s a nice balance with both. I think if every blog updated with every deal, it would get a bit much. The most valuable piece you offer (in my humble opinion) is the local stores (Rainbow & Cub) and the local feedback (comments on which local stores are taking coupons, etc.)
One thing I’d love to see if store lists in .pdf format to easily download. I currently cut & paste you lists & then print them out…in order to make my shopping list.
I don’t follow by email, but I do follow you on Twitter and visit the site as I see store lists posted.
I love this site :)
I agree with Teresa and other commentators that the blog is set up well now to have just one list per week that is occasionally updated. Having additional lists would be too much to follow.
I think a mid week update would be nice. I read the lists when they come out and make my list then, so I don’t always check before I go to the store. I would like to know about new deals as they come about. I wouldn’t think to check the lists again before going shopping because I figure it wouldn’t have changed. I would like being notified in a mid week email so that I’m not missing a great bargain. Thanks for saving us so much money. I just got half of my order for the Target diaper deal in February. I so appreciated having the diapers delivered for free!
I like how you are doing it now. I check the website list. For me the emails are more of a flag for me that the lists are posted and ready to be viewed. I always click the link to the list and visit the website because I read everyones comments too.
I really like how you flag new deals on the main lists. Scrolling through 200 comments takes a lot of time! However you decide to do it, I am so grateful for your lists.
New subject- does anyone have interest in adding an organics section? Like, a list highlighting any great deals at various stores. Wishful thinking, I know!
Keep updating the original lists! I read in an RSS feeder so I know when it’s been updated.
I also like how the new or updated things are flagged.
Please DON’T do a new post just for list updates- I think that is super annoying.
I really like when updates to shopping list are done in red so it’s easy to tell what’s new.
Thanks!
I like when you update as you go. Then if I don’t have a lot of time I can consult your list rather than scanning through the comments.
I appreciate when you update the lists. I look at them almost every to every other day and right before I go to the store. It is a easier and quick way for me to get the updates than looking below at all the posts. Great idea – thank you!
I agree with another reader that the most valuable piece you offer is the local shopping deals and lists; especially Rainbow. I think what you are doing now with deal notifications is just fine, I check this site often. I really, really love this site, and the only improvement I would appreciate is getting the Rainbow list out earlier, with more transaction ideas from Carrie and readers.
Sarah – Today’s your day! The Rainbow list will start to be posted earlier, Sunday is the goal.
That is awesome, thanks for making my day!
I love that you update the lists! Sometimes the comments are so numerous that it takes forever to figure out all the updates that way. I love that you ladies put it all in one place. I personally come right to the website to check out the deals so I don’t have a preference on how you handle email notifications.
I like when the local shopping lists are posted and watch facebook for the initial posting and like the lists updated as deals are discovered and flagged so I can see anything new (but I wouldn’t need any additional facebook notification on updates because once the shopping lists are up I check them often enough throughout the week. I don’t subscribe to any emails and prefer notification on Facebook and at my convenience.
I pay attention to the other deals (internet, free samples, etc) on Facebook and if I see something that interests me I go to PYD website for more information and if it doesn’t pertain to me I skip over it. I don’t think I would ever have a need to subscribe to email notifications as long as facebook is utilitzed.
I like things all in one place. That way when I click on the Target list for the week I know that’s going to have all the deals and everything that is valid at that moment.
It’s much easier, but you both do a great job so you do what works for you!
I honestly didn’t know that the lists were updated during the week. I usually rely on my email update or mostly the Facebook updates, since I’m on there so often. I would say maybe put a link in the daily email just saying there’s an update and then linking to the list? If that’s too much for people, maybe just a FB post that there’s an update.
Thanks for listening!
Leah – We never considered just doing a Facebook post and not updating the site itself. I am always amazed at the things I don’t think of :) I like your idea.
but carrie, what about those of us who don’t do facebook?
I love the new flags…the way you are doing things has worked great for me ..7+ months and I just love the site more!
Thanks for all your hard work…both of you!
Keep doing what you are doing! I prefer that you update the original lists. Thanks!
I like what you are doing now. It is really easy to go to one page and get the specific store deals you are looking for. It makes it nice when you are in a hurry. Thanks for all that you do!
I agree- I go to the website to get the updates, and like the flagged red to tell me there’s a change. I don’t need more emails besides what you currently send out.
I also think that one of your goals was to make us more independent/self-sufficient (or something like that), and you shoudn’t have to be responsible for us knowing about updates. We can just assume they’re going to happen, and if you flag them well (like you’re doing), we can be self sufficient enough to find them ourselves.
One thing on posting deals. What I appreciate about this site is it’s not TOO much like other sites, if there’s too much overload it paralyzes me. I am not paralyzed with too much (for the most part!) here. I appreciate all you do to filter stuff out, and just give us really good deals. And love how Carrie says “I don’t like to pay over X.oo, but if you’re new this is a good start etc.” YOu’re not posting any deal just to post it, you’re posting great deals.
Anyway, thanks thanks thanks
Julie W
I love the way you are doing it now and just updating the list as necessary. Before I go to the store I always recheck the list for any changes plus I scan all the comments for additional deals that other people have posted in the comment section.Then I filter through and only buy the deals that fit my preferences . I won’t buy something just because it is free or close to free unless I or someone I know have a use or a need for the product.
I love it how it is now…I am signed up through Google Reader and love checking for updates! I don’t always think to check facebook, but with the RSS I think I get all the info I need. I can’t believe how much time and work you two put into this–you amaze and inspire me to be a better shopper! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like that store lists are updated with changes and additions – but I would also like to be notified if something is added, for example, when a new printable is found that matches up with an ad. I use the RSS feed so scrolling through the updates isn’t a big deal for me.
I love that you update the master list. Before I make my list and go shopping, I always check the current list on the blog. It’s the primary reason, I always check PYD versus other blogs. I am a simple list person and most other blogs are information overload.
I like the way things work currently- where the main lists get updated. I usually take a look shortly after you post the ones I use and then again the day I plan to shop at that particular store (like Rainbow for doubles) and I appreciate your updates and having everything in one centralized place. If something really exceptional happened I wouldn’t mind an extra email though, I read a few favorite bargain blogs and I notice that happening mainly when something significant happens like an unadvertised catalina or rolling catalina.
I actually wasn’t aware that you update the shopping lists throughout. Therefore, I don’t know if this suggestion is somthing you already do or not. But, I would just make sure if you make an update to a shopping list or other post, that you note that it’s been updated with a date and time next to the name of the list and make sure that that post moves to the top of the list like it’s a newer post. I would hesitate to send additional alerts. Hope that helps! Love the site.
I agree I like the flagged updates to the original list. I subscribe to several blogs and websites so I appreciate the way you are doing it now.
I love that you are updating the lists through out the week. It is also nice to note when it has changed in the post. At times I print the list if I am making it at work or in the car…it is great to be able to pin point the new updates easily. I am super excited to see the rainbow list earlier…Sunday evenings are less crazy for me…it would be great to have my list ready to go before Tuesday night! Thanks for all your hard work!
I like the daily emails! I spend most of my day working on the computer but not on personal stuff so it’s a daily reminder of bargains I should check. Also, some of the freebies run out so fast I wouldn’t be able to participate in any of them ,if I had to check the entire web site.I only have time to view the entire web site about once a week. I probably wouldn’t even find time for that if it weren’t for the daily reminders of how many fantastic deals you find. Thanks for providing such a wonderful service!
My 2 cents: I’d rather have more deals than a constantly revised list. I love the way this site is organized and how it is PERTIENT to the area. Thanks Carrie!
Facebook undates! What about those of us who don’t do facebook?