Win It! App -A Review by a Frugal Shopper

Years ago I started to realize that somehow I was different than others. When I would talk about the couponing that I did, all the free stuff I got in the mail, and the things that I got by using points I got blank stares in return. Weird expressions instead of enthusiasm, like people didn't care about that stuff. That's when I realized that some people don't care about that or at least not the same way like I do. In my twenties I came across a blog and for the first time I realized that I was frugal. Over the years being frugal has come easier with modern technology. Thank you smartphone! This review list just one of many ways I use apps to help ends meet.

A few months ago I stumbled across a blog post about how to get free things, and since I'm always looking for new ways to be frugal I read it. One of the places to get something free on Fridays is the Kmart App. I downloaded it, which led me to the Win It! App. This app is geared more towards Sears and allows you to win what you want plus opportunities to earn bonus Shop Your Way Rewards.

And why would one download such an app?
In a nutshell the Win It! App allows you to get free Shop Your Way(SYW) rewards, which in turn you can use at Kmart, Sears, or Lands End instead of your money!

Let's go over some basic info about the app and SYW rewards.

What are SYW rewards?
SYW rewards are points you earn for spending money at Kmart, Sears, Lands End and others. The points are converted into money. 50 points is equal to 5 cents. 1000 points is equal to $1.00. You earn 10 points per dollar spent. Plus there are always bonus points being offered, such as 10,000 bonus points for spending $10 during a certain time frame.

How to Earn SYWR on Win It! App
Everyday you are allowed 10 chances to win what you want. Plus there are bonus spins for posting to Twitter and Facebook. All together that's 12 chances to win 10 items. First you must pick 10 items to win. They can range from diapers to dresses to TVs to outdoor furniture. Then simply spin the wheel after watching an ad for a chance to win that item, SYWR, or a mystery. Let's face it your chances of actually winning the item are slim, unlike winning the SYWR. I usually win about 30 points a day, but have won up to 2000 points before. The points are good for 2 weeks before they expire. The app shows your point balance at the top right. One of the things about this app is that it doesn't tell you when the points are expiring. You have to click the point balance and are redirected to shopyourway.com, where you have to log in and find that info yourself. It's not hard but it's annoying.

How does this help me save money?
I like to save money or I should say I don't like to spend my money on things when someone else is willing to pay for it. This is where the Win It! App comes in. Now don't get me wrong this app isn't going to get you enough SYWR to buy you anything expensive. What it will do is help you pay for items you need. For example, I needed a personal care product the other week. It was cheaper at Walmart than at Kmart but because I had SYWR that I received for free through the Win It! App it was now cheaper at Kmart. Remember the Kmart App offers a free item every Friday, so this is traditionally when I go to Kmart to use my SYWR.

Is the Win It! App worth my time?
I'm going to say yes only if there is a store close by that accepts SYWR or if you shop at the online stores regularly already. Of course you can just try to win something because people are actually winning everyday. I have not won anything yet (besides points) and I have played almost everyday for over 2 months straight. I can do my 10 spins and bonus spins in about 5 minutes, so it doesn't take long to possibly win an item or points. All in all the app itself is easy to use and I think kinda fun to watch the wheel spin to see where it lands. Give it a try and let me know if you win.