7 ways to save more money at Big Lots

Attention, savvy shoppers and bargain hunters: You already know that Big Lots is a great place to find big savings on closeout and overstocked merchandise. But are you aware that with a little extra effort, you can cut those prices by an additional 20 percent, 30 percent or more?

Following are seven simple ways to score even bigger savings at Big Lots. Click through to see more.

1. Sign up for the Buzz Club

The Big Lots rewards program is called the Buzz Club. Sign up, and you'll receive special offers and coupons.

For example, it's not unusual for regular shoppers to receive coupons for $5 off any $15 purchase. That's a 33 percent savings on Big Lots already marked-down prices!

2. Wait to shop during 20 percent off weekends

Every so often, Big Lots will offer a weekend promotion that slashes prices by 20 percent throughout the store. Mary Hoover at Mission to Save notes:

These coupons are good for savings on your total purchase -- with only a few exclusions (like dairy and gift cards). Typically Buzz Club members will receive the discount when using their reward card on Saturday. Then everyone can score the 20% savings using reward card or a printed coupon on Sunday.

These events typically occur every couple of months, so keep your eyes peeled!

3. Look at the clearance racks for big savings

Big Lots always has areas of the store where clearance items are grouped together. Find out where your local store displays these items and scour the shelves for incredible deals. It's not unusual to find items - from food to home furnishings -- for 70 to 90 percent off.

4. Check out the coupon page at the Big Lots website

Wondering what's on sale this week at Big Lots? Visit the retailer's website and stop by the coupon page. On this page, you can find discounts under headings such as:

• Home
• Free Shipping Deals
• Weekly Deals
• Christmas Shop
• For the Home
• Seasonal
• Furniture

5. Be patient when buying seasonal items

Big Lots regularly discounts items at the end of the season. If you see these items on sale, it can pay off to pause before purchasing, according to the Passion for Savings blog:

The prices on the seasonal items drop pretty quickly. If you see an item you love in the seasonal department, wait! Head back to the department in a few days. Chances are, the price will already be lower. Visit the department at the end of the season, and prices are as much as 75% off.

6. Get discount gift cards

Websites such as Raise and Gift Card Zen offer discounted gift cards at retailers such as Big Lots. Buy these cards, and you'll get an extra discount on every item you buy in the store.

Recently, both Raise and Gift Card Zen offered Big Lots gift cards at a discount of up to 6 percent.

7. Shop through a cash-back site

Another way to save even more at big lots is to shop through a cash-back site. When you sign up for a site such as Ebates, you will receive money back on every purchase you make at retailers in the Ebates network.

For example, Ebates recently offered 2 percent cash back on all Big Lots purchases.

Do you know of other ways to save at Big Lots? Share them by commenting below or on our Facebook page.