Smart Shopping For Your Pet Supplies
As living costs continue to rise across Canada, managing expenses becomes crucial for every household, including those with beloved pets. Finding ways to shop smarter for your pet supplies can make a significant difference in your budget without compromising your pet's usual diet and routine. The staff here at Exotic Wings have brainstormed a few tips and tricks you can use to shop smarter, not harder. We hope they help!
Shipping
No matter what courier you select, there is a base rate for packages being shipped which is based heavily on the dimensions of the box rather than the weight. For example, let's say you ordered a small 8 oz (0.5 lb) Morning Bird supplement to Ottawa. The shipping cost for this package (the estimated base rate) would come to $10.32. We also calculated what it would cost to ship a 4 lb bag of Top’s Pellets. If it were shipped to the exact same address, the shipping cost would be $10.61 – only 29 cents more than a package weighing 1/8th of its size! We notice many customers making an online order every few weeks (meaning that they are paying this base rate over and over again). Consider this when you are placing orders so you can ensure you are getting the most use of the box and the shipping service you are paying for.
Storing Food
Buying larger bags can dramatically decrease food cost and save money in the long run. Zupreem pellets, the main component of many of your birds' diets, have unfortunately been increasing in price as well as demand. Although it feels more expensive at the time of purchase, purchasing the 17.5 lb bag will decrease how frequently you are paying for shipping and most importantly, decrease the price you are paying per pound. For example, a 2 lb bag of Zupreem Medium Fruitblend comes to $10 per pound whereas a 17.5 lb bag is $6 per pound – a few dollars really does make a difference! Did you know that you can even freeze your bird’s pellets to maintain freshness? This means that even if you have one or a few birds, you don’t have to feel pressured to go through a large bag of food in a short period of time. Instead, freeze the pellets into little bags and use them as needed. Please note that this can not be done with seed due to its moisture content and ability to grow fungus.
Monthly Specials, Clearance & Rewards
Many of our customers are unaware of how many deals we have available…monthly! That's right, every single month we have a new selection of discounted items. From perches to gourmet dog treats, there’s always many exciting ways to save. This is also one of the best ways to keep your bird super busy at a discounted price. Each month we are sure to add a selection of toys, treats, and accessories. By browsing this section monthly and purchasing a new toy or treat, you can keep your bird happy while also budgeting. Want to be updated every month? By signing into your account in the top right corner of our website, you can agree to receive a copy of our newsletter via email which makes sure you are always in the loop! Also, by logging in or signing up for an account, you are collecting points with our rewards program. Every purchase you make counts towards points. Collect 500 points and use your $10 off or collect 1000 and save $25. When you drop in to buy a bag of food, don’t forget to give us your email or phone number so you can rack up those points! We also give out points for referrals. After you sign into your account, there is a referral link located in the rewards widget at the bottom left of the screen. The friend you referred gets $5 off a purchase over $50 and you get 25 points – it’s a win-win!
We also have a clearance section which contains damaged bags and products close to expiry. Many of the bags listed have only a small tear from transportation from our manufacturer to us. For this reason we will not sell them at their original price. Most have only lost a teeny, tiny amount of product - or even none at all. We recommend you take advantage of these deals! As for the bags close to expiry, if you have many birds, buying a few bags at a very discounted price may just be worth it. If you use that much food anyways, why not save?
Revamping Old Bird Toys
Discover our extensive collection of toy parts — perfect for refreshing your bird's favorite toys or creating something entirely new! Our carefully curated selection ensures you'll find the exact pieces your bird loves, so when they wear out or get torn off, there's no need to discard the whole toy. From quick links to mahogany pods, birdie bagels and more, you have everything you need to craft personalized toys tailored to your bird's unique preferences. Keep your feathered friend entertained and enriched without breaking the bank!
Shopping For All Of Yours Pets
While we proudly showcase a wide range of bird products, our online store is packed with a vast selection of pet essentials for ALL types of animals. Whether you need small animal bedding, dog food, or reptile substrate, we’ve got you covered! Maximize the value of your shipping by exploring our entire collection and satisfy all of your pet’s needs in one shop! Don’t see something on our website that you regularly use or would be interested in purchasing? Contact us at sales@exoticwings.com and we will be sure to look into providing that product.
Conclusion
At Exotic Wings, providing affordable products and services is our goal. By being strategic with your purchases—whether it’s buying in bulk, optimizing your shipping costs, or taking advantage of our monthly sales and clearance items—you can keep your pets well-fed, entertained, and happy! We hope these tips help you shop smarter, so you can provide the best care for your feathered friends and other beloved pets. If you ever need advice or have any questions, our team is always here to assist. Thank you for choosing Exotic Wings, and happy saving!