To begin with, manufacturers want you to buy their product and stores want you to buy it from them. They are both in the business of making money. Coupons are a marketing gimmick, a hook or more nicely put, an incentive. They are designed to get you started on their product as compared to their competitor’s. The manufacturer (and store) is banking on your trying their product at a temporarily lowered price and then deciding to stay with it at the regularly offered price. They recognize that some people need more of an incentive to switch to their brand/store, and therefore, sometimes do not limit an individual to one coupon use. That’s where I, and many others before me, like to make the most of their offers to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Also, manufacturers and stores do not have to issue coupons. If they see that their sales are not increasing from their use – they can stop. But as you can see from your Sunday paper, they must think they work. Additionally, stores only benefit from manufacturer’s coupons. Potentially more and new customers come in their doors. While they are reimbursed not only for the face value of the coupon, but also an additional amount to offset their expense for processing the coupon.
So here are a few coupons points to remember.
- Always be friendly and courteous to cashiers, managers and other store employees. They are people too that enjoy a smile, a greeting and the same respect as you expect.
- Sometimes a cashier (or even manager) does not understand couponing. Be patient and try to explain what you are doing. Do not demean or assume an arrogant attitude.
- Manufacturer’s and stores want you to use their coupons. They think they are a hook to catch you with.
- Store policies vary on how they accept coupons. Check their written policy. But, even big chains sometimes give the manager latitude on how to interpret their policy regarding coupon usage. Watch your attitude and don’t make yourself odious.
- Normally, only one manufacturer’s coupon is allowed per item.
- Just because you have a coupon does not mean you must use it!
- Be ready to set aside your brand loyalty. In order to save the most with coupons, you must be willing to venture out and try new brands.
- Wait for a sale and combine it with a coupon. Otherwise, often the generic, store-brand will be less expensive.
- Always compare the price per unit sold. Often, coupons offer a set price off, without defining the package size. This sometimes renders the smaller sizes less expensive per unit item. For example, say Tide offers $1 off any size of its new liquid formula. Normally, the larger the package the lower the price per ounce of detergent. But, if they have a “travel” size that costs only $1, you can get it for free. If you are only using 1 coupon this doesn’t make much of a difference. But if you have 30 coupons, there may be enough detergent for a few months! (I am accustomed to buying in bulk, so this goes very strongly against my grain!)
- Stockpiling is one key to reducing your shopping bill. If an item is on sale and you have a coupon enabling you to purchase it inexpensively–stockpile. This is especially true for consistently used items (ie. ketchup, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, Ziplok bags etc.). Do not just buy 1 or 2, buy 10 or 20! Purchase as many as you have coupons for within reason. I am not advocating hoarding – I’m not that old yet!
Hi Mrs. Oswald,
This is great information. I seriously had no idea where to find coupons. So I never really use them. Also when I do find coupons I tend to lose them before I get to the check out counter. No Joke! I end up paying full price anyway. So I'm going to get me a binder like yours for starters, then I'm going to start getting the paper on Sundays too. I spend so much money at "walmart" I really should start trying to save a little by using coupons.
I love your blog!!!
Thanks Jessica, I am glad I have encouraged you. It really is amazing how much you can save even over generic store brands using coupons.
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Great information. What I would like to know more about is coupon doubling. What does that mean?
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