Extreme Couponing: How to Get Started, and Some Possible Reasons to Avoid It

Coupons are the latest craze nowadays. There’s even a new reality show called Extreme Couponing. So the question is, are coupons right for you and your family? For some people, coupons are more than a hobby, they are a way of life. Others are a little more skeptical about the idea. Here are the basic steps to getting started in couponing, as well as some of the possible reasons to avoid it.

1. Start finding your coupons!

There are two different sources to collect coupons from, the Sunday newspaper, and the internet. Many weekly circulars also contain coupons. Recently, the theft of newspapers has even increased due to the couponing craze. There are many different sites that offer eCoupons, such as smart source , coupons.com , ecoupons.com or SavingStar . To use the coupons from these sites, you must have a printer, and they will require you to download a ‘coupon printer,’ which is basically just coupon printing software for the printer you already own. This special printing software is required because each coupon has it’s own unique type of barcode, and they need to be properly printed so the store can recognize it. Many internet coupons have a limit on how many can be printed, so be sure to print any coupons as soon as you see them, and check back frequently for any new additions. Also, another trick of the trade is to use your browser’s back button to reprint the same coupon a second time. Many sites will allow you to do this, so don’t cheat yourself out of your second copy. But normally, two is the maximum number you are allowed to have. The only way to get more than two copies of the same eCoupon, is to print from another computer in your home, or ask a friend or relative to print for you instead. Don’t ever photocopy your coupons, this is illegal!

Other sources include the automatic coupon boxes in the aisles of the grocery stores, and some stores even have coupon booklets along with their weekly sale circulars.

It’s also wise to study the weekly supermarket sale flyers you receive either in the mail or in stores, and compare those to the coupons you have. Make sure you ‘matchup’ different products in different stores, to see if their prices compare, and whether they have coupons or not. This will ensure that you save the maximum amount of money per shopping trip. Also, there might be a difference in your coupons, varied by the state you live in. Some national coupons might not apply in certain states.

Supermarket loyalty cards are a must have; enrolling is free, and the discounts and savings applied are often substantial. Check manufacturer’s websites, they often have exclusive coupons for their items. Some coupons, whether individual or in booklets, can be bought on eBay . Since it is illegal to sell coupons, the fee is considered to provide for the time and effort spent in cutting out and gathering the coupons.

2. Know your stores specific coupon policy.

It’s also important to understand the coupon policies of your various stores. Many stores have websites that you can go to, with a coupon information or coupon policy section. These policies are subject to change, so it’s wise to check back on occasion to ensure the same rules still apply. Below are some important questions to ask when considering your store’s coupon policy.

a. Are expired coupons accepted at this store?

b. Can you stack store and manufacturer coupons?

c. Do they allow double or triple coupons?

d. Are competitors coupons accepted?

e. How are coupon overages applied to the final total of the bill?

‘Stacking’ is using a store labeled coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon. ‘Doubling’ is taking one manufacturer’s coupon and multiplying its value by two, meaning using two of the same coupon. ‘Tripling’ is using three. The last question refers to ‘coupon overages.’ Say you buy a product for $1.50, and you have a coupon for $2.00 off. This remaining 50 cents is what we call a ‘coupon overage.’ Keep in mind that stores will not give you back that 50 cents. A better choice is to throw in a candy bar to ‘absorb the overage.’

3. Use your coupons to start stockpiling.

Many times, in order to really save money when couponing, you need to buy more than one, or two, of the same item. This means stockpiling. Once you start getting a large inventory of goods going, you will need to make trips to the store less often to get the things you need. Set aside a specific area for your extra goods, and keep them neat and organized. Non-perishable items, things like shampoo and deodarant, can be kept in a cupboard or on a shelf in a closet, until need arises. Food items need to be more carefully handled, especially perishable things. Do not risk illness simply to save some extra money.

4. Set a relistic pace for yourself.

Coupons are here to stay! So don’t take on too much at once and get burnt out, or become a crazy coupon lady. Instead, find a steady, even pace that everyone in your life can live with. Scheduling couponing time and shopping trips, making lists and staying organized, is the best and most efficient way to coupon.

5. Remember that sales cycle.

Stores have sales on and off throughout the year on hundreds of different products. Chances are, the product that is about to go off sale this week, will be on sale again sometime in the future. There’s no need to panic and buy all at once. Buy what you can and what you need, keeping efficiency and moderation in mind at all times. Most coupons and sales cycle about every three to four months. So buy a few months supply, and then wait until the products go on sale again to buy more. About a year’s supply of non-perishable items is usually ideal to have.

So those are the basic steps to getting started in couponing. But what are some of the possible reasons NOT to coupon?

1. Some coupons promote spending money more than saving money.

Many coupons require the shopper to buy two or more of the same product. Don’t allow yourself to be tricked into a ‘deal.’ Do you really need three quarts of ice cream? If you have a large family and the product will be used, then buy it. Otherwise, extra quantities mean extra costs, and sometimes extra calories. Are coupons encouraging you to buy things you might not normally buy? This too can be considered an added expense, and over time can really start to affect you. Don’t let coupons give you a false sense of security. Try not to base your buying around your coupons. Instead, try to balance the things you need with the discounts that are actually available to you. This might take extra time and research on your behalf. But it will be more efficient in the long run, and therefore more worthwhile.

2. Many food related coupons are unhealthy.

Are you couponing for ‘junk’ food? Coupons relating to things like refridgerated doughs, portable snacks, and soda might not be worth the savings in the long run after all. Saving money doesn’t compare to saving the health of you and your family.

3. Couponing is a full-time commitment, and can easily become an addiction.

People who coupon in the extreme sense spend a lot more time at stores than most regular shoppers. Often they must go to several different stores in one day. They must also dedicate hours of time and energy into the gathering and organizing of the coupons themselves. Couponers need to stay on top of store policies and sales, get the most recent papers, and check in often to coupon websites to find the best deals. Stockpiles can turn into hoards, if not careful. Also, try not to buy more than you need. Buying ten of an item that is on sale is fine, but if you completely clear out that item and leave none for anyone else, that is greedy, and completely unneccessary. Share the love of coupons with everyone around you instead.

Extreme Couponing, Extreme Couponing , Extreme Couponing – Save money with eCoupons.

Charlene, Extreme Couponing: Where To Begin , My Frugal Adventures.

Extreme Couponing, Extreme Couponing Tip: Finding Balance , The Krazy Koupon Lady.

Paul Michael, Extreme Couponing? 5 Reasons Why I’ll Pass. , Wise Bread.

Farnoosh Torabi, Extreme Couponing: 5 Reasons To Steer Clear , CBS MoneyWatch.


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