Extreme couponing–real or not? The average person using coupons may feel like they are not getting all the savings they could be getting, if they watch TLC’s Extreme Couponing. This series shows shoppers clipping coupons, planning their shopping trip, and in the end, their total equals hundreds of dollars, yet they pay pennies.
I had never watched Extreme Couponing until a couple months ago. I thought I’d start watching to get ideas on where to find coupons, how to score deals, etc. so I could start saving money, since at that time I couldn’t find a job. I was disappointed. They do not show how the shoppers find all the great coupons, nor do they show the real deal. If you or I were to take our hundreds of coupons to the store, we wouldn’t get the same results. Coupon policies at most stores will not let you double more than THREE like coupons, nor would they let you break your purchases into 39 separate transactions. Many stores have enacted these rules because of the extreme couponers who clear shelves, using 20 coupons for their items. I’m all for saving money, but in reality, these people will never use up all these items. I have “stockpiled” items–I had six bottle of BBQ sauce once, and maybe five deodorants.
So, what does that mean for those of us who want to save money the honest way with coupons? Know your store’s policy. If they only double three like coupons, that’s it. Everything else will be at face value only. Now, the store manager may let you break up your purchases into two transactions. That’s when you want to take your mom or daughter with you. But I doubt they will let you do 39 transactions!
Don’t fudge on the item being purchased. If the coupons says one Colgate toothpaste, don’t try and buy Crest if it’s on sale. You will only be embarrassed. Also, buy the amount specified. If the coupons says good off 2, you have to buy two. Keep it honest.
There are ways to save more money on one item. You can “piggyback” a STORE coupon with a MANUFACTURER coupon. If you have a Target coupon for .50c off Tide detergent, you can also use a $1 off manufacturer coupon for the item, thus saving $1.50. But you cannot use two manufacturer coupons for the same item.
The best time to buy an item with a coupon is when it is on sale. Recently King Soopers had a sale on Dove deodorant. Regular price was $3.80, and it was on sale for $3.49. They were also having a sales event where if you purchased 10 select items, you would receive $5 off your bill. That made the deodorant $2.99. I had a .75c coupon, which KS “doubled” to $1 (they only double up to $1, so a .75c coupon becomes $1). I got the deodorant for $1.99. On that shopping trip, I saved 49% on my bill. That’s the most I’ve saved in years! Everything was on sale, and many items had a coupon to go with it.
If a coupon states “good off any size” that’s when bigger is NOT better. The price per unit on the larger item may be better, but if you have a $1 off coupon, good on any size, and the smaller item is $1, that equals free. I like free! Again, you need to read the coupon carefully and follow it exactly.
Also, if the store is out of an item that is on sale, make sure you get a Rain Check from the cashier for the item. That way, you can still get the sale price and use your coupons to get the best price.
With these hints, you can become an expert, but honest, couponer. Coupons are meant to save you money, not pay the mortgage.