By John
How do I maximize savings through coupons? Almost every e-mail we receive follows a theme along those lines.
More and more people are feeling the pinch these days, and consequently looking for any means by which to make or save money. One of the latest crazes is couponing. Shopping coupons have been around for a long time but were generally used only desultorily. Ever since people discovered that coupons were actually worth money, a whole new industry has sprung up. Increasing competition has compelled manufacturers and stores to issue more enticements to consumers to persuade them to buy their products and consumers, with an increasing number of enticements to choose from, are constantly developing ways to maximize the benefits available.
Casual couponing doesn’t take much time and will save you a modest percentage on your monthly grocery bills; however to save the REALLY big bucks you have to be organized, very determined and pretty ruthless. Extreme couponing is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are keen to maximize savings to up to 80% or more on your monthly shopping bill, this is the way to do it.
What is extreme couponing?
It means changing your mindset to commit to the ideal of never buying anything at the normal price. The basic premise is that you buy when things are cheap or even free, and stockpile them for use during the times when you would need to pay the normal price for them. It will mean that your choice of menus will be dictated by what you have in stock. It will mean forgetting about store and brand loyalty.
Track down those coupons
Sunday newspapers are a common source of coupons. Buy those with inserts of coupons that interest you and see how you can obtain more of the inserts. From friends maybe, or a seller with unsold copies. Perhaps you could get a discount off the annual subscription fee for multiple copies? The same goes for the stores’ own circulars which carry coupons. Hard-core couponers will go to any lengths to acquire unused coupons, even to the extent of – how to put it delicately? – “recovering’ newspapers and circulars that other folks have discarded.
Innumerable websites exist that will point you in the direction of printable coupons, as well as e-coupons that can be downloaded via links to your store loyalty(!) cards. Smartphone apps mean you can do this on the fly.
You will be collecting a large number of coupons and it is essential to file them immediately in a folder or binder with pockets. Assign them by store, product, effective date and expiry date.
Coupons and discount stickers are also available in stores themselves, on products, shelves and at the checkout counter. A dispenser at checkout may dispense coupons according to value of the items purchased, or per transaction. The per transaction system means you can divide your shopping basket into lots, each lot representing one transaction, and get the additional coupon, which helps to pay for the second transaction and so on. By combining coupons you have collected with additional promotions from the store AND these checkout coupons, it is possible to get some of your purchases absolutely free. But you need to do your sums.
Learn the system
Coupons contain codes and abbreviations which you must learn to get the most out of them. Together they describe how the coupon may be used, where, on what, its value, and in what time-frame. Several websites give lists these codes and abbreviations.
You must also learn the policies of individual stores regarding coupons. They will vary as to the combinations of use that they allow. You can find these policies on the stores’ websites, or failing that, request one from the store’s marketing department. You should place a hard copy of each policy in your folder in case of disputes at checkout.
Plan your shopping trip
Make your shopping list according to store, department and product with the appropriate coupons pinned together and available. Have a meal, say goodbye to the kids and go!
Redeeming your coupons
Try to make sure you hit the store at an off-peak time as you will be spending a little longer than normal at checkout. It is a good policy to warn checkers that you will be using coupons so they know what to expect. Sometimes checkers may not be fully briefed up on the finer details of the store’s coupon policy, and this is where you whip out the hard copy from your folder and show them. Don’t be afraid to call for a manager if necessary to settle a dispute.
Final word
If you follow these steps you can see how you will maximize savings on your shopping bill. One word of warning: put a reasonable limit on your stockpile. There’s no point in cornering the world’s entire stockpile of canned sardines at a wonderful price if you have nowhere to put them. Besides, their turn will come round again.