Judging by the lasting popularity of TLC’s show “Extreme Couponing” and the brand-new moniker “coupon queens” for keen clippers, using and abusing printed discounts has become a major trend — but most at-home shoppers aren’t getting even close to the kinds of savings they see on TV. That’s because using coupons to your advantage isn’t easy; in fact, for the most successful coupon queens, clipping has become a full-time job.
However, you don’t have to quit your career to experience the benefits of coupons. While a small minority of coupon fanatics may be able to attain outrageous steals, you can enjoy modest deals by employing these seven practical tips on your next shopping trip.
1. Understand the Lingo
Not every coupon is created equal. Plenty of manufacturers and retailers use unclear words and phrases to confuse you into using your clippings improperly and missing out on major discounts. Once you become coupon-literate, you will be much more adept at applying coupons for maximum savings. Here is an abbreviated glossary for key coupon terms:
- Redeemable at…/Available at…/Store logo: This is merely a suggestion. Coupons with this phrase or picture usually come from manufacturers, and they are valid at nearly every store.
- One coupon per…: This phrase can precede any number of limitations, such as “per item” or “per transaction,” that restricts your usage of multiple coupons.
- BOGO/B1G1: Buy one, get one free. Often, the item you purchase is not on sale or discounted in any way, unless you have another coupon.
- EXP: The expiration date of the coupon.
- MIR: A mail-in rebate. This applies to discounts not taken at the register but provided by manufacturers after a purchase, but you must remember to send the appropriate information to receive your refund.
2. Always Stack
Using a single coupon might feel like a savings success, but manufacturers and retailers publish coupons for a reason, and usually they are still making a profit from your purchase. Instead, you should only employ coupons when you can stack them with other discounts and sales. For example, a true coupon queen would elect to use a $.50 clipping only when the item is already on sale and the store is running a promotion that doubles the value of coupons.
3. Go Online
The Web is a veritable treasure trove of coupons — if you know where to look. While some manufacturers reward eager customers with online discounts or printable rebates, for better and more plentiful deals you should peruse a dedicated coupon website. Sometimes, you can print out two or more of the same coupon for extra savings.
4. Shop Smart
The reason coupons are smart business for manufacturers and retailers is that published discounts often encourage consumers to buy items they normally wouldn’t. You, as a sensible couponer, must eschew this unwise couponing strategy. Instead, you should only clip deals for items you regularly use and currently need. Otherwise, you are wasting money on unwanted, superfluous stuff.
5. Plan Ahead
If you usually run errands armed only with a vague mental list, you need to revise your shopping strategy. Fervent coupon queens will plan shopping excursions months in advance, compiling necessary clippings and organizing their transactions into groups. You don’t need to schedule so intricately, but you should know at least a week ahead of time what you need to buy, so you can gather the appropriate coupons for your trip.
6. Swap and Save
A couponer’s best friend is her pair of scissors, but her second best friend is someone who also loves to clip discounts. With a pal who is also on the lookout for savings, you can work together to find the best deals. However, more importantly, you can trade coupons with your friend (or friends) so you both obtain the clippings that are right for your shopping needs.
7. Remember Apps
More and more retailers are capitalizing on the proliferation of smartphones by integrating engaging savings opportunities into downloadable apps. Target, CVS, Walmart, Nordstrom’s, and others offer apps that advertise amazing deals, and plenty of third-party developers have created alternate sources of discounts. Here are some can’t-miss apps to aid in your couponing endeavors:
- mySupermarket. This app compares the prices of eight retailers, including Target, Costco, and Amazon, to provide you real-time updates on store sales.
- Favado. You can draft your weekly shopping lists using hot local deals, and the app will immediately download related coupons for your use.
- Checkout51. Compiling 51 exclusive rebates and discounts every week, Checkout51 is exceedingly useful.
- Ibotta. Decidedly not a coupon app, Ibotta instead provides cash for the completion of certain small tasks, like answering a trivia question or connecting with a store’s Wi-Fi.
Thanks for the couponing hints.
Love IT!! Great post….love learning about coupons and savings