We all get the screen time reports; so how many hours are we killing on Instagram, YouTube and the general social world that could be swapped for something better. I love that advertisement that pops up while I am scrolling social feeds that says you could be earning a degree right now instead of mindlessly scrolling. In fact, that time could be put towards cutting costs on something you pay for each month: Groceries!!
Only buy what you need
Don’t just buy something because it has a coupon. Only buy what you need! Couponing is not about leaving the store with a bunch of random free stuff. When you are just starting off, stick to the basics. Also shop the sale early. If it is a good sale or there are other couponers in the area you need to try and plan to shop the sale on the first day. This will guarantee there is enough stock for the sale items.
It pays to check.
Buying a brand name item with a coupon isn’t always cheaper than discount or store brands. Not to mention buying it at a more expensive store that accepts your coupon could still be pricier than buying it somewhere else. While watching the name brand price vs store brand price you also need to compare the size of the packaging. Bigger is not always better and now stores are getting listing the cost per unit right on the tags. If they don’t for some reason or you are trying to figure it out with your coupon just take the price of the item and divide it by the quantity or weight. Do this for both items you are comparing and you will see which one cost the least.
Rock-bottom prices
If you have a high value coupon, hold out until that item is further discounted for maximum savings. Don’t go out and use your coupon immediately! Matching sales with coupons can get you a great price. Combining sales, coupons, and another promotion (rebates, double coupons, store coupons, ect) can get you an even better price and sometimes even turn into a MONEYMAKER! Start paying attention to the price of the items you buy before you even get a coupon. Items tend to go through a six-week sales cycle. Keeping an eye on the regular price and sale price of an item will help you determine when to buy it. You will learn when an item is due for a sale and it will help you determine whether the sales is the right opportunity to stock up or if you should wait for a better deal.
Grab Several
See a free coupon? Don’t just grab one, grab several! NOT ALL! We are couponers not savages. Even if coupons are limited to one per transaction, you can use them again on another trip to the store! Most coupons say “one coupon per purchase” somewhere in the fine print. Cashiers will try to tell you that that means you can only use one coupon per transaction/day. This is NOT true! One per purchase means that you can only use one coupon per item purchased! So, if you are buying 2 items and have 2 coupons, then you can use them both! However, there are times when a coupon or store will have a maximum that can be used in a transaction and you will just need to know the difference. Just read the specifics ahead of time because if you have a confused cashier, you may have to explain the meaning or speak to a manager to use multiple coupons. There may be a confusing coupon from time to time so choose your battles carefully. You will learn which cashiers are more lenient than others. Don’t be afraid to save the coupon and try the deal another day or even at another store.
Don’t Be Fooled
Marketers are always looking for a way to pull you in with a coupon to increase the amount of money you spend. I say that through experience because I have been both an assistant buyer for jewelry and a social media manager for a grocer. So, don’t get fooled by the coupon or offer. A 10/$10 promotions doesn’t always mean you have to buy 10 items to get the $1 price! Or in some cases you will see a 2/$5. One store may require both items to be purchased where another will give you the price at $2.50 if you just buy one. The only exception to this rule is if the ad states that you must. Read the fine print. You will often see it listed as what the price would be if you buy just one. Either way check your receipt. Before leaving the store, look over your receipt to make sure everything rang up correctly and all of your coupons were scanned. If there is a problem or you think something didn’t ring up as it should have, take it to customer service immediately so they can fix it.
0 Comments