The TLC show “Extreme Couponing” has created an overwhelming interest in couponing and thousands of people are now clipping coupons for the first time ever. While TLC could be using the show as a tool for teaching others about the benefits of couponing, they have instead portrayed the absolute worst examples of couponing.
On the show we’ve seen everything from shelf-clearing to coupon fraud. It’s not only put a bad light on couponers, but has misled viewers into thinking that these tactics are okay. Let me be clear – just because you see someone do it on television, does not mean it’s right.
In my ongoing attempt to educate beginner couponers on the ins and outs of couponing, I’ve decided to write a “Coupon Etiquette” series. This series will not only teach you the unspoken rules of couponing (which will keep you from being disliked in the coupon community), but will also help you learn which couponing tricks are legitimate and which are illegal (which will keep you out of jail).
In addition to using the show “Extreme Couponing” as a “How NOT to Coupon” guide, I hope you will follow these coupon etiquette lessons on the unspoken rules of couponing.
Fall means cooler weather, changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and my most favorite, Halloween. Halloween is… Read More
Ghosts may give you goosebumps. Monsters may give you nightmares. But if you're on a… Read More
This time of year, you can buy cute baby costumes at a huge array of… Read More
With many restaurants shuttered and others offering only takeout and delivery, a lot of families… Read More
You might not be able to jet off on an around-the-world adventure, but that doesn't… Read More
When you're on the go, you may get hungry. If you've had a bad day,… Read More
View Comments
Stockpiling seems like a good idea if you have the space, for now though, I'm glad I can finally afford my groceries. Thank you so much for all of this information!
Buying newspapers? I work for a newspaper and they are not BUYing the papers. Some extreme couponers are stealing the newspapers. They buy one out of the single copy rack and take all of them. They actually put their children in our dumpsters to steal the extra coupons that we did not insert. Newspapers are contractually obligated to destroy inserts they do not use. When asked to leave, many of these couponers yell at our staff. Amazing.
This is going to be great...I have never cleared a shelf nor do I plan in it. I stock up but I've always done that and I share with my family and friends. I too give away coupons all the time ...I have the time to look through coupons because I stay home..but part of the reason I get to stay home is the money we have saved over the past few years.
Recently one of our stores had shampoo and conditioner on sale for $.69 I bought 10 one of each kind because I wasn't sure which kinds we would like ...that is the 1stmoney time I have ever done that and I felt guilty however..the cashier told me I was being silly and that she was impressed because of my coupon book and that I handed the lady behind me over $5.00 in coupons because I wasn't using them. I buy bodywash but normally only on sale and only when I have a b1g1 or they have a good sale.
I look forward to reading this everyday..its awesome and helps me decide where I might go. I never buy on the day the ad comes out because I feel that is a knee jerk reaction..so I look at the ads and coupons when they come out but normally don't shop until the following Thursday or Friday ...I find this helps me decide do we really need this item..is it really a good deal.
That's so great! Being able to save enough money to stay home with your kids is such a wonderful benefit of couponing!
And I don't think you should feel guilty over stockpiling - there is a difference between stockpiling and overbuying just because of the thrill of the bargain. :)
there is an old saying charity begins at home . yes i give to others thats why i save up but also im on asmall income so naturally i buy for me and mine. has anyon e done this? seen someone in store and educate them on bogos or given them acoupon i do this but people look at me like im crazy!
I give my coupons all the time. Mostly the store coupons. For example, if I go to Gap and have 2 store coupons but will only use one - I'll hand the other to someone waiting in line. I've given $5/25 at staples to a mom and she was SO excited! :-) Made me feel great!
Thank you! Hopefully people will listen. I've been couponing for 2 years but never RUN out to the stores on Sunday morning to get a deal. I go when I have time and get what I can. Yet, by doing it this way I've still been able to build a small stockpile of essentials. You don't have to go crazy - doing just a little will go a long way. Unfortunately, my method is getting harder with all these new couponers being thought to run out first thing in the morning.
Also, I agree with some of the posts above - I hate when people say they will clear the shelf to give to charity. Sure, that's great! but there are a lot of hard working people who could also benefit from getting that item on sale.
I believe that there definitely needs to be some "unspoken rules" laid out. Simple common sense seems to escape some people.
yeah i have some distant relatives in joplin area my sister has done volunteer work up there withelks club she lives in mo she forwards expired coupons to troups for me i lost the addresses. many vets in my family my deceased #1 hubby had me as a military wife i used coupons then in the #80s! any way do you think that ec has caused krogers to stop their doubling policy? my son moved to tx and when i cross the border i would go there dont make much sense now.
I think EXTREME couponing is ridiculous. I have developed a system of clipping every coupon and matching them with the ads each week. I know what is a good deal, and what I NEED. The sad thing is that these EXTREME couponers are going to ruin it for everyone else. Companies and stores won't want to do coupons anymore, and those of us who are just trying to save some money (not trying to see how much we can hoard!) will lose out. Couponing has helped me to save at least $50 a week on my grocery bill - that is a tank of gas! I don't believe you can save more than that on just what you NEED---buy out of NEED, not GREED!
OMG..this is so exciting that you will be writing on "Coupon Etiquette". I have never watched the show before and I never will as it is so UNREAL. I have seen a small excerpt on you tube and I thought it was ridiculous as they are not teaching the true and honest way to coupon...again that's why it's called a SHOW! Looking forward to "Coupon Etiquette"
Thanks!
I think this is a good idea. Anytime I start anything new I like to sift through input from more experienced people to streamline my process. Quit being such a crab, Mike, maybe you need a snack.
Thank you! I live in San Gabriel Valley and people are getting completely out of hand around here. Cleaning out shelves, etc. I don't appreciate the show too much.