Author Topic: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal  (Read 20624 times)

DragonSlayer

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Disclaimer: I've used coupons for over 25 years. Not in any extreme way, but just to cut the cost of things I was going to buy anyway. I don't clear shelves, I don't print coupons off the internet (no point as the stores around here quit taking them long ago), and I don't work 50 hours a week at couponing like you see those people on TV do. I will try to combine coupons with sales, but only to get the items I need. I save a decent amount. Not hundreds, but maybe $10 or so off my average shop.

But I think it's time to quit. The hassle isn't worth it anymore. 

All of the stores around me have started treating coupon users like criminals. A manager has to come approve coupons. Every item has to be matched to the coupon before some of them will even try to scan them. If it doesn't scan, they give you the stink eye. Cashiers roll their eyes when you hand them even a small stack of coupons. You can't use the self checks with coupons because a manager has to come approve everything. I understand that it's because of coupon fraud and that damn TLC TV show, but it's tiresome and embarrassing. It adds so much time and discomfort to the checkout process that I doubt it's worth it anymore. I think it's just time to quit and focus more on shopping sales. Sad, but another coupon user bites the dust.

Indexer

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2015, 11:16:31 AM »
At least around here the self check out things 'ask' if you have coupons you want to scan.

And if a cashier is giving you the stink eye its probably because 1. they get paid minimum wage, 2. they get graded on the average amount of time it takes per item so coupons hurt their statistics because it takes longer, 3. they make minimum wage. 

If I 'kept' getting horrible service at the same place I would either just go somewhere else, or I would tell the manager or email corporate about my experiences and how if they continue I won't be coming around anymore. 


MsPeacock

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2015, 11:18:13 AM »
Have you found this to the case in other stores (not just the one you regularly shop at)? I've mostly had no problem, but I tend to use a grocery delivery service and they just take the coupons back and process them later. I have had occasional experiences w/ eye-rolling or sighing, but overall cashiers just seem to roll w/ it.

I wonder if it is a regional thing, or a specific store issue...

I have been in line behind people who are obviously "couponing" or hoarding or whatever and it just drives me batty. Just because you *can* get 17 boxes of cough syrup for only .10 each (or whatever) WHY would you want to? WTH are you going to do w/ that cough syrup, or mustard, or maxi pads, or whatever. When I lived in TX there was a group that would occasionally show up at the store and physically block others from going down an aisle while they cleared the shelves of *all* of an item that were on special. Yeah, I can imagine that stores got very tired of that very fast.

DragonSlayer

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2015, 11:23:19 AM »
Unfortunately, we live in a fairly rural area and there aren't many choices. It happens at the grocery store (I have two that I will use and it happens at both. The third is so ridiculously overpriced that coupons won't help) and Target. I don't go to Walmart, not out of any moral objections, but because they never have more than 3 registers open and you just can't get out of there.

I don't know what it is. I guess it could be the minimum wage thing, but these stores used to be much more friendly about it before that show aired. Now they just default to assuming that everyone is out to pull a fast one. Which I can understand to a point, but it certainly isn't fun for me.

Retired To Win

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2015, 12:06:42 PM »
In my area (Central Virginia), this problem hasn't surfaced yet.  I see plenty of shoppers at the grocery store going from aisle to aisle with their little accordion files of coupons looking for items to put in their shopping baskets.  Come to think of it, in the aisles there are wire hangers with coupons for folks to take.  And there is an electronic machine at the front of the store from which you can get even more coupons.

Sorry to hear you folks are having trouble with this.  I hope it doesn't reach me!

caliq

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2015, 12:37:12 PM »
I haven't really had an issue with using coupons, but I only ever use one or two at a time, and I only buy stuff I would already have bought...I was actually pretty proud of myself today because I managed to A) remember I had CVS coupons for stuff we need and B) stack the coupons with this week's sales and C) remember to give the coupon to the cashier.  Woohoo! Now if only I can remember that I got $6 in those stupid ExtraBucks next time I go to CVS...

I used to work as a retail cashier at Home Depot and yeah, we were paid minimum wage and graded on our check out times.  One time this couple came in to buy a water heater for a church and quite literally dumped the tithing basket on my register.  Unrolled coins, crumpled bills of all denominations, etc etc.  They had no idea what the total was and I had to sit there and count it all (took 30+ minutes...several hundred dollars in coins...), and then they paid the rest on the church credit card.  Cashiers have to deal with that kind of inconsiderate shit all the time and dealing with couponers who are overzealous is just as awful.  Especially when they're the type that watches the scanner like a hawk and tries to fight you if something scans improperly; I get that saving money is important, and I do generally support couponing, but is it really worth delaying an entire line of people behind you, a store manager, and the cashier to fight over 4 cents savings on your toothpaste or whatever?  I think not.  I don't nitpick about register prices unless it's a big difference (usually ~50 cents or more, but depends on how many people are in line and how much of a rush I'm in).

I do think it's unfortunate that you have to wait for a manager to approve any coupon; that's kind of the store inflicting the damage I was just complaining about on itself... they should just be scanned at the register, after the applicable items, and then if there's an issue, the manager should be called over.  That's how it's handled around here.

Gin1984

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2015, 01:16:06 PM »
My personal choice is yes, the four cents may be important to me, lol but I don't make the cashier or customers behind me deal with it.  I go up to the help desk and deal with it there. 

teen persuasion

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2015, 01:35:33 PM »
I used to save a decent amount using coupons, when my kids were younger.  I've slowly stopped using coupons, to the point where I might have a coupon once a month.

Part of it is that I now do the majority of my shopping at Aldi (don't accept coupons), and the majority of the food I buy is basic ingredients, not the packaged stuff that most coupons promote.  Also, it seems like the coupon values have diminished.  Coupons for .99 on an item (which most local store would double automatically) used to be common.  Now I see $1 off three items, (which won't get doubled), or .35 off two items - hardly worth it, especially since the name brand item + coupon is still more expensive than store brand w/o coupon.

Our supermarket has click-to-card coupons.  They send you an email with the week's offers, you click on the ones you want to load, and when you checkout with your shoppers card they apply the coupons.  Even with those, I rarely end up redeeming coupons - it would still have to be on sale + coupon to beat my acceptable price point to be worth purchasing.

Gin1984

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #8 on: March 01, 2015, 01:41:28 PM »
Oh, also if you don't like coupons there is a site that people might like.  It is savingstar.  I click on it once a month and then they email me on Tuesday with what healthy item they have that week for 20% back (this week was lettuce) and Friday for free item and then you get the cash back automatically if you have your store card attached.  Otherwise you just take a picture of your reciept.  I get about $5/month with little effort and because they have a lot of crossover with printable coupons if the deal is good enough with a coupon and sale, I normally get a little extra.  And sometimes I just buy normally and get a random, you save X email. 

Retired To Win

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #9 on: March 01, 2015, 04:57:25 PM »
And yet, there are retail stores that literally live by the coupon.  Bed, Bath and Beyond comes to mind.  I only shop there when I have one of their 20% off coupons.  And apparently most people do the same.  I've personally seen persons at the register pulling ten or more coupons out of their carry-bags and applying them one-by-one to the items in their shopping basket.  But, since this whole ritual is part of the store's core operations, the cashiers roll right with the punch and never bat an eye.

OSUBearCub

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #10 on: March 03, 2015, 09:29:18 AM »
I have been in line behind people who are obviously "couponing" or hoarding or whatever and it just drives me batty. Just because you *can* get 17 boxes of cough syrup for only .10 each (or whatever) WHY would you want to? WTH are you going to do w/ that cough syrup, or mustard, or maxi pads, or whatever. When I lived in TX there was a group that would occasionally show up at the store and physically block others from going down an aisle while they cleared the shelves of *all* of an item that were on special. Yeah, I can imagine that stores got very tired of that very fast.

While shelf clearing is an ethical no-no for most of us couponers, I have been known to take advantage of super deals on lady products and health/beauty items.  The reason for this is donation.  Most shelters have budgets to purchase food but these budgets specifically exclude health and beauty items for some reason.  So the lady products go to the domestic violence shelter and the guy stuff goes to the men's shelter.  Sometimes a stick of deodorant or the reassurance that you've got pads at the ready for next month is the boost you need to get you through another tough week of home instability.

OSUBearCub

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2015, 09:48:29 AM »
OP - the hard(er)core Mustachian side of me says "F*ck 'em. I'm getting to retirement sooner."

But I was a couponer long before I found MMM and ERE.  There are a growing number of us concerned with "ethical couponing" and I've found a few tricks that help me to avoid the discomfort you've been experiencing.

Organization - have everything organized in the order you want it scanned before getting in line
Communication - Let anyone who gets in line behind you know what you're about to do and give them the chance to decide for themselves if the wait is worth it
Cordiality - If someone hops in line behind you with two or three items, let them go first - you've already committed to a longer check out process, an extra minute won't hurt.
Off Times - I shop around 8pm when the after work rush is over but while a manager is still in the store

This next suggestion is more for the folks that have helped to sour the OP's experience:
Policy - The store's coupon policy should not be challenged, nor should one try to contradict what is written on the face of the coupon.  I make mistakes all the time but I cheerfully own up to them. (Playing the "I'm just a big dumb guy who doesn't know his way around the supermarket" card tends to work down here in Florida lol)

Unfortunately, there will always be hoarders and folks who clear the shelves.  I try to set a good example every time I hit the grocery to counter-balance the negative.  The reaction I get is generally - "Wow Sir! You just saved 70%!"

dunhamjr

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #12 on: March 03, 2015, 10:17:00 AM »
i don't get why casually using coupons would ever be embarrassing.
the process takes longer because the store has stupid policies.

i personally wouldn't even give it a second thought.  as long as they accept coupons, i am going to use them.

if they don't want to accept coupons, fine, make that the policy and i will shop somewhere else.

i would also be sure that you are putting in your negative experience and feelings on comment cards that at least go to the top level store management.  the shift manager, likely doesn't have much pull.


Gone Fishing

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2015, 10:28:15 AM »
I don't do grocery coupons at all, but my mother was (a little less so now that Aldi came to town) a die hard.  Growing up it took her 2-3 hours a week to shop and probably another hour or or so clipping coupons in front of the TV at night.  Shopping with her was excrutiating, but I am sure it made a big difference in our family budget.  If Aldi didn't exist, I would probably look more into it.  But as it is, we buy mostly fruits, vegetables, meats, and staples.  These type items rarely have the killer discounts that they put on high margin processed foods. I might give it a try though when I ER.

I will make them correct an error everytime.  I probably have something ring up wrong nearly 50% of the time I shop because I buy a lot of discounted and clearance items and stores do a very poor job of updating the prices on such items.  I had a regularly purchased item ring up .20 wrong every week for months, and every week I would have the manager correct the price (which involved walking back, looking at the shelf and returning to the register) and yet they never bothered to correct the pricing in their computer. The price was finally corrected when they reworked their shelves.  I would estimate the average consumer is incorrectly charged thousands of dollars over the course of a lifetime. 

Added:  Here is a little data showing the scope of the pricing problem:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/wral_investigates/story/10413522/ 
« Last Edit: March 03, 2015, 10:30:38 AM by So Close »

CommonCents

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2015, 10:56:30 AM »
If the issue is with the employees giving you problems, I would schedule a meeting with a supervisor to discuss that issue.  Education on their own policies is sometimes necessary with the front line people but if it's an attitude problem or doesn't seem to ever work (people "forget" corporate policy) that's when I would suggest going higher and asking for training for the checkout people.  I'm a firm believe the company should stand by the policies they set and will politely insist upon it.

For the others in the store, go with OSUBearCub's suggestions.

golden1

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2015, 12:10:02 PM »
I feel like traditional couponing is a really unwieldy and wasteful way to save money.  You have to get the coupons in a paper or in the mail, or print them out, which means they are printing thousands of circulars that just get thrown away.  Most food coupons are for processed stuff that isn't very healthy and they require a bulk purchase.  The only coupons I use are for flat discounts off at the grocery store like $15 off a $100 order or more.      You have to remember to bring them etc...etc...  I think you can save more money using simple ingredients and meal planning.   

CommonCents

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #16 on: March 03, 2015, 12:21:14 PM »
I feel like traditional couponing is a really unwieldy and wasteful way to save money.  You have to get the coupons in a paper or in the mail, or print them out, which means they are printing thousands of circulars that just get thrown away.  Most food coupons are for processed stuff that isn't very healthy and they require a bulk purchase.  The only coupons I use are for flat discounts off at the grocery store like $15 off a $100 order or more.      You have to remember to bring them etc...etc...  I think you can save more money using simple ingredients and meal planning.

Why one or the other?  I meal plan around the circular sales AND use coupons.

lisahi

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #17 on: March 03, 2015, 03:50:33 PM »
Here in South Texas you have three choices for grocery shopping - HEB, Walmart and Target. And none offer great coupon deals. But HEB does encourage couponing to the extent that it offers them (they hang coupons by the product for people to take, and often print coupons at the register when you check out, for use next time). Problem is that the coupons aren't that great. Buy ItemA and get completely unrelated ItemB for free. Well, if I don't want ItemB, then why would I put myself out to buy ItemA that I might want, but wasn't really needing to buy? Or, buy 3, get $1 off. What am I, a single person, going to do with three large tubs of plain yogurt that has an expiration date? No double coupons, only one coupon per product, none of the "extreme couponing" advantages you see on TV. Since HEB has the best food products, Walmart and Target aren't much competition for them, and they don't need to offer good couponing. That said, at least the cashiers don't give you evil eye.

dcheesi

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #18 on: March 04, 2015, 06:25:36 AM »
I'm actually using more coupons these days, and it's the store that's sending them to me! Kroger has been mailing me coupons lately, including one or two FREE store brand items each month. And almost all of the coupons are for things that I buy anyway.

So far I haven't noticed a change in pricing to compensate; in fact a lot of times I find items on sale not long after I get the coupons. I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but for now the savings are just too good, and too easy, to ignore.

Psychstache

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #19 on: March 04, 2015, 06:35:56 AM »
Here in South Texas you have three choices for grocery shopping - HEB, Walmart and Target. And none offer great coupon deals. But HEB does encourage couponing to the extent that it offers them (they hang coupons by the product for people to take, and often print coupons at the register when you check out, for use next time). Problem is that the coupons aren't that great. Buy ItemA and get completely unrelated ItemB for free. Well, if I don't want ItemB, then why would I put myself out to buy ItemA that I might want, but wasn't really needing to buy? Or, buy 3, get $1 off. What am I, a single person, going to do with three large tubs of plain yogurt that has an expiration date? No double coupons, only one coupon per product, none of the "extreme couponing" advantages you see on TV. Since HEB has the best food products, Walmart and Target aren't much competition for them, and they don't need to offer good couponing. That said, at least the cashiers don't give you evil eye.

Some parts of Texas are getting Tom Thumbs and Krogers, which have good apps for digital coupons. Plus, Aldi's are starting to make their way here.

wtjbatman

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #20 on: March 04, 2015, 06:47:45 AM »
I'm currently a loss prevention manager for a major retailer. Part of my job (a small part) is dealing with coupon fraud/abuse. I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use, regardless of the actual # of coupons someone has. It's when excessive coupons are stacked with certain promotions that then lead to loss to our store that I have a problem with it. Some couponers try to intimidate cashiers, who are generally younger and/or less sure of themselves, into accepting coupons that the system has already rejected. Over time our team has learned to recognize some of the worst offenders, and we send a front end supervisor to the register to assist the cashier with the transaction or take over the transaction entirely. They will make sure our system is not being manipulated in such a way that will cause loss to the store. I can understand that to some people (like the OP) this may feel like they are being treated differently, and honestly you are. But you are also not shopping like 99% of our customers, so your different situation calls for a more attentive level of service.

Gin1984

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #21 on: March 04, 2015, 06:57:59 AM »
I'm currently a loss prevention manager for a major retailer. Part of my job (a small part) is dealing with coupon fraud/abuse. I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use, regardless of the actual # of coupons someone has. It's when excessive coupons are stacked with certain promotions that then lead to loss to our store that I have a problem with it. Some couponers try to intimidate cashiers, who are generally younger and/or less sure of themselves, into accepting coupons that the system has already rejected. Over time our team has learned to recognize some of the worst offenders, and we send a front end supervisor to the register to assist the cashier with the transaction or take over the transaction entirely. They will make sure our system is not being manipulated in such a way that will cause loss to the store. I can understand that to some people (like the OP) this may feel like they are being treated differently, and honestly you are. But you are also not shopping like 99% of our customers, so your different situation calls for a more attentive level of service.
Explain this please.  Stores get the face value of the coupon back from the company who put it out so how does that lead to loss?  I understand requiring a manager if the coupon did not go through, but why have a manager just for regular coupons?  And if you want that, have a coupon line, don't waste my time or others in the line as we wait for a manager.  That is just rude.  Personally I would not give up coupons because they save me money but I sure would give up that store.

Philociraptor

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #22 on: March 04, 2015, 07:07:48 AM »
Some parts of Texas are getting Tom Thumbs and Krogers, which have good apps for digital coupons. Plus, Aldi's are starting to make their way here.

I live within 1 mile of a Tom Thumb and 3 miles of 2 Krogers. I have the apps but rarely use them, as we often shop at the Mexican or Vietnamese stores. I hated Aldi when we tried to go there one time, wouldn't accept my cash back card, had very limited produce, meat looked sketchy, etc. Concerning coupons though, our local Fiesta actually fills the tills with coupons from extra newspapers, circulars, etc. One time I was buying chips for a party and they asked if I had a coupon for it. I told them no and they opened up the till, pulled one out, and scanned it for me. Now THAT'S service.

wtjbatman

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #23 on: March 04, 2015, 07:12:58 AM »
Stores get the face value of the coupon back from the company who put it out so how does that lead to loss?

We don't always. Coupons can be rejected by the manufacturer. Generally the reason they use is that it was fraudulent, a reproduction, or not an existing promotion. At that point it's beyond the store level, so I don't have direct dealings with the people in those situations. That's why we make an effort to reduce fraudulent coupon use. The belief that we are always 100% reimbursed for every coupon is false.

I understand requiring a manager if the coupon did not go through, but why have a manager just for regular coupons?

We wouldn't require a supervisor for a regular transaction where the system accepts the coupons. In the situations I'm talking about there are coupons not being accepted by the system at the register. At that point the cashier can generally force through the coupon. The supervisor being present makes sure coupons aren't being forced through when they shouldn't be (coupons for items not part of the transaction, items of the wrong size, wrong quantities, etc).

Another part of the front end supervisors job is to make sure we receive enough money to cover taxes for the transaction. The coupons + promotions combined not only can't result in us "paying" the customer, we also need enough money to cover the taxes on the transactions. Again, that's the type of thing a supervisor is good to be around for, not just the cashier making minimum wage.

Gin1984

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #24 on: March 04, 2015, 07:26:01 AM »
Stores get the face value of the coupon back from the company who put it out so how does that lead to loss?

We don't always. Coupons can be rejected by the manufacturer. Generally the reason they use is that it was fraudulent, a reproduction, or not an existing promotion. At that point it's beyond the store level, so I don't have direct dealings with the people in those situations. That's why we make an effort to reduce fraudulent coupon use. The belief that we are always 100% reimbursed for every coupon is false.

I understand requiring a manager if the coupon did not go through, but why have a manager just for regular coupons?

We wouldn't require a supervisor for a regular transaction where the system accepts the coupons. In the situations I'm talking about there are coupons not being accepted by the system at the register. At that point the cashier can generally force through the coupon. The supervisor being present makes sure coupons aren't being forced through when they shouldn't be (coupons for items not part of the transaction, items of the wrong size, wrong quantities, etc).

Another part of the front end supervisors job is to make sure we receive enough money to cover taxes for the transaction. The coupons + promotions combined not only can't result in us "paying" the customer, we also need enough money to cover the taxes on the transactions. Again, that's the type of thing a supervisor is good to be around for, not just the cashier making minimum wage.
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 
I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP. 

Mrs. PoP

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #25 on: March 04, 2015, 07:27:39 AM »
Paper coupons are still a-ok around here, and I even have cashiers ask me where I've gotten certain good ones (like when there's a $5 off your purchase coupon) so they can get one too!  Another time a cashier gave me a coupon that a previous customer had tried to use but hadn't had a big enough order for  (I think it was $5 off $50).  So paper coupons are good. 

Digital coupons I'm about ready to give up on, though.  I got frustrated enough about digital coupons being misapplied, having to go to customer service, and then one customer service person even tried to argue with me for 10 minutes over $1 off coupon.  Honestly at that point it wasn't the $1 it was the principle.  I wrote the corporate office about their digital coupons being inaccurate.  They checked the records and found that I was right (the list of eligible UPCs entered for the digital system was incomplete since it didn't include all flavors of what I bought) but said they were anomalies and that it's not a regular occurrence, which either I am extremely unlucky (as this has happened multiple times) or that's a lie.  They also sent a gift card as an apology for my trouble, but I still haven't used the digital coupons again.  Just not sure it's worth the trouble or frustration to save an extra $2/week above my paper coupons (which are maybe $5-$10/week?). 

wtjbatman

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #26 on: March 04, 2015, 07:36:04 AM »
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 

Yep that's a problem. The total discount would have to be adjusted so that you still have to pay tax on the item. Otherwise the store has to eat the cost and pay the tax. For example, say you buy that $1 item (and it's being taxed 6%) with a $1 coupon. You come in with your coupon, we accept it, the transaction costs you nothing, and you leave with the item. Sounds ok, right, we get reimbursed by the manufacturer for that $1, right? Sure we do. But then the state says ok, give us our 6% (a hefty 6 cents) for that transaction. Who pays that? My store? Now we just lost money on that transaction. Well, lost money vs what we expected to make for selling that item, anyway. The front end supervisor being present helps assures that at the very least, you are paying the tax you owe.

I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP.

Fortunately I also said in my first post I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use. In fact I love it. Keep on shopping here! I use coupons myself to save money. I'm an amateur compared to the experts though, I don't have a big coupon binder or anything like that ;)

Gin1984

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #27 on: March 04, 2015, 07:39:54 AM »
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 

Yep that's a problem. The total discount would have to be adjusted so that you still have to pay tax on the item. Otherwise the store has to eat the cost and pay the tax. For example, say you buy that $1 item (and it's being taxed 6%) with a $1 coupon. You come in with your coupon, we accept it, the transaction costs you nothing, and you leave with the item. Sounds ok, right, we get reimbursed by the manufacturer for that $1, right? Sure we do. But then the state says ok, give us our 6% (a hefty 6 cents) for that transaction. Who pays that? My store? Now we just lost money on that transaction. Well, lost money vs what we expected to make for selling that item, anyway. The front end supervisor being present helps assures that at the very least, you are paying the tax you owe.

I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP.

Fortunately I also said in my first post I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use. In fact I love it. Keep on shopping here! I use coupons myself to save myself money. I'm an amateur next to the experts though, I don't have a big coupon binder or anything like that ;)
So my question is, does your stores posted coupon rules include that the customer pays the tax on the prior to coupon amount?  Because my stores don't.  It may not matter too much to them because food items are not taxed and they may believe it comes out in the wash.  I don't know.  But I have to say that if one store does it and the others don't, I'm going to go to the one that saves me the extra 6 cents. 

infogoon

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #28 on: March 04, 2015, 07:42:01 AM »
I have been in line behind people who are obviously "couponing" or hoarding or whatever and it just drives me batty. Just because you *can* get 17 boxes of cough syrup for only .10 each (or whatever) WHY would you want to? WTH are you going to do w/ that cough syrup, or mustard, or maxi pads, or whatever.

My wife is a couponer -- when she gets a good deal on something like breakfast cereal, she'll usually buy an extra half-dozen boxes for the food pantry at our church.

I agree, though, the people who clear out the shelves entirely are obnoxious.

wtjbatman

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #29 on: March 04, 2015, 07:47:52 AM »
So my question is, does your stores posted coupon rules include that the customer pays the tax on the prior to coupon amount?  Because my stores don't.  It may not matter too much to them because food items are not taxed and they may believe it comes out in the wash.  I don't know.  But I have to say that if one store does it and the others don't, I'm going to go to the one that saves me the extra 6 cents.

Good question. I honestly don't know off hand (I'm sitting at home drinking coffee at the moment), but if it's a rule that we enforce, and I know that it is, then we should have it posted.

And of course if a person doesn't think it's fair, or wants to go to another retailer that doesn't make them pay the tax, then that's up to them. But I would still encourage that person to come back to our store to take advantage of our regular low prices and money saving sales!

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #30 on: June 15, 2015, 12:51:05 AM »
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 

Yep that's a problem. The total discount would have to be adjusted so that you still have to pay tax on the item. Otherwise the store has to eat the cost and pay the tax. For example, say you buy that $1 item (and it's being taxed 6%) with a $1 coupon. You come in with your coupon, we accept it, the transaction costs you nothing, and you leave with the item. Sounds ok, right, we get reimbursed by the manufacturer for that $1, right? Sure we do. But then the state says ok, give us our 6% (a hefty 6 cents) for that transaction. Who pays that? My store? Now we just lost money on that transaction. Well, lost money vs what we expected to make for selling that item, anyway. The front end supervisor being present helps assures that at the very least, you are paying the tax you owe.

I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP.

Fortunately I also said in my first post I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use. In fact I love it. Keep on shopping here! I use coupons myself to save money. I'm an amateur compared to the experts though, I don't have a big coupon binder or anything like that ;)

If a $1 item is being sold at a store it probably cost the store $.50 to purchase. Thus, if the store gets reimbursed $1 for the coupon you are still ahead $.50.

So who pays the $.06 tax? If the store does they still make $.44 profit.

I know you grocery people are going to scream that there are such small margins that you will never make that kind of profit in food. I am using generalities for the sake of easy math.

wepner

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #31 on: June 15, 2015, 01:57:37 AM »
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 

Yep that's a problem. The total discount would have to be adjusted so that you still have to pay tax on the item. Otherwise the store has to eat the cost and pay the tax. For example, say you buy that $1 item (and it's being taxed 6%) with a $1 coupon. You come in with your coupon, we accept it, the transaction costs you nothing, and you leave with the item. Sounds ok, right, we get reimbursed by the manufacturer for that $1, right? Sure we do. But then the state says ok, give us our 6% (a hefty 6 cents) for that transaction. Who pays that? My store? Now we just lost money on that transaction. Well, lost money vs what we expected to make for selling that item, anyway. The front end supervisor being present helps assures that at the very least, you are paying the tax you owe.

I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP.

Fortunately I also said in my first post I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use. In fact I love it. Keep on shopping here! I use coupons myself to save money. I'm an amateur compared to the experts though, I don't have a big coupon binder or anything like that ;)

If a $1 item is being sold at a store it probably cost the store $.50 to purchase. Thus, if the store gets reimbursed $1 for the coupon you are still ahead $.50.

So who pays the $.06 tax? If the store does they still make $.44 profit.

I know you grocery people are going to scream that there are such small margins that you will never make that kind of profit in food. I am using generalities for the sake of easy math.

Your generalities don't work though, the margins for supermarkets are a few percent. So they lose money, which is why its bad.

When I was a cashier people would sometimes by an item that was on sale buy one get one free and then try to use two coupons for a dollar off each and wouldn't understand why I wouldn't give them a dollar off for the free one. That kind of thing was super rare though, coupons aren't a big deal if your store or manager trust you enough to do it without their help.

marty998

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #32 on: June 15, 2015, 02:27:05 AM »
I have been in line behind people who are obviously "couponing" or hoarding or whatever and it just drives me batty. Just because you *can* get 17 boxes of cough syrup for only .10 each (or whatever) WHY would you want to? WTH are you going to do w/ that cough syrup

I realise this post is 3 months old, but I just have to point out that the active ingredient in most cough medicines is also a main element used in the production of crystal meth.

Hence why the commercial quantities being purchased. Over here, anyone looking to buy more than what could reasonably be considered a personal dose of cough meds is quite quickly reported to police.


SnackDog

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #33 on: June 15, 2015, 04:04:11 AM »
We are quite frugal but have always hated coupons because they are normally for stuff we do not (or should not) purchase, which includes everything in the grocery store which is sold in a can or a box and most things sold in jars or bags.  You can save 10x what you can couponing by just purchasing basic ingredients for cooking (fruit/veg/protein) and skipping the frozen dinners, macNcheese, KoolAid, Doritos, etc.

And don't get me started on restaurant coupons. Again, you can save 10x as much by eating at home.  Every time we have ever tried a coupon in a restaurant we have been disappointed with the result even if it happened to be a restaurant we normally liked.

CommonCents

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #34 on: June 15, 2015, 08:14:57 AM »
But you were referencing, not "fake" or misused coupons but coupons stacked with sales that somehow lose the store the money.  So, you are saying if it is a valid coupon say for $1 and the item is on sale for $1, there is a problem there?  Because you don't get the tax? 

Yep that's a problem. The total discount would have to be adjusted so that you still have to pay tax on the item. Otherwise the store has to eat the cost and pay the tax. For example, say you buy that $1 item (and it's being taxed 6%) with a $1 coupon. You come in with your coupon, we accept it, the transaction costs you nothing, and you leave with the item. Sounds ok, right, we get reimbursed by the manufacturer for that $1, right? Sure we do. But then the state says ok, give us our 6% (a hefty 6 cents) for that transaction. Who pays that? My store? Now we just lost money on that transaction. Well, lost money vs what we expected to make for selling that item, anyway. The front end supervisor being present helps assures that at the very least, you are paying the tax you owe.

I don't see a problem with a manager being needed if the coupon does not go through, but that was not my understanding of the OP.

Fortunately I also said in my first post I don't have a problem with legitimate coupon use. In fact I love it. Keep on shopping here! I use coupons myself to save money. I'm an amateur compared to the experts though, I don't have a big coupon binder or anything like that ;)

If a $1 item is being sold at a store it probably cost the store $.50 to purchase. Thus, if the store gets reimbursed $1 for the coupon you are still ahead $.50.

So who pays the $.06 tax? If the store does they still make $.44 profit.

I know you grocery people are going to scream that there are such small margins that you will never make that kind of profit in food. I am using generalities for the sake of easy math.

Your generalities don't work though, the margins for supermarkets are a few percent. So they lose money, which is why its bad.

When I was a cashier people would sometimes by an item that was on sale buy one get one free and then try to use two coupons for a dollar off each and wouldn't understand why I wouldn't give them a dollar off for the free one. That kind of thing was super rare though, coupons aren't a big deal if your store or manager trust you enough to do it without their help.

Actually, every store has a different policy.  It is the responsibility of the customer to know the policy where s/he is shopping.  It's also the responsibility of the store clerk to apply the policy correctly.  I have seen it happen frequently that the store clerk does not know the policy, and sometimes that the computers are coded incorrectly.  While this may be the policy of your store, it's inaccurate to imply this is the case at all stores.  Here's Stop and Shop's policy, the grocery store in my town for the exact situation you describe:  http://stopandshop.com/savings-and-rewards/savings-center/coupon-policy/
"Two Like Manufacturer coupons may be used in conjunction with store instant BOGO offers. Example: 1st item scanned (manufacturer $1.00 coupon applied), 2nd item scanned ($1.00 manufacturer coupon applied), store BOGO applied. Both items are eligible for $1.00 manufacturer coupon."

As I happen to be knowledgeable on the coupon policies of the places where I shop, I see the ignorant clerk rather than the ignorant customer.  99% of the time, the issue has been positively resolved by a manager, with the manager overriding the computer error or clerk problem, or both us figuring out that based on tiny print (always very tiny print!), I had the wrong size/item, and was able to correct it.  (Of course, if I were a knowledgeable store clerk, I would expect to see more ignorant customers!)  In any event, a customer should never be treated poorly, regardless of whether correctly or incorrectly applying the coupon policy.  And if stores do not care for how people are using coupons, they are free to change their policies and impose limits.  For example, the same S&S states that "The maximum number of identical coupons allowed for each identical item is 16, unless otherwise stated on the coupon."  If they felt the policy was causing them to lose money, they could reduce the number from 16.   (Note, I do not myself stack up items like this - the most I've ever bought is 2 identical items.)

Vilgan

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #35 on: June 15, 2015, 08:46:29 AM »
Paper coupons seems awful for everyone concerned and I'm glad to see that some stores are moving away from them. w/ Safeway's app you go through and activate the appropriate coupons and then they are automatically applied when you check out and scan your code or supply your phone #. This seems like a much better way to do things and I hope we see more people move to it over time.

Note: I do very little shopping at major stores, preferring the ethnic grocery, farmer's market, and a few other locations that don't have any coupons but are really cheap so I have no clue how complete Safeway's rollout of their mobile app coupon solution is.

Redstone5

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #36 on: June 15, 2015, 09:14:36 AM »
I feel like traditional couponing is a really unwieldy and wasteful way to save money.  You have to get the coupons in a paper or in the mail, or print them out, which means they are printing thousands of circulars that just get thrown away.  Most food coupons are for processed stuff that isn't very healthy and they require a bulk purchase.  The only coupons I use are for flat discounts off at the grocery store like $15 off a $100 order or more.      You have to remember to bring them etc...etc...  I think you can save more money using simple ingredients and meal planning.

And the generic brands are usually cheaper than the name brands + coupons anyway, at least where I shop.

Cpa Cat

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #37 on: June 15, 2015, 09:33:14 AM »
I'm actually using more coupons these days, and it's the store that's sending them to me! Kroger has been mailing me coupons lately, including one or two FREE store brand items each month. And almost all of the coupons are for things that I buy anyway.

So far I haven't noticed a change in pricing to compensate; in fact a lot of times I find items on sale not long after I get the coupons. I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but for now the savings are just too good, and too easy, to ignore.

Kroger has been doing this for years. Did you only just add your address to your store card? Generally, the coupons seem to be tied to your personal shopping habits - for instance, the free item (there is always one) is always something that I buy. But their software isn't super smart - it hasn't yet figured out that I don't eat meat.

Bob W

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #38 on: June 15, 2015, 09:43:41 AM »
Your experience seems  odd to me?  I don't coupon much at all but I do see lot's of folks extreme coupon at Walmart.   The staff appears happy to assist.  If I were treated as you have been, I would consider shopping elsewhere.

The reason I don't coupon much is I eat primarily whole foods such as meat, veggies and potatoes.   I buy very few premade or prepackaged items that coupons typically apply to.

Perhaps you might consider what it is your buying?   The generic toothpaste is always on sale and I use like $2 worth per year.   Hardly worth my time seeking to coupon to save money there.   

In general I fell like coupons encourage consumerism and poor diets.   Those super couponers I see on TV and Walmart generally have their carts full of junk food. 

My advice --- coupon when reasonable and do so at a coupon friendly store. 

hope2retire

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #39 on: June 15, 2015, 01:45:15 PM »
I use coupons at Kohls, they are good and at fastfood chains. Other than that I have not seen good ones for Walmart. One time, I bought 7 pieces of toddler clothing for $4. I see it as a marketing strategy for them, to lure you into the store to spend atleast x amount of dollars in the store, of which they will make money of you. By the way, where is the best place to get those walmart coupons anyway. I spend the most money at walmart on the groceries per year.

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #40 on: June 15, 2015, 01:54:51 PM »
I see plenty of shoppers at the grocery store going from aisle to aisle with their little accordion files of coupons looking for items to put in their shopping baskets.
Which tells you all you need to know about the "savings" from coupons.
See also the reasons Casinos love people with "a system"


pbkmaine

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #41 on: June 15, 2015, 02:00:03 PM »
DH likes to eat out, and we almost always use a coupon for that. I also make full use of CVS BOGOS, coupons and Extra Bucks. I have also started to use Target Cartwheel quite a bit. And once or twice a year, Tide detergent has some kind of rebate/store coupon/P&G coupon deal that makes it very cheap. I don't have any problems, because I wait until I see a cashier who is not busy. I will also step aside and let others with uncomplicated purchases go in front of me. Getting cashiers who are not busy has really paid off - if I can get them chatting, they will tell me about deal combinations I have not thought of, or advise me to wait until next week for an even better deal.

Mr Dumpster Stache

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #42 on: June 16, 2015, 06:11:21 AM »
Our biggest use of coupons has to be Papa Murphys! :D Besides that, the Kroeger store will usually send us coupons in the mail for things we buy regularly, even store brand.

asiljoy

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #43 on: June 16, 2015, 06:25:55 AM »
I have been in line behind people who are obviously "couponing" or hoarding or whatever and it just drives me batty. Just because you *can* get 17 boxes of cough syrup for only .10 each (or whatever) WHY would you want to? WTH are you going to do w/ that cough syrup, or mustard, or maxi pads, or whatever. When I lived in TX there was a group that would occasionally show up at the store and physically block others from going down an aisle while they cleared the shelves of *all* of an item that were on special. Yeah, I can imagine that stores got very tired of that very fast.

While shelf clearing is an ethical no-no for most of us couponers, I have been known to take advantage of super deals on lady products and health/beauty items.  The reason for this is donation.  Most shelters have budgets to purchase food but these budgets specifically exclude health and beauty items for some reason.  So the lady products go to the domestic violence shelter and the guy stuff goes to the men's shelter.  Sometimes a stick of deodorant or the reassurance that you've got pads at the ready for next month is the boost you need to get you through another tough week of home instability.

Ditto to this. Except I usually concentrate on school supplies, I've never thought to look into what a shelter might need. Good call.

redbird

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #44 on: June 16, 2015, 06:30:07 AM »
I used to work at a grocery store. At least at the one I worked at, they didn't time you for how long it took to check a customer out. That's more of a restaurant/fast food-oriented thing. The only problem with the customers who brought big stacks of coupons is when they would come during the busiest days or busiest times of day, and there was a long line behind them. It would take a while to get through it, and then the customers behind them would give the cashier a hard time when it wasn't their fault.

The large stack customers were also traditionally the types of people who would give the cashier a hard time if they couldn't use a coupon for some reason. The common problems were the coupon was already expired ("But store so-and-so still would honor it!" OK, but we're not store so-and-so...) or the fine print on the coupon said it applied to a particular product that they were NOT trying to buy (particular size only or particular flavor only or what have you).

When I worked at the grocery store, there was a lady who always got in my line when she saw me working because I didn't complain about her food stamps and WIC vouchers and coupons. All combined, these things took a long time. Customers typically got annoyed when they were stuck behind her and would give the cashiers a hard time, so the other cashiers would give her the stink eye when she got in their line. I came from a poor family, so I understood wanting to save every penny you could and trying to make the food stamps stretch as far as you could. But at the same time, it was easy to understand the feelings of the other cashiers. You are only getting paid minimum wage, and the customers complain at the cashiers for things that aren't even the cashier's fault (price, coupon honoring policy, why doesn't the manager have more cashiers working, why is this thing out of stock, etc). You start to try to avoid things that make the customers give you a hard time if possible.

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #45 on: June 17, 2015, 04:05:56 PM »
Then there's the stores that would not know how to get customers in the door without coupons.  Take Bed, Bath & Beyond as a prime example.  They mail you coupons.  They email you coupons.  And if you come up a coupon short at the register, the cashier will very often whip a coupon out from under the counter and scan it!  For BB&B personnel, coupons are just the way the store works.

Insanity

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #46 on: June 17, 2015, 09:20:44 PM »
My wife does coupons (can provide link to her site if anyone wants).  She usually ends up with 45% in savings and very little of it in things we don't need or use.  She is very good at combing store sales and her coupons which can be tripled at some stores.

Now, not all of it is the healthiest of foods, but she also gets coupons for OTC meds as well.

Bob W

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #47 on: June 17, 2015, 09:32:05 PM »
My wife does coupons (can provide link to her site if anyone wants).  She usually ends up with 45% in savings and very little of it in things we don't need or use.  She is very good at combing store sales and her coupons which can be tripled at some stores.

Now, not all of it is the healthiest of foods, but she also gets coupons for OTC meds as well.
be curious to know what your average out of pocket price per person per day is?

Insanity

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #48 on: June 17, 2015, 09:43:29 PM »

My wife does coupons (can provide link to her site if anyone wants).  She usually ends up with 45% in savings and very little of it in things we don't need or use.  She is very good at combing store sales and her coupons which can be tripled at some stores.

Now, not all of it is the healthiest of foods, but she also gets coupons for OTC meds as well.
be curious to know what your average out of pocket price per person per day is?

We have about $450 budgeted for food per month and usually hang around that for a family of four with a toddler in diapers. 

I blow our food budget more since I wins up buying breakfast and lunch out thanks to staying up late reading boards :).  Leads to waking up late and rushing around :).

As a SAHM, she has time to plan her trips.  She also goes with her mom at times.  But the biggest key is planning and knowing the store sales rotation which she does.  The coupon tripling is major as well.

Dicey

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Re: Giving up coupons b/c I'm tired of being treated like a criminal
« Reply #49 on: June 17, 2015, 10:52:22 PM »
Holy crap! I just read through this thread and I am so tired...

I start my shopping trips at 99 Only Store, then Grocery Outlet and finally Costco. They're arranged in a loop, so I try to shop 2-3 times a month. GO takes coupons (I think), but their assortment is so random, it's hard to know what you're going to find there. 99 Only and Costco do not do paper coupons. I buy ingredients, not prepackaged convenience foods, as much as possible, so fewer couponing opportunities. When I am forced to shop at a regular grocery chain like Safeway, I am simply gobsmacked by the prices! Yeah, I'll take my cheapo-no-coupon-store choices any day. One of the perversely good things about living in a high COLA is that there are a ton of places to shop. I simply support the ones that suit my lifestyle. Coupons? Meh, don't need 'em.