Smart Couponing

Grocery Queen — By GroceryQueen on October 10, 2011 8:38 am

Using coupon clipping services or auction sites are awesome.

Not only you are ONLY purchasing the coupons you want and need, but it is all cut out for you … how easy is that; right?

With that said … I have made plenty of mistakes in the beginning (occasionally I still do it too).

Between kids running around screaming and playing, dogs barking, dishwasher and washing machines running in the background it is quite hard to stay focused; especially when there are so many varieties of coupons out there.

One of my biggest mistake (that you should AVOID) is not paying attention to details.

For instance, I overlooked the value of the coupon.  I try my best to get coupons the best value coupon possible … $0.55/1 rather than $1.00/2 because my store will double up to a $1.

About a month ago I acquired 10 pasta coupons, through a clipping service, and I was sooooo sure that I asked for $0.55/1, but unfortunately I guess I clicked on the $1.00/2 coupon.

It’s such a rookie mistake, and was fully annoyed with myself … what was I thinking?  As you can tell … I am still annoyed!

Also, make sure to inspect the coupon image (if available) because there are some restrictions out there.

For example, sellers will distribute coupons that is specially reserved for a particular store or chain; however, they do mention that it is still “manufacturers coupons.”

I honestly don’t have the guts to try this out because it’s a loop in a circle … I follow guidelines and rules.

Remember ladies and gentlemen … coupons are there to make our lives easier.

Moreover, check the expiration dates.  Many times distributors will discount their services to get rid of expiring coupons.  Unless you are going to be using them before expiration date is reached don’t get them to just get them.

So … here are some “rules:”

1.  Pay attention to the value and purchase requirements

2.  Pay attention to the coupon location: i.e. store/chain reserved?  Manufactuer’s coupons or store coupons?  and etc

3.  Pay attention to the expiration date

4.  Location of distribution center.   If you need them in specific time frame then make sure to order it from centers that are closest to where you live.

5.  Do they require minimum orders?  Sometimes it’s easier and cheaper to acquire them from an auction site rather than clipping service: i.e. you need 10 coupons, but need to spend at least $5 to complete order (plus shipping and handling fees).

6.  Pay attention to the postage (or shipping and handling charge).  Depending who you use, each distributor’s fees of shipping/handling fee differs … I always use the lowest shipping charge vendor.

7.  Do your math!  Coupons are supposed to save you money, and the money you spent on your coupons should be deducted from your total savings and costs.

I have seen on auction sites where people will bid $10 for $10 – total value coupons!  AND they had to pay for shipping charge as well! How rediculous is that?  Yes … it does sound nice when you go to the register and see that you have save $10, but they forget that they spent $10 + shipping charge to get that discount!

I make sure that I only spend 10-15% of total saving.  If I can pick up few things and will save me $1.00 off on one product (because my store doubles to a $1) than I will use clipping/auction sites.  Generally, I will not spend more than $0.15 a coupon.

With that said … make sure to look and digest all the information before clicking!

Happy Hunting!

 

Tags: Coupons., Order