“Follow Me Monday”: Lots of Questions & a Few VERY Long Answers…
This Hip2Save.com Deal was hand-posted on Monday, March 29th, 2010 at 3:21 pm.
Well, today’s “Follow Me Monday” video is just me sitting on my couch, answering questions, being lazy, and drinking coffee! Yes, it’s pretty boring.
As you may know, I had you all email in questions that you were hoping I could answer. I honestly was not prepared for all the questions that started streaming in and by Saturday I had received a total of 25 pages worth of questions! Yikes! I was hoping to at least answer 20 to 30 questions… BUT, as you’ll see in the video, I answer a total of four questions. I know, I know… I don’t know why it took me so long to answer each question, but it did! You Tube only allows you to upload videos that are 10 minutes or less in length, so that’s why (with all my rambling) four questions was all I could fit in.
On a positive note, I will be answering a lot more of your questions in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Alright, so on to the video… and please be nice! I know I’m a dork, but I’m also a very sensitive dork! 
**If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.
New Update: Here are a few corporate phone number you’ll want to keep on hand–
*Walgreens Corporate number: (847) 914-2500
*CVS Corporate number: 1-800-746-7287
*Rite Aid Corporate number: 1-800-748-3243 or for Single check Rebate issues call: 1-888-213-9920
*Target Corporate number: 1-800-440-0680
*Walmart Corporate number: 1-800-925-6278
Video: Amazing homes for less than $250K
cjs says:
Thanks for the video – love to see more. Congrats to Chris who won the gift card! Funny thing, a couple weeks ago CVS told me I couldn’t use a coupon on a clearance item, too. I called the store manager when I got home (because I was in a rush at the store), & they said it was ok to use a ‘manufacturer’ coupon on a clearance item….just not certain CVS ‘store’ coupons. They did let me come back with my receipt & get credit for the coupon….and he politely took note of who the cashier was from the receipt to let them know, too.
Karen B. says:
Another great lemony video, I am always so excited about my deals I get, especially when Walgreen’s constantly gives me free stuff with their rewards. My husband and my kids roll their eyes and ignore me.
MoKeaton says:
OMG, the Napkins in the bathroom is sooo me! It has even been paper towels! LoL Congrats Chris.
maria says:
Great video, I wish you would stop being so self deprecating! It’s obvious you have a following, you’re very charming on camera and lots of people love to watch. This website is well designed (which you sure didn’t pay for with coupons). I think you’re an excellent business woman! I wish you’d post something about how this website grew into what it is today and what it takes to maintain it. I hope those lemon shirts you give out all the time have some hip2save logo on them, brand building is hard work!
MsKitty says:
@ Maria, I agree!!!!!
Collin – I simply ADORE you!! You are the highlight of my Monday’s (:
You have great things ahead of you…I just know it. I can’t wait to say I was a loyal fan “reader” from the very beginning!
Love,
MsKitty in VA
Nicole says:
Ah! I’d LOVE to wear a HIP2SAVE shirt! Collin you should put up a little store section on your site with all the cute sayings and logos!!!
Pamela says:
I agree a HIp2Save T-shirt would be cool! Think about that Collin! Can’t wait to hear more answers from the questions you received……AND WOULD LOVE TO KNOW…if you ever went back to the CVS store you were talking about in the video. Ha
Kim says:
GREAT video! You are so informative. I don’t mind if you are a little long winded. I can be as well.
dawn says:
how about a HIP2SAVE reusable tote that we can purchase from the website? Because no matter what it costs, shop at TARGET and get .05 credit each time we shop !…..maybe i will just make my own!
Laura P. says:
AWESOME IDEA!!!! I think I will attempt to make my own also bag and shirt, and just use the iron on letters that say something like “Collin ROCKS at Hip2Save.com”! Hmm…maybe I can find some lemon iron ons??!!
MommySpendsLess says:
I’d like to know how you started/grew your website as well. And how you find time to post so frequently (and film videos)! I started a blog back in October since I was emailing friends about the good deals anyway, hoping that when I switched to a part time job this year I would have time to update it regularly during the day. I only have one baby and I work 3-4 evenings/week and my poor blog still sits there with maybe 6 posts on it.
I would get a Hip2Save tote…and a little couponing/Hip2Save T-shirt for my daughter
Paula says:
Thanks for the info & the dorkiness… Love it !!! We are also a family of dorks & not ashamed to admit it..Makes life more interesting!!!!
ANGELAT says:
AS you can see we all loved it. I look forward to more. I’M sure u can get many videos out of our questions. Thank u so much.
Renee L. says:
Great advice on all questions…It’s nice to hear from others that they have the same issues, concerns, etc. Couponing is hard work and it is nice when it pays off. Thank you so much for your site! I have learned so much and love the videos!
Jessica simonds says:
Loved this video wish there were more questions cant wait for another video Great job Collin
Shelly G. says:
Collin thank you for all that you do!! This site is addicting!!
katey says:
( i m deaf) I wish I can listen your talk by answer their question
I really really love your blog because it helped me save lot money! Collin , If you dont mind to email me what you talk on video?
good job on video:)
Craig says:
Perhaps Collin could put up a printed version for the hearing impared or something. She is amazing.
katey says:
oh that one… she can do that. thanks!
Amy says:
I agree! I’m deaf and would love to read the transcript of the videos. Either transcripts or captioned videos would be great.
katey says:
yaya! finally I found someone who deaf and doing coupon
I m from ohio.. where you from?
couponlover97 says:
Oh….. Katey your right! Collin you should do something so that people like Katey who are deaf can read the manuscript for your awesome videos!
Amy says:
I’m from Kansas
Lisa says:
Hello, Katey & Amy-
I can’t translate all of Collin’s cuteness, but I can give you a brief synopsis of the Q & A. This was a very helpful video, so the info will be good to have. Also, this isn’t word for word, but at least it will give you an idea!
1. How do you get your include husbands in saving or “keep” him from coming home with excess items when you are trying to save money/stay on budget? *Insert boxes of Ding Dong joke here*
She said to compliment them. REALLY encourage them and focus on the fact that he did use a coupon; even if it’s only one for 50 cents. Make a big deal!! That will encourage them to try harder next time
2. How do you avoid the challenge of making sure every coupon gets scanned? What do you do if you notice one wasn’t scanned?
She suggests to notate coupons you used so you can compare the list to the receipt.Another tip, criss cross your coupons because sometimes coupons stick together, especially IP’s. You can even hand them over one at a time, and just tell the cashier you would like to make sure each one gets scanned. Look over your receipt BEFORE you leave the store. If you notice one or more missing, go to the customer service desk and let them know. They will probably take your word for it and give you the value of the coupon as cash back.. *Sound of little girl screaming in the background. Collin leans in and says “My daughter is in a bad mood right now!”
3. Do you ever buy anything without a coupon or do you always wait until you have one? She answered this by saying yes! And then she told us a story of a “friend” that couldn’t ever find a good deal on toilet paper so she had napkins in her bathroom. And then she confessed…it was actually her. And so her secret is out-
4. How do you deal with the situation of someone accusing you of fraud or misusing a coupon on merchandise? First, scout out those cashiers!! Check them out, if you see one looking mad or irritated, you may want to avoid them. There day isn’t going to be any better with your stack of coupons. She looks for the young, male cashiers I say b/c they are less moody
) She also suggests simply explaining to them about the coupon and how it works. Sometimes the cashier is worried they will get in trouble for accepting a coupon if/when they are not supposed to. Aot of people are surprised when you can actually get something for free. Maybe even suggest if the cashier would be more comfortable, check with a manger. You can even explain the situation to the manager. If THAT doesn’ work, have the corporate number programed in your phone and give ‘em a call! That will usually take care of it.
HTH!! Just a brief description of what she said, but the info was so useful I didn’t want you to miss any of it!!
Amy says:
Thanks Lisa for excellent job summarizing the video! I truly appreciate it, you rock!!
Lisa says:
You’re so welcomed. Sorry about the extra words in the first sentence…my son was yelling b/c HE was in a bad mood!! Also sorry abot the couple of mis-spelled words…there=their in one spot. No excuse for that one, just a bad spelling moment!
Suzy says:
Lisa- Thank you! That was nice of you.
katey says:
Lisa…. Thank you so much! Now I understand why people talk about toilet paper in here comment . I agree with Collin.. and I even used scrap Cloth to wipe .. it save me lot money
The Comment Fairy says:
Lisa-
The Comment Fairy wants to thank you for translating the video for some fellow “Hip” readers. You will be awarded with a $25 Amazon e-card shortly! Thanks for taking the time to help!
Pam says:
Lisa, that was so very kind of you to do what you did. In this world of rush, rush, hurry, hurry and most thinking of their own time, it’s hard to believe that someone took the time (and it DID take you time!) to do what you did to help others out. Golly gee, this really renews my faith in people. What a neat world we would have if we would all take the time to be this kind, thoughtful and helpful to one another.
katey says:
congrat LISA!!!! you deserve it
Beth says:
I love random acts of kindness ~ that was so sweet!
Lisa says:
Thank you everyone! And thank you Comment Fairy!
I kind of feel like we are all family here! KWIM? I’m glad I could help another out.
Pay it forward
Bridget says:
Your answers were not too long at all. You were thorough enough so that we understood what your points. Thanks!
couponlover97 says:
I love you Collin…. you are so adorable and fun. Thanks for all the great tips, i have definitely learned from it! I would love to see another question and answer video!
couponlover97 says:
Oh, and nice shirt…… : )
Bridget says:
I sure hope you do another video of answering Q’s?!
Brenda says:
I LOVE that you are a sensitive dork, cause I am too
Loved the video. Congrats to the winner!
Lisa Barnes says:
THANK YOU FOR THE PHONE NUMBERS! That will be a huge help. I had a RiteAid rep tell me that they no longer took manufacture coupons. Yeah….really…..Now I have the corporate numbers in my cell. Thanks again.
jamie e says:
Great video Collin! Like always!
I want to add a tip to the skipping of coupons question! Like some others have commented, I count my coupons before handing them over, but then I also let the cashier know how many I have so he/she can count them while scanning them! This has really helped me out!
Angelia says:
I always count my coupons. Than I count them as the cashier scans them. It at least tells you if they missed one. At Target I’ve had coupons not show up on the receipt. I always check my receipt before I leave. If they missed one I return to the cashier. They usually give me the coupon so that I can take it to customer service for them to fix. My last one they missed 3 $4 off coupons, so it was a amount that had not been taken off. LOVE THE VIDEO! Keep up the great work!
Jenna says:
Great video! Please please do more and answer more questions! I loved it! Thank you!
Sun says:
Collin,
You need your own T.V. show! You have such a great personality. Do you ever watch the Travel channel? They have food related shows where they travel from town to town. I think you should have a hyper-couponing show where you meet a reader from your website, and go shopping with them.
Pam says:
Actually, Collin has started doing that, remember Tampa? and in May she is going to Indiana. Yeah, we’d all love to see her do it even more
RIE says:
Thanks for posting all the corporate #.
latery I notice that walmart dosen’t take IP coupon.like the other day my DH bought a 2 of coffee mate(64oz) and used 2 of 75cent off which print out from their web site.
she only scaned 1. they are misunderstand the words on coupon.
the is “limit one coupon per purchase”.
It wasn’t first time.when I got a tuna pack.had 5packs and hand out 4 IP+1 MAQ.she only scan MAQ…I think they know what they doing!!! makes me so upset.
I lost money shop at walmart but they make money out of it….thats wrong.
Anyway,I enjoying watch your video every week and learn so much.
Thanks again,Collin.
Sarah says:
Love the end! LOL! I also love what you said about encouraging our hubbies!
Laura says:
Loved the video as usual!
Tobi says:
Loved it! Can’t wait to see more question-and-answer videos!!!!
Kim says:
Loved the video and the tip about alternately stacking coupons. I try to put an insert coupon in between each internet coupon so they don’t stick together. I also pinch the top center of internet coupons so thet don’t stick together.
Linda says:
I stack mine in alternating directions too but I have also started splitting them up. Say I have 4 of the same Q for the same item, I spread them out so that no 2 identical Qs are on top of one another and that has really helped, especially for the little ones from inserts ~ they tend to stick together too and just alternating their direction doean’t always help like it does with the IPs b/c they are often square. As long as I know what Qs I am using it is easy to check the receipt even though they are split up a bit.
Debby says:
Love the video. I always have a problem with coupons not getting scanned as well. So I try to seperate them before I get to the register. So I will not put a 50 cent coupon on top of a 50 cent coupon. I will try to pile a 1.00 coupon then a 50 cent coupon then a 75 cent coupon ect. so when I watch them scan it is easier to track. Does that make sense?
maria says:
That’s a great tip thanks!
Serena says:
We have matching polka-dot IKEA pillows!!
Mrs.. B says:
GREAT video!!!!
char says:
As always, loved, loved, LOVED the FMM video!
You’re great!
Annie says:
Loved your video! Keep up the great work!!
RJW says:
I love watching your videos and the great info you share. Oh and thanks for always brightening my Mondays!!!
julie says:
I know several people “savingsangels” who write their own initials really small onto their coupons to prove it if need be. They’ll check at Meijer before giving you a refund for not taking a coupon. I’ve had to (over the phone) say what checkout number I was in, which I could see on the receipt. I remember telling a MANager that I hadn’t had my 1.50 taken off my tampax. He checked to see if it was in their little slot where they put the coupons and then I was allowed to come in and get my refund. I’m sure they were thinking “oh here comes the lady with her period for her $1.50,”, but I seriously didn’t care. Now I try to do the self check outs with unlimited items because you can scan your own coupons.
dawn says:
I LOVE IT…” here comes the lady with her period for her $1.50″ I just laughed my butt off! great idea with the initials! I will tell my friends….it will help with target. We find their receipts confusing!
jamie e says:
I think my mom said she initials her coupons sometimes!
Jo says:
Really? I never thought about being allowed to do the self checkout with coupons, hmmm…could save a lot of headache. How do they watch that people purchase the correct item? If it scans, it’s correct? There are so many that don’t scan and have to be manually inputted (sp?), what about those?
julie says:
At Meijer they’ve got cashiers standing around and looking for the red blinking light which means “I need help” because a coupon wouldn’t scan. Then they come and make sure you have the item (or they trust you) and manually enter it. Pop recycling slips need to be handed to the cashier too, you may not slip those into the slot after scanning.
HTH,
The period lady
Dee says:
Great Video!! Thanks for he corporate numbers too. A freind of mine had their IP coupons rejected by Walmart because they were black and white! They said because of fraud, they could only take color printed coupons. OMG!!! Please tell me this isn’t true!
mari says:
I just came back from Walmart and used a ton of black and white ones (and free ones, and matched prices)….. I’ve never had that problem before.
Dee says:
It may just be this store. The guy who had the coupons said he called over the manager and the manager confirmed they could not take the b&w coupons. This is the WalMart in Monks Corner SC. I have never shopped at that one, but it looks like the manager needs a “refresher” on their coupon policy. The guy was using those High Value deodorent coupons for Dove and Degree posted a while ago.
dee batchelor says:
what a great post! i think you are precious and very informative! thanks for all the info and the phone numbers, I am programming them in my phone
Nicole says:
I liked the comment on picking cashiers, I try to do this too.
However, I was at Kroger the other day and waited in a young boy’s line. When it was my turn to be rung up, they switched casiers. This grumpy old lady sorted through my coupons and questioned me about each one, even argued over a freebie. Oh the frustration of things you can’t control. (I’ve had this lady before and intentionally avoid her line. Last time she said my free oreo coupon from facebook was fake and I had to call a manager)
SaraJC says:
lol what are the odds of thinking youll get the cashier you looked out for and then suddenly the old grumps comes in. I’ve had a similar experience with an older lady cashier and let me tell ya, she was a pain. I stood my ground though, nervous and all.
Kristy says:
I had the same thing happen at Target the other day. and that really is the first time i have ever had any problems at target. I was lucky though and when she called the manager over to tell her i wasnt using the coupons in the right way ( on travel sizes) the manger told her i was and just to keep pushing them through.
Pam says:
Yes, I’m starting to believe that some of these cashiers DO like to frustrate us. I am a happy, friendly person and rarely have trouble with cashiers and don’t really use a lot of coupons and the other day at Wag’s, a cashier who is normally very friendly, for some reason gave me a rough time with my three little coupons. It was really weird and I couldn’t figure out why she was doing it…maybe she was having a rough day, but it was weird.
Joy says:
The quality of your videos (not jus the content) is getting better & better! You guys will be #1 on YouTube soon!
Keep up the great work – you & your videographer rock!
SaraJC says:
Thanks for all you do and thanks for providing the corporate numbers. Those will come in handy.
Anneke F says:
Loved the video. Thank you!!! I was once told the same thing at CVS. I actually put my items back in the little basket right by the checkout counter and left. But now I know that is actually NOT part of their policy and I can stand my ground, by talking to a manager or calling headquarters. Thanks for the great tips!
stephanie m says:
Great video! I hope we see some more of these questions answered. I wanted to agree with you about educating the cashiers too. I have one at Walgreens that I got into a conversation with a while back about how coupons work and how the stores get paid back, etc. and I completely converted her! We’ve now formed a coupon alliance and make sure that neither of us misses a really good deal. I laughed when she got a small coupon keeper because I knew it wasn’t going to last long. Now she’s been asking me binder organizing tips LOL. The best part is that she’s really young (well, young compared to me anyway LOL). I love the idea that she’s embracing saving so early. I wish I’d been more on the ball!
Amanda says:
You make me laugh. Great video – perhaps you need to do a few more of these “Answer Mondays” to get through some more questions! Seriously loved it, you’re awesome!
Elizabeth says:
Oh Collin- you rock! I want a Hip2Save t-shirt too!
Debbie C says:
great video! would love to see more Q&As on a future video. great job.
Susan says:
Collin, you are hilarious. I love the way you talk on these videos. You bring your delightful personality to couponing. Thumbs up!
Colleen S says:
Hi Collin
That was a great video. I totally enjoyed it. You are so funny!
Colleen
Olivia Smith says:
Thanks for the video– such an encouragement for me!
I went out shopping today and didn’t have but one issue and that made me happy!! 
Thanks for all you do, Collin! AND I totally would order some products from your website, shirts, etc.!!
Brandy Langford says:
For the coupon scanning problem, one of the things I always do before checking out is I count my coupons. That way I can count them on the receipt and if I had 10 coupons I know 10 coupons scanned, then I can scan over them and make sure they were all for the right amount. Knowing exactly how many coupons I’m handing over is key for me.
I loved the video, and don’t think you are a dork at all.
sandy [getcha coup on] says:
arkansas in the house! woot.
hey chris! we’re from rogers, just an hour away!! congrats!
Emma says:
College student clipping momma in Bella Vista, AR! I love hip2save! We should meet up for some bargain shopping!
sandy [getcha coup on] says:
nice to meet you last night, emma!
April says:
I called CVS corporate about using a coupon on clearance items and was told by a not so-coupon-educated employee that I can only use coupons on full price items. So obviously that conversation wasn’t going to help so I quit trying. Can you use coupons when they mark the barcode off and ring it up as a taxable item? Because the coupons won’t ring up will they? The manager told me that they won’t get paid for the coupons if they key them in.
Sarah Moss says:
You crack me up! It makes me so happy. I just moved away from ALL my family and your site makes me laugh. I love it.
Crissy says:
I’m a bigger dork b/c you read my question & I felt almost famous seeing my name on the screen! Haha! Thanks so much to you & all of the readers for the coupon scanning tips. I don’t know why I never thought to count my coupons before, but that’s a great idea. Also glad to know I can still try to get credit for a high value coupon if I notice it didn’t get scanned before leaving the store. Can’t say enough how I value this site & I LOVE the idea of a reusable Hip2Save shopping bag! Thanks again!!
Annette says:
My Target (in Oregon) has a computer screen that is visible, so I’m able to watch as the coupons are scanned. I always try to keep an eye because sometimes when a coupon comes up as “item not found”, the cashier doesn’t notice and scans a few more before they see the note. It’s hard to pay close attention when my 2 year old is having a meltdown though. I’ve started grouping my coupons in small bunches so it’s not a huge stack all at once. It’s helped cut down on the missed coupons. I also try to add up what my $ total will be before I hit the register, so if something is off, I know right away. Like today at Walgreens, they cashier accidentally scanned in 5 packs of TP instead of 2. My total was off, so I was able to fix it right away. But I’ve had other times where I don’t notice until I’m home and then I debate whether it’s worth a trip back to the store for just a couple dollars.
Amber in SC says:
I also watch the computer screen at Target. I also usually go the same time of day, so I end up getting the same coupon friendly cashier. Yay!! I’ve had several coupons beep at Target and then get scrutinized, so I know exactly which key they have to hit to make it go through. Sometimes I just want to reach over and hit it for them.
Betsy says:
that’s funny!
Jo says:
I have actually called the store to tell them the problem and then told them that I would not be able to come in until later in the week when I am back in that area of town, and they let me get my refund then. Be sure to get the name of the person you talk to though for confirmation.