YOU In Bloom ~ Clip it to the Bank
Coupons Gotcha Down?
(Yes, that’s my dorky hubby! Don’t we make a great pair?!)
On a fairly regular basis, I receive emails from newbie couponers that say they want to give up….. They want to throw in the towel and the coupons 😉 ! They’ve had a bad experience with a mean cashier, their coupon beeped, they’ve invested 5 hours organizing and still don’t know what is what, they’ve over-spent at the grocery store because their coupons didn’t scan properly, the person behind them in the checkout line scowled and glared…. And the list goes on and on.
I know from experience that couponing can definitely present a variety of challenges, but I also know that in the long run, it is absolutely worth it! I am dedicated to providing words of encouragement and sharing my own experiences as a means to help beginner couponers have a successful journey into the amazing world of saving money. Today, I ask you to do the same…. Please lift the spirits of these struggling readers by leaving words of motivation, inspiration, and wisdom below! 🙂
Thank you so much for participating!
Thanks for putting this up, I need it right now. I have to say I’m so bummed. Both of my Targets are just awful when it comes to the policy. Tonight I went with my tired kids to pick up a few things and saw a few coupon deals I had to get. I tried to be quick but read all of my coupons well. I bought 3 arm and hammer travel toothpastes to use my $2.50/2, no exclusions. I bought 3 bc I’ve had a problem with this coupon before, they gave me trouble bc there was overage. I picked a good cashier and he tried but he would not override it. The SECURITY GUARD came over and told him what he needed to do but the cashier called for the manager. When she got there she’s like, nope they won’t take it on travels…even though it doesn’t say it on the Q-so frustrating. The Guard knew what to do but the manager wouldn’t/didn’t. Ugh! So thanks Collin, I needed the motivation today!
Just like others have said, nothing that is worth it will be easy 🙂 When you can save 100’s – 1000’s of dollars each month I’d say that’s worth it! It takes time an practice to get most of the kinks out.
I had a similar Target experience the other day and I learned a lesson. That lesson was that I need to ONLY shop when the Corp. offices are open. This way I know that I will not be wasting my time b/c I can simply call them on my phone and resolve it all with a quick phone call 😉 We Learn & Grow… maybe take a week off if you’re overwhelmed, I know I do from time to time… but DON’T let yourself give up! Not every day in couponing is a bad day and not every trip is unsuccessful. One bad trip can often make you forget several great ones though. I like to photo my trips and make a quick note of my savings, so that when it gets stressful and frustrating I have a visual reminder that THIS IS WORTH IT!
Remember you work hard for your money and you work hard to get your deals together and your coupons, don’t let anyone discourage you. Its ok that you want to save money and get what is best for you and your family.
Put on a brave face and go out and coupon with the best of them… good luck!!!
If you are just starting couponing, take it slow. Don’t try to save bunchs at one time until you get the hang of it.
Know your weekly budget and stick to it. Even if it’s a great deal.
Couponing should be FUN.
Find a coupon buddy in your area. Someone to swap coupons with and to go shopping with.
Couponing takes organization. Find a way that works for you. I tried the shoeboxes first, then I finally went to the baseball inserts in a binder. That works for me because I can see everthing at a glance. Dont’ try to get every deal. It’s impossible and you will wear yourself out. I did it at first, and it just caused me alot of stress. If your somewhat new to couponing, it will get better. Pretty soon you won’t need alot ot the stuff, and you know what coupons you have. Usually the same products have coupons, Finally, don’t give up. It is sooooo worth it! I’ve been doing this since last October and I still love getting the deals.
Be diligent and educate yourself on the various stores. Some stuff is trial and error but there are a lot of resources that will help you be a better couponer even before you start!
Also, when you get really bummed about an incident just shake it off. There will always be more deals and more coupons so keep your chin up!
Don’t burn yourself out on every good deal…it’s not worth the stress. Get what your family can use or donate and call it good!
And lastly, you are an incredibly talented individual to do what you do! It takes skill, organization and a sharp mind. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel inferior with your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Don’t get discouraged when some deal doesn’t work out right or the cashier is difficult. We all have those days. But for every bad time you will still come out ahead many more times. I find that the thing that helps me the most is spending the extra time to check and double check my list and coupons before I get to the store, and be willing to walk away from the deal if its not going to work. Its a great feeling when you get the really good deal, and being able to have the stockpile to fall back on is a big reassurance for those tight weeks. You will get better and better the more you do it.
“Please lift the spirits of these struggling readers by leaving words of motivation, inspiration, and wisdom below! :)” Some of you just can’t follow directions. Those of us using coupons on travel/trial are following directions. Those travel sizes are great for Christmas shoe box donations. If it’s FREE get it! You can always find someone who needs it. People all around are struggling financially. You as a couponer get more than you need in FREEBIES. Sharing is caring! Help out that neighbor who lost their job or that single mom who works 2 jobs and gets no assistance because again shes working 2 jobs. Give her a care basket. You know that friend of your child who doesn’t have a wii or XBOX 360? Give him a set off all those games you got for FREE(or near free 24 cents) at Target. Then when you get those crabby patty cashiers, think of all those people who you helped through your couponing. Maybe they are struggling. Maybe they are worrying about how they are going to get the money to pay their bills and that’s got them in a bit of a bad mood. Offer to teach them how to coupon. If all that doesn’t work… just laugh! They’re jealous!
SO ..Well put!!:)
I’ve only been couponing for a few months and at the beginning I would get stressed if I couldn’t get every deal to work for me. I’ve now though, definitely seen that there are new good deals EVERY week and if I miss a few, give it a month and it will be back!
I have had so many issues with numerous stores and various coupons. It at times has been so frustrating and I have wanted to simply give up. Ive learned that organizing all my coupons before I leave my house eliminates 99% of my stress at the cash. When I know that each coupon is totally legit and how much my total out of pocket will be everything seems to run alot smoother because I can monitor the cashier and ensure that all coupons scan and be strong when/if a coupon is questioned. Also Always always alwayssssss being the stores coupon policy with you!! This will save you from missing out on the good deals that youve worked so hard to compile. I track all my savings and when I see them added up at the end of each month.. I know that all the incomviences and strange altercations ( HA ) were completely worth it for my family!!! Dont give up !!
Don’t give up! It gets easier with time. Start small with your first transactions- just a couple of items that are free or close to it and focus on one store. There will always be deals out there, you don’t have to get every single one to be successful. Find someone who has been couponing in your area that you can ask questions. Remember YOU are empowered, you can always walk away without the items if things don’t go as planned. Be considerate of others and inoculate yourself against the endless debates about coupon ethics. And finally, when you do start getting good at it be sure to give back, either by donating items to those in need and/or by teaching others what you have learned. Have fun!
Just like you need a vacation from life, you need to take breaks from couponing otherwise you will start to feel like it is a job. Couponing should be fun and save your family money to do other fun things.
Yes, couponing should be fun!!! Even if you miss out on some of the deals, there are still plenty more out there to make it worthwile. 🙂
I agree with getting the trial sizes for free. It definitely is not scamming. These companies know what they are doing, and they don’t put the restriction on there purposefully! They want us to get the trial sizes, love them and continue to buy the product. And they are useful in many situations too, I love the idea to use them with your kids. I like to use the free sample conditioners that I receive in a spray bottle with water as a detangler for my girls hair. Also, small sizes like those are great for giving to the military. Sometimes those things are comforts of home that they can’t get and it just feels nice to get to use it again.
Stockpiling is awesome and saves us a lot of money and is not being greedy. I think each one of us has to make the clearing the shelves decision on our own, based on the situation. I made out great on the Riteaid diaper deals this week (we were in the test market for the UP promo) I decided not to buy all of my diapers at the same store and clean them out, but instead stopped at different Riteaids as I was going about my weekly business, but I ended up getting 15 packs of diapers for the week. They were free and we can use them, so I definitely don’t feel bad for getting so many. Now, I wanted to do the wipes, but in order to make it a good deal I had to buy 8 boxes, and they only had 8 boxes. So I did clear the shelf. I don’t feel bad because the deal wasn’t going to work without 8 so it was necessary. Another idea is that I will go on the first day and get some of a deal and then on the last day, I will go back and get as many as I have coupons for, and if that means clearing the shelves, so be it. If I can use it or donate it and it won’t go to waste, it is definitely not greedy!
If you can keep yourself organized and create a system that works for you, you will find the whole couponing thing to be much easier. Try to set aside some time at the beginning of the week to create a list of the deals that interest you. I keep a running list in a word document and as I read the blogs and find deals that I might want to get, I copy and paste the deal into the appropriate store section. Then if I know I will go to a particular store, I cut and prepare the coupons and put them in a special store by store organizer in my purse. That way, I have everything ready when I happen to go by that store. And for the stores that I might visit, I wait until I decide to go to that one and clip them when I know I will be going. So sometimes I prepare a list for 5 different stores but only make it to 3, I didn’t waste time clipping the coupons for those last 2 stores, but I had the info available and ready if I decided to go. My point is that this system saves me from backtracking through the blog entries searching for a deal that I know is there, but don’t remember where or for which store.
One last thing, use the corporate offices when you have a bad experience. Sometimes you will learn that it was something that you misunderstood about a policy, so you are learning. More often than not though, you will have your issue resolved and you will learn definitively that you were right about a policy. Knowledge is power and if you go into a store knowing what you are talking about and you sound/act confident, they seem to mess with you a lot less. Remember that the stores need you to shop, that is what they are there for, shopping with coupons is the same as shopping with cash!
I so agree with you fully 🙂 It sounds as if you and I think just alike because I have a very similar system. I tell everyone who wants to get into couponing that it can be tough at first until you learn what system works for you and until you learn the rules. Once you do your couponing will become much more of a breeze. Yes I still get snotty cashiers and managers from time to time, but I don’t let it bother me if I am in the right and if I am saving my family much needed money. My husband was laid off for 7 months and I only work part time, but thanks to the help of my couponing we made it those 7 months with no problems paying our bills on my part time wages and I still had things that I was able to donate to others in need who had also lost their jobs or hit very rough times (a lot of things) because through couponing I got so many things for free or near free that we were either stocked on or we ourselves didn’t use, so I was able to pass those necessities on to others. I never pass up a deal for something that will be free or less than 50 cents, if I can’t use it I know of many others that can and will be so thankful to get it. I recently donated $50 worth of dog food to a friend that really needs any break on groceries and such that they can get right now and I didn’t pay a cent for it, all by the help of coupons. I have a hall closet half to 3/4 full of toys (nice name brand toys) that I don’t have $20-25 in the whole thing that I am going to donate to the church’s toy drive at Christmas, there is enough in there for at least 20 kids and I’m sure that I will have more by Christmas, all thanks to coupons 🙂 I even file my unwanted coupons in a shoebox sized tote and pass them around to all of my family and friends that are willing to use them and that need to save as much as they can on groceries too. None of them go in depth with coupons as I do but they appriciate the savings that I do pass onto them each week and it only takes about 5 more ninutes for me to file my “don’t wants” into the box and send it on it’s way. I love to save money and I love to give to others and coupons has helped me to do more of that then I ever have before. So chin up 🙂 Couponing is so much fun and rewarding, it just takes a bit to get the hang of it.
my words are these….. There is nothing greater than getting a deal. Knowing that you just got money back and a free product. It is a high, a coupon high. No matter how great you are at organizing or picking the right cashier, or coming up with great deal – there will always be problems. You take the bad with a smile, and know that tomorrow, you can go back and try again. ( I say this with 2 kids I have to bring) It isn’t always the easiest, but all the free and really cheap stuff that we get is worth it! Good Luck and stay with it!
Can I just add my two cents worth,, that in most cases you get back what you give out…
If you seem desparate to GET something they will most likely be desperate to NOT let you have it..
Start with a smile.. be flexible.. I just had them put a couple items back, and take them off my receipt when she showed me WHY they wouldn’t work…. maybe next time,, maybe NOT today..
if it’s milk for your fam and you NEED it now,, thats one thing,, but to get the stuff that is free is not a life or death situation.
Also, I try to explain to the cashiers that the store gets that money back, plus a processing fee. and because they SELL MORE product, they get better margins, more display and discounted items, and it helps in their profitability, and job security,, I do it with a smile, and most clerks really apologize if they CAN;T help me….
It takes time to organize, to know what you like, what you will use, what you can do at each store, which checkers are most likely to help…. I generally also POINT THEM ALL IN THE DIRECTION OF HIP2SAVE… and tell them how awesome it is to have a website helping me save money,, and HEY,,,, its’ FREE!!!!!! and they can save too.
Joan, You are right on the money! If I cannot get the deal that I want I will walk away. Most of the time if I am friendly with the cashier and explain what I want to happen, I get what I want and then they ask me how I do it!
OBTY
Sorry got kicked out! I have only had a few bad experiences (knock on wood)!
I left couponing for a little over a year. I was overwhelmed, and felt like my time was worth something too. I was frustrated with trying to get the best deals. I was feeling like the coupon clipping was taking to much time. So I left the coupons. When my small stockpile was gone and I had to start buying toothpaste at 2-3$ again it was hard. Buying diapers without coupons was awful! Then when I had an unexpected hospitalization which meant unexpected bills, money got really tight. I was struggling to have food on our table. It also came down to me not paying some bills because I needed food in the house. This is what made me get back into couponing. I now have a stockpile (smallish), of things we will use and enough to last us maybe a month if anything like that happens again. Now I make sure to not clip every coupon and I really ask myself if this is something our family will use. I only really watch the ads for 3 stores, and all three stores are with in walking distance of each other. It has really helped me to not be worrying about several ads and just stick to the three. I do keep my coupon book in my car, if I stop by a different store. My coupon clipping used to take days, where now I only set aside a few hours. Now I am VERY organized when going to the store, knowing EXACTLY what I am buying. I have a list and make sure to only get the things on my list. This also means I’m not in the store quite as long. The best part is my bills are paid on time, and I have money for both food and bills. Give it a second, third or thousandth try, it works and I am proof that it really works! Good luck on the coupons!
I agree (and I’m also sorry that you’re going through some rough times, but proud that you’re being so disciplined to get through them!). I am usually (85%) a dedicated couponer. But sometimes after couponing diligently and having some nice deals come together & other nice deals not happen because prices in NY are different, etc., I get a little burned out. Right now I just went through 2 weeks of minimal couponing. But I also know that I overspent on some things, so I’m getting back the energy to step up my efforts. For me it’s a cycle. And I’m with the other commenters on: be organized, read your coupons & the deal to make sure you understand it completely, bring a copy of the deal with you to refer to if needed (some of them are complicated!), and be nice, nice, nice at the checkout — no matter what the outcome — because you’re going to be shopping there again!
Don’t give up! It’s your money and I wouldn’t just give it to those MEAN cashiers. You will deal with them but you can always just say look if they don’t go through or you won’t take them then I will grab the item so you can take it off! If you are a newbie then start small because it is overwhelming. That’s my two cents worth! Happy couponing!
For the newbie couponers I know how frustrating it can be at times. We’ve all been there. It’s totally worth sticking to though. Don’t get overwhelmed; I know easier said than done.
1. Start slow – focus on one or two stores only
2. when you get the hang of those stores then add others into the mix (if you choose)
3. Don’t compare yourself to others – we all have different needs/wants
4. be curious to the cashiers and let them know you have coupons and seperate them
5. Don’t expect to build a stockpile for a family in just a month or two. It takes time but it will grow.
6. Don’t feel you must get EVERY deal out there!! There will always be another sale for that item and will always be another coupon too!!
7 Have fun!! Once you see how much money you save and how much more you can get when using coupons you’ll want to stick to it.
8. It’s ok to take a break… we all do. Refer to #6
Happy Couponing!!
Tiffany’s points are really great and upto the mark – especially the first one. Start very slowly, if not you may get burned.
When I started I was stressed that I couldn’t get some of the deals, but now I know the deal will come back in one form or the other in another store or at the same store soon and I just try to do what I can.
I have been feeling the “coupon blues” the past two weeks, last week at Publix the cashier was downright rude, yesterdays trip was better, but i went to Target this am, and I checked my receipt when i got home (should have checked it before i left) to realize i got jipped on $4.74 worth of coupons! arg, how can i make sure the cashier scans everyone? i watch them like a hawk, but short of handing them one coupon at a time, i don’t know what else to do. I am so mad!!!
Jennifer G,
A friend of mine totals up her coupons that she will be using and writes that number down on her list before she hits the store. ( I suppose you could do it while you are pulling coupons in the store.) Then when she checks out and the total comes up she hands her coupons over and personally subtracts her coupon total to get what she should be paying. This works very well for her in that she knows immediately if a coupon was not scanned (not necessarily which one) . This is also a great approach for the grocery store when your transaction typically involves more products. HTH
I always have my list and write down the cost of each item (after coupons)..that way I know what the total should be at the end, this way I know if the total sounds off, (missed coupon, price rang up wrong ect…)
STICK WITH IT! You are going to make mistakes, you are going to forget coupons at home, you are going to make multiple trips in one week until you get the hang of it, and you are going to need to follow the examples of others until it clicks and you are off and running. But, believe me it’s worth it! I’m at a point where I make profits at WAGS and purchase items I would normally have to pay for. I have enough shampoo, body wash, bar soap, anti-bacterial soap, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes to last years! Seriously. I have at least a year of toilet paper, tissue, laundry soap, fabric softener, to last a year and you will too. You just have to give yourself a chance. Start small if it makes it easier. Don’t go for every little deal. Set a limit on how much you can spend. Just keep trying and before long it will all click and you’ll have so much you can provide not only for your family but for your siblings, friends, charitable donations. Just give it time!
Maybe Collin will ad a “brag” section where those of us who have been extreme couponing for a while can post our deals so the “newbies” can follow and learn. 🙂
Hey I would love that because I find myself running to town to pick up one razor or deo. and make several trips a week. At times I do spend more then I should and then have nothing to eat. To find a balance with couponing is info. that I could use. It can make you feel bad at times when checkout people have such a additude toward you. so many times I will make a mess and even have to ask for a refund which I don’t mind doing. All in all I have made great friends with all the wal-green checkout folks and I’m always willing to share info and coupons with them. Recently I started keeping track with what I spend and what I saved for the month. seriously don’t know what we would do with out my couponing. money is so tight and I just thank God for Collin and all the post that has helped my family so much. Sincerely, Kim from ky;)
Sandy,
I’ve seen some of the some of your deals (if your the same Sandy) and you are awesome! You actually got my brain working on the idea of “rocking” RR and having a plan to maximize my RR to get the items that I want that week free or close to it with as little out of pocket as possible. I think Collin actually gave you something for helping out others if my memory is correct.
Anyway I think it would be great to have a “brag” section!
I felt the same way at first, but it is seriously worth it. I save over half on my groceries. I haven’t made it to Walgreens yet but I love CVS and save a ton of money there. I just tell the cashier to please bare with me because I am on a budget and the people behind me just say wow when my bill goes down. Chin up Wilburs. If Charlotte was here she would spin her web and it would say “Couponing is Terrific!” Stay with it and watch your pocket book grow.
Don’t stress too much about couponing! If you invest too much of yourself and your time and are not happy – what’s the point! Make sure you are comfortable doing what you are doing and take your time learning all the ins and outs.
To avoid long lines, frustrated cashiers, angry people behind you – go during the day (I’ve found Wednesday and Thursday mornings are best). If you are buying HUGE quantities – go twice if you can. As coupons are being scanned, keep an eye on the register cause you can see if one does not scan and ask it back and go to customer service if the cashier can’t make it go through. Don’t get argumentative right then and there cause sometimes it really does not scan and in some places if it does not scan – the store does not get money back for it! Just had that issue at Walmart and customer service was more than happy to help.
Buy things you or your family actually USE. Otherwise it’s still a waste of money, even if you get it for 50 cents. This does not apply to things you can get for free cause those you can donate.
Always stand up for your rights. I never argue with the cashier. Often I’ll just complete my sale knowing or beliveing that I wasn’t credited properly. Than I go home and contact corporate. Last week I bought 6 toothbrushes at Walgreens. I thought the coupons for buy one get should have come off at $4 each since that was the selling price. The cashier only would credit them at $2.33 the amount after the in ad coupon. I wrote corporate, the store manage emailed me. I emailed her back my details and she agreed with me and is mailing me a gift card.
You have to question things. Even if they say your wrong at least you haveasked.
I’ve had an awesome week with coupons this week. I recommend for the couponers to drive an additional twenty minutes to a different location. I’ve come to the conclusion that each store wants your business. However, the Kmart coupon with the spend $20.00 to get $10.00 off. Helped me at Home Depot. I went to three different locations with this coupon. I’ve used a total of nine of these coupons and bought paint to repaint my family room, living room and bedroom all for $95.00 from $ 160.00. Patience paid off and every retailer is honoring competitor’s coupons, in this economy. Yeah, Home Depot and Thank you!
If it feels like too much, take a deep breath, step back and figure out what works for you. I felt like I was spending all my time chasing every deal, organizing coupons and trading coupons. So I took a break and realized that for right then, getting the free stuff to donate wasn’t a priority. I would only get it I was already going to that store. I also realized I don’t need a 2 years supply of certain items, especially since the deals seem to come around again in 3-4 months. That made me realize I don’t need as many coupons. Now I only clip what I’ll most likely to use and keep them in a really cool accordian-type organizer that I bought on etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/28915216/upholstery-fabric-coupon-organizer. Then I just file the remaining inserts in manilla folders so that I still have them if a really great deal gets posted or if I want to trade. The closest Harris Teeter to me is 25 minutes away. So I decided I would only go if I am already going near there (hardly ever) or if I will save at least $50 on stuff that I would normally buy. Another gauge I use is that I try to save at least twice as much as I spend (save 67% or better.) That “is it worth it?” thinking carried over to other stores and deals. My attitude changed from scarcity – I better run get this, I may need it… to abundance – I have that stockpiled, if I don’t get there this week, the deal will come around again, let’s see what I have in my stockpile that I can give to … I still save a lot of money but for me it’s less time, a lot less printer ink used and no stress. I hope this helps.
I’m so glad that you made this a post!! I felt THE EXACT same way when I first started couponing. I mean, gosh…it’s really overwhelming!! My advice would be to start s-l-o-w. It’s okay if you make a few mistakes, you are learning! I have been couponing for about a year, and I still make mistakes with my coupons…but I just chalk it up to an experience, and I know better for next time. I used to beat myself up about “not saving as much as I want” but the truth is, is that everytime you go to the grocery or drug store, it’s not going to be a “home run.” BUT when you do have those “home run” moments, it makes everything worth the while! About rude cashiers…they used to get me all flustered. Remember that you are NOT doing anything wrong by using coupons!! I never argue with a cashier…but if they will not let me use a coupon with a sale, or a different scenario, I just politely ask for them to cancel my transaction and I shop at a different location. If a store wants your business, they will not treat their customers rudely! There was one time that a cashier at CVS would not let me use one of THEIR coupons (a $5 off $30) or something. I knew that I could, but did not argue. Instead, I contacted their corporate office and they handled it RIGHT away and gave me a $5 credit on my Extra Care card. Bottom line with couponing, just STICK IT OUT! You will be so glad that you did!
Another tip for if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you feel it is taking up too much of your time…just stick to a couple stores. My favorites (and the easiest) places for me to coupon are CVS and Meijer. I don’t really go anywhere else. I get my weekly ads, do my match-ups, confrim with hip2save and savingaddiction, and then i’m on my way. It only takes a couple hours time. So if you don’t have a lot of time to coupon, focusing on the best stores to get deals is a pretty good way to do it. I don’t look for the best deals of the week anywhere–just the best deals of the week for those two particular stores. And then i’ll use something simple like a “$5 off $25” coupon at local natural foods stores for produce., etc.
ditto. I really just shop CVS/Giant Eagle. If I’m going to Target/Walmart for home goods, clothes, shoes, whatever, I’ll double check a blog or two to see if there are any freebies I can pick up while I’m there, but that’s about it. I don’t need to get overwhelmed by running to CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Aldi, Marcs, Giant Eagle and Acme every weekk.
The other thing is try to go when the stores aren’t busy. Cashiers, customers, and YOU will be less stressed. Target on a Saturday afternoon? Probably not a good idea. CVS on Friday at 5pm? nope. If your schedule can accommodate, Monday or Tuesday morning/early afternoon are the best times to go!
KNOW your store/coupon policies and be CONFIDENT! These two things make a world of difference when it comes to success in using coupons. A polite confidence is essential when working with cashiers. If you are well informed and always smile, you can usually work out whatever issue you may have by dialoguing with the cashier. If not, just politely ask for a manager and dialogue with him/her. I’ve always resolved any issue I may have this way.
I needed to read some encouraging words on couponing and was excited to see what people had to offer; too bad most of the comments were useless and annoying. Thank you to those of you that actually did what you were supposed to – which was giving fellow couponers support. Shame on the others who just took this as another opportunity to be mean.
just keep reading…there are 261 comments total and the only crabby ones are really on this page 😉
…AND now they’re deleted! 😉
there are a few good motivating ones.. yeah I am one who needs the encouragement I have fizzled out, still do the freebies online and check the site daily but getting my 2 kids (10month, 3 yrs) to the store with coupons all set seems to have been a challenge… I think my problem is in organization and I get so frustrated when I miss a deal… I have gotten where I HATE paying full price for something cause I know there is a coupon somewhere for it! My 3 yr old son even knows what coupons are =) Thanks Collin for all the support and motivation one day I will become a good couponer to!!!
oh and in addtion… I have walgreens, cvs, rite aid all right next to my house so I get overwhelmed cause they all have their seperate good deals and I want them all… Which of the 3 stores do you find had the best deals? (esp diapers)
I have been couponing for about 9 months now..and the 70 yr olds from my church donate their coupons to me and even cut them out for me. (they are AMAZNING!) They love it and it is something that they can do to help the homeless in our community and needy families with children. I do the deals that Collin lists and then donate what I purchase. The CVS cashier that I have had the priviledge to get to know is awesome and now that she is retiring she wants to help in our city rescue mission along side of us! You never know what God has instore for you…even thru a 25 cent coupon! Be a blessing!
oh…and one more thing…when a teenager girl from a poor family can get great shampoo, make-up and feminine products (which isn’t something that she normally gets) (I know it is sad and hard to believe) …It is SO worth it!
I agree with Vicki if you are just starting out, start small. And do not got if you are in a rush, that’s when I screw up. I look at this as a part time job. If you are not willing to invest the time, it won’t work. I have been doing this since September. I did not really get the huge savings for a few months. I still do smaller purchases with the really good deals to make sure everything is scanning right and I bought the right product. Try to shop at off times. And I use self scan if I can. Put it my car, go back in the store if I need more stuff. Or I even tell the cashier, can I ring this stuff first to make sure I did it right, I have coupons. We are trying to save and this coupon thing is a lot of work and confusing! Most times they are very helpful and sympathize with the confusing part. And of course BE NICE. If a cashier argues, I ask nicely if we can ask a manager, I hate to back up your line, but I spent a lot of time getting these coupons together. I do carry the policies. If it does not work out, I just tell them I do not want the item and take my coupon back. I do like to get the travel sizes for free or pennies, but I usually just try one or two a trip to target and it works out. I think the cashiers get stressed if you have a pile of sample things. They want to make sure they are doing things right. Again Be nice, thank the cashier for taking the extra time to deal with your coupons, you know it it is a pain, that it really saves and is worth the time. I am fortunate to live and work where I have multiple locations of stores to go to. One Walgreens is great, the other not so great. But I did find at Walgreens the girls at the cosmetic counter are much easier to deal with and understand coupons. Meijers self scan is the best with coupons. AND take the time to go the stores corporate site and send a complimentary email about your good coupon experiences and nice cashiers.
Don’;t give up! It is so worth couponing. If you get bad cashier, try a different one next time. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break. The coupons will still be there when you come back. Set aside a day when you organize and cut coupons. And have your hubby or kids help. When they see all the savings your getting, they’ll get pretty excited, too. Everybody’s benefitting from your savings, so everybody should help. Take what you need and leave some for others (unless you plan to donate) If you get to the store and they don’t have those great deals you were planning to get, don’t stress out. Most of those same deals will come around again and maybe you’ll get it next time. Last, but not least, have fun with couponing. Don’t stress about the small stuff, ’cause really, in the whole scheme of things, there are a lot worse things in life than not getting a great deal on something. 🙂
It *is* true that couponing isn’t for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. I have learned how to be politely assertive, even when I’m shaking on the inside. Keep reminding yourself that you’re NOT. DOING. ANYTHING. WRONG.
Sometimes if a cashier looks askance at all my coupons I just say “well, I can’t scrapbook because I’m not creative…so this is my hobby” and smile. 99% of the time they smile back and they ask how I do it.
If you have a bad experience, don’t get mad. Get ANSWERS. When I got some lame-o explanation from a VONS cashier about not using more than 3 like coupons in a transaction, I called VONS corporate. Got the CEO’s secretary. Seriously. She called the store manager, and he called me back. Was super nice and said he’d accept any coupons I had as long as they were legit. I’ve called Target’s corporate more than once, too. So arm yourself with all the info you can (in WRITING, if possible), and you’ll be able to better stand your ground when some cashier or manager is treating you like a criminal.
Besides, what’s the choice here? Quit couponing and pay full price for everything? I think not! 🙂
I had that before… 4 yogarts … 4 different $1.00 off coupon.. so should have been 0.69 each but he told me coupon says not to double (that would be $2 bucks off each right?) not that only 1 can be used right? each product can use it’s own coupon right?
I use a binder with baseball card inserts and photo album inserts (these are 4×6 and hold 3 per side), the photo inserts are great for the printed coupons because they fit perfectly and you can see all your coupons by flipping a page. I organized mine with tabbed dividers w/pockets so that if I have an insert I wasn’t sure I would need I just slip the whole insert in. I shop mainly at Publix, Target and Bi-Lo.. sometimes CVS & Walgreens. My sister and I go shopping every Wed because that is when sales begin at Publix & Bi-Lo. On Tuesday nights I come here to hip2save and I visit Southern Savers to compile my lists. I use 4×6 index cards to make my lists for each store and to that I attatch the coupons for that store with a paper clip. While shopping I pick up my item and immediately pull out the coupon. I put the free coupons with the products at the register so the cashier can scan the free coupon and know the purchase price right then. I get frustrated especially at Target but if I have a bad experience I leave without the item and try again later. Remember if there is a deal today for something it will likely come around again so don’t stress!!
Making friends with a cashier that works at your favorite store helps also. Remember they are people too and if you strike up a conversation with them and are pleasant they just might remember you the next time you come in especially if it is a store you go to often. I limit myself to one grocery store, one superstore and one drug store to work my coupon deals. I do miss out on some things but if you wait, those deals that you missed at another store will come around to your store and in the mean time you have scored some other deals. Don’t try to compare your self to other people. It is not a competition. Do what you can and dont worry about the rest. Happy couponing! 🙂
I was a fanatic couponer a few years ago – running all over town to 5 different stores to get the best deals and scenarios. My hubby noticed and reminded me that if I’m only saving a couple dollars on something but it means driving all over town to save those 2 dollars then I’ve expended that and a bit more in wear and tear on the van nevermind the cost of gas which was way up there. SO… he doubled my grocery budget if I’d only shop at Meijer here in MI. LOL 🙂 What a sweet hubby! I still get TONS of great deals – some weeks better than others, but our needs are always met and then some! 🙂
To the newbie couponers… don’t give up! It took me a bit to realize I needed to price shop and look for deals only on the things I use. One of the best feelings in the world for me is to watch the cost go from $130 to $50 like I did one day! 🙂 I’ve actually been complimented by more people than criticized about my piles of coupons when I’m checking out. I always tell people about my fav savings site – Hip2save!! 🙂 Thanks Collin!!
I agree start slow, dont try to get every deal and do what you feel is fair and right for your family, no one else. I started couponing a year ago and have saved so much people ask me where I learned to do that, (thanks to hip2save! 😉 ) #1 thing I would recommend keep organized, find a system that works, cant tell you how many times I found an expired coupon for a free bag of chips or high value that I feel like I wasted by not using. Also I stopped clipping every sunday, I felt like I was spending too much time clipping so now I keep in date order, SS, RP & PG in an accordian and clip as I need them, just works a little easier for my family! 🙂 Would love to see post on new ideas of organizing.
I would say my #1 tip is don’t stress. It’s not a competition and there will always be another deal on product X and honestly, if you run out and just once you have to go to Walmart and pay full price for something…didn’t you do that all the time before you started couponing?
In the beginning I took couponing way too seriously. Paying full price made me cringe. I would be upset if I got a good deal and a better one came along. I felt like I had to roll my ECB’s at CVS every week, get every freebie they offered and make sure I paid less than $1 OOP every transaction.
Now I’m pretty laid back and it makes couponing a hobby again whereas before it felt like a chore. I take advantage of the deals that my family uses or that I can pass along to my mom and I skip the rest. I go to Publix, CVS and Target about once a week and that’s usually it. I keep in mind that saving $0.50 over regular retail is still saving more than I used to. I try to avoid deals that will throw up red flags, even though they might be legit and might be possible, it’s usually not worth it to me. I don’t use any coupon that’s worth more than the price of the product – sales, trial sizes or clearance. I don’t try to use more than “one per transaction” coupon or buy more than a couple of anything on a single store trip. I’m not saying those things are unethical or anything, just that I don’t want the hassle or to become the customer that the cashiers go “look out, She’s coming” about. I’m sure lots of you save more than I do but I’m content with where I am…so I guess that’s the summary: do what makes you happy and skip the kinds of deals that are causing you to feel discouraged.
I have been couponing for a few months. It does take time to understand when the best time to use your coupons, to collect your coupons, and organize them. It can be very stressful BUT when you get to the register to check out and you have saved $84 dollars (like I did at Kroger yesterday) it is so rewarding. It is rewarding when my husband says “wow that’s great.”So my advice is keep on going and don’t give up. I have had only 1 experience where a cashier wouldn’t take what I tried to give her…..she was new and didn’t know. But I smiled and and said thank you. In today’s economy any amount of savings is a blessing. As far as the shelves being cleaned out…I’ve had that happen many times but I just ask for a rain check and go back later. I’ve never had any place to tell me no to a rain check. Hang in there newbies….it does get better.
well, i have been couponing a year – a year ago we were on public aid, and WE HAVEN’T needed assistance all year!! Such a praise! (So for those women who were arguing at the beginning; I may take too many free travel items and make a full bottle out of it, I may stock pile my cereal boxes and go back to Walgreens 3 times in one week for the same item if I can make money doing it – you can fuss about that or support me by your taxes, lol) in seriousness Walgreens and CVS were two stores I never went to, my advice – START THERE! I do have a Walgreens Coupon policy; I got it from CALLING and E-MAILING and leaving tons of messages! Then it was a fight to get it in writing – ill send it to Collin. Figuring out how to coupon at these stores is the BEST way to save money!! Every week I get my milk and eggs and cheese from there by using RR! Its wonderful! And I’m truly saving TONS of money!!
When I started couponing last year I found it SO stressful because I tried to get ALL the free items (that we use or my inlaws will use) after coupons at about 6 different stores. This took up so much of our time and left me feeling burned out. I quit couponing for a while and came back to it with a new much more laidback approach. I usually only shop at one maybe two stores in a week. The majority of the things I purchase are sale items that are free or close to it or much lower prices then I can usually get during the year. I stockpile free or close to free items I know we’ll use year round such as pasta we got for $0.06 a box, macaroni we got $.10 a box and crackers we got for around $0.20 a box. I don’t stockpile things we don’t use on a regular basis such as salad dressing, cereals we don’t like that much, etc, because I find it more then likely will go bad before we get to it. I don’t clear shelves, and personally rarely bother with free trial sized items, I find they just cause clutter. Unlike some people I find there is a huge difference between hoarding and stockpiling. We stockpile stuff we use and it has helped us through many a hard patch, when we were down to almost nothing financially for the week. I find coupon exciting and rewarding,. I treat it like a game and thank God for what a blessing it is. I try to weigh every deal and make sure they are morally above reproach.
Stephanie that is so exciting! Its such a great thing to hear, someone working hard to provide for their family and avoiding government assistance when possible. Its amazing how easy it is to save money and get so much more when you know where to look and you are willing to take the time to do it right!
You go girl!!!!
its worth the time guys. eventualy u will find a cashier at each stop u love and u will be glad u kept going!
I’ve been couponing for over a year, and I still get frustrated and down occasionally. But, as the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. The longer you coupon, the easier it will be to spot deals. 🙂 Compared to how it was a year ago, I feel alot more competent, LOL! 🙂 I don’t exactly have any words of wisdom, other than hang in there (and lots of others have said it on here, so I don’t need to).
I feel like quitting this thing all the time. Next time you do just go in after one item and you will get the fever again. Sometimes we are trying to get too much at one time and we newbies get confused. One pick one or two items to score on and it will get you back in the game.
I have a question for everyone. Today I was at target and they refused to take about 1/3 of my coupons because they “didn’t scan.” During this horrible encounter I had two security guards review all of my coupons and at one point take the coupons and walk away. When they came back they handed me a stack of coupons they would not take including a target web coupon. When I tried to call corporate they were closed so I decided to leave without buying anything, wasting nearly 2 hours. I asked for the names of all 4 people who handled my order and the security guard said “she wants our names. Cool I love giving autographs.” When it was all over and done I was embarrassed mad and felt like I was doing something wrong. I’m really not sure if I am tough enough to coupon. Who should I contact regarding my experience. Also any other advice would be appreciated.
Hey Ruth, a great friend and I had a horrible experience at a grocery store. I would try a couple of different avenues I would call the store and see if you can get the store manager’s name, number and when they will be in next. Try to talk with them face to face with coupon policy in hand. Stay calm and stand your ground. We all can make mistakes but we also know how undertrained the employees can be on their own coupon policy, so stay humble it could have been just a mistake either way. Really emphasize how embarrassed you are and how you feel that regardless it could have been handled better. If you feel satisfied with the Store Managers resolve make sure that he has the employees involved either apologize to you or that he speak with them while you are there. That was a big problem with our situation was that the manager kind of blew speaking with the employees off and they always saw us as the bad guys. If you don’t feel satisfied with the Store Manager’s resolve contact corporate (and let the Store Manager know that you will be taking this matter higher) or get the district or regional managers number.
I am not a confrontational person myself and I still haven’t shopped at that store yet, but I think that it forced the employees to really look at the couponing education and realize that sense it is just beginning to get bigger where I live that they need more education for all of their employees. The regional manager, in our case, wants to meet us at the store, apologize with the employees there and follow us couponing and checking out to really see how we are saving so much. All the employees thought was that we were somehow ripping the store off. We have nothing to hide so we are more than happy to help educate them.
Hang in there; even if you need to take a break from Target until you feel more comfortable shopping there again, there are always more deals elsewhere. I think that once you know how much you can save with coupons it is really hard to pay full price. What you do with couponing is worth it for you, your family and your finances. I hope that helps you, I really understand:)
What was the reason given for not accepting the coupons–especially the Target coupon? I can’t even imagine why security would review coupons at all.
Really, the only thing you can do is go up the chain of command (or down, if you prefer)–store manager, district manager, customer service. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re going to have much luck getting them to accept coupons that don’t scan. A *lot* of stores aren’t these days due to IP fraud, but what’s weird is that they’re sort of extending it to non-IPs, as well.
The other thing I’d suggest for future trips is doing smaller orders and using fewer coupons. It sounds like you had a lot, and when a third of them won’t scan, it’s a bit of a red flag. If you only have nine coupons and three won’t scan, you’re more likely to get the benefit of the doubt and get them pushed through. Plus, with a smaller order, the cashier is more likely to remember what you purchased rather than having to look through the bags, matching items. I’d also try to avoid coupons that beep (i.e., any item for which the coupon value is greater than the cost of the item, including travel and trial size freebies). Target is notoriously hit or miss on adjusting coupons down, so if you want smooth transactions to build your confidence, just avoid them for now.
Hope that helps–and best of luck with the manager. Let us know how it went.
Thanks for all of the advice and help. Alyssa I think it is wonderful that the employees had to apologize to you! I think that is a great way for them to learn and remember how to treat customers! I hate confrontation as well, it makes me nervous so I don’t think I will be going back to this Target. I live in a big city and there are plenty of other Target stores. In fact I went to another Target last night and all of my coupons scanned without a problem. I had great checker who was fast and polite! The difference between stores was huge! I find it very odd that the first store said my coupons wouldn’t scan. I am not sure if the checker and supervisor were not trained or just choosing to be rude.
Erin I do think from now on I will do smaller trips. It was just so much easier to shop without my daughter *she is 6 months* and I was trying to get it all done. I will be contacting the store manager and if she does not get back to me I will go up the chain or command. Even if I had a lot of coupons I still should have been treated professionally and politely.
If couponing has you so frustrated that you’re ready to quit, I’d bet that you are hitting it too hard. I rarely have couponing issues. Here’s my advice:
* Start small–smaller orders with fewer coupons so you can better keep track of deals and see what works and what doesn’t.
* Don’t chase every deal–more will come along, I promise–and it’ll just burn you out. (I had a particularly hard time believing it, but it’s true.)
* Know yourself–if you don’t care to get into a protracted discussion about coupon policy, avoid coupons that would put you in one (beepers, coupons that would create overage, free coupons provided in a pdf, expired coupons, etc. Basically anything remotely questionable.).
* Know your stores–and carry their coupon policies. If a particular store begins to become a burden for you, go to those that are more coupon friendly and don’t even *look* at deals at the stores you don’t patronize.
* Pick one drugstore–OK, maybe two. The drugstores require the most strategy in my opinion. Trying to do all the deals at the big three each week is asking for coupon overload in my opinion. Plus, there is a limit to the amount of cheap cleaning or personal care products one needs. (Yes, I realize they carry food, too, but sometimes you get tired of the plain Wheat Thins, even if they are free. It is not a sin to pay money for, say, Ranch Wheat Thins if that is what you like!)
* Don’t sweat the small stuff–everybody forgets a coupon or figures out a better scenario five minutes after walking out the door. Use such experiences. Maybe sort and double check your coupons before leaving home next time. Or only go shopping when you have time to browse and consider the deals.