When to…
Alright, so I have an interesting topic to discuss (or at least I think so)! I’m going to title this topic “When to Mind Your Own Business”! Yes, I know… I’m sure you’re thinking what the heck is this topic about and how in the world does it have anything to do with couponing. Well, you see, I receive emails on a regular basis from readers with concerns regarding other Hip2Save readers. They are upset with how another reader is couponing, upset that a reader is NOT following their couponing rules and/or ethics, and upset because a reader is not considerate of others by clearing the shelves (these are just a few of the concerned emails I’ve received).
…So what do I do about these emails, well, nothing really. Now don’t get me wrong, there are times when couponers are doing things that are downright illegal (and maybe don’t know it) and that’s when I take a stand and try to educate others. However, most concerns (like the ones stated above) have nothing to do with illegal activity, but more about what one reader feels is “wrong”.
As you may know, there is a huge gray area when couponing and everyone has to decide on their own what they feel is right. How do you know what is right? You just do! It’s that feeling we all get inside when we’re about to take action. And that’s the feeling that will easily tell you right from wrong. Don’t ignore it!
Nobody wants to be controlled and told what to do. We’re all adults here and can make our own decisions. I know sometimes it’s hard to hear when someone starts bragging about the 50 packages of toilet paper they snagged in the comment section, but remember, it’s best to “Mind Your Own Business”. These people may be wanting a reaction, so don’t give them one! Also, by lecturing them on what you may think is the right amount to purchase… well, that is trying to control them and people HATE being controlled. Usually when someone tells me what to do, I do quite the opposite.
The point I’m trying to make is to motivate you to keep on truckin’ on your own couponing journey! Focus on what you know is right and ignore the people that seem to be barriers in your way. Don’t waist your energy or time on them! I mean… seriously, there is NO point in focusing any sort of energy on something that you cannot CHANGE! People have to change on their own terms– we cannot do it for them! Yikes… I am starting to sound like a therapist!
…AND I love what I’ve learned from my Ma, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” and of course my favorite line of hers, “If life gives you lemons, Ma says, Squeeze them!” 🙂
well put! I hate reading comments of others jumping down someone’s throat because they bought 20 of one product. How horrible! 😉
well said Collin, this is why you rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amen! Sometimes I read the comments in order to get more details about a deal, and half of them are people complaining about someone else who commented, and telling them that what they are doing isn’t right. Do what is right for you, and don’t worry about everyone else! Great post. Now hopefully people will follow your advice…
So true! I would also recommend people take your advice and apply it to other aspects of their life in addition to couponing. 🙂 You rock, thanks for all you do!
This is a very nice post. Thank you.
Thank You!! I completely agree.
“That feeling” we all get is called the Spirit of Christ.
OH! I just finally won my free jar of Pace! I keep a lid right on my computer desk so that I remember to play every day, and today I finally won. Woo hoo!
🙂
Well said! Too much energy is put into what another person said or did and that’s no way to live. What’s right and wrong varies for different people/families.
Well said! I would also add, we live in a privileged nation and whether you are able to get one tube of toothpaste or ten, be thankful you at least have some! Focus on other things that are more important. Thanks so much!
Amen Sister! We are all here to save money and not to vent. Thank you Collin!
Well said and I agree! Why fuel them even more. I just hate when people post comments and are rude about what you post! You do sooooo much for us all to help us save US money and time! But I try an just vent to my husband lol. He just says are those women at it again. lol. But thank you for all you do. Just from 3/10 till now I have saved 410.50 plus I have 65.00 worth of rebates coming and I have a stockpile to be proud of. Thank you!
I totally agree! I have seen (especially on Hip 2 Save because you have zillions of readers) that people just get overly riled up about other’s comments. You’re totally right in that these people are looking for a reaction.
After numerous times getting frustrated because a store was out of stock or a cashier was SUPER unfriendly, I decided to change my tact. I shopped around and found stores that stocked better, had more well-informed cashiers (and friendly) and I get to know managers, employees, cashiers so I can be a better informed consumer. By finally sucking it up and changing what I could change, my couponing experience has become so much better and so much less frustrating.
I can totally appreciate that people get upset when others don’t follow the rules, but what can we do besides politely go about our business and continue to do the right thing. Couponing is not a competition, it is meant to save our family’s money and allow us to lead a more comfortable lifestyle. Thanks for the great post!
Wow, I love your comment… Seriously I never thought about “changing what I have control over”… ie; the store i go to or the cashier I pick. I know this could definately help my experience! If a cashier tells me I can’t use a coupon on something I just smile and say “okay” but the worst part is I don’t try again… I guess I don’t like confrontation, but I will definately see if changing what I have control over will help! Even if I just change my willingness to try again….
Thanks for your comment it really inspired me!
Great post! Thanks!!
seriously, people are emailing collin as if she is the coupon ethics police tattling on others actions…let’s not waste her time w/petty stuff! thanks for all you do!!!!
i cant believe people are actually emailing her about that!! I mean what is she going to do, give them a spankin?? LOL
I agree! My first thought was “wow, I can’t believe people would do that” Lol.
Same here! Thanks Collin, I definitely completely agree with you!
AMEN!
awesome post–if only we could apply this thinking to everything in life. we’d be a lot happier and have more energy for the important things (like finding coupons!)
And that is why you are a Coupon Goddess!
YAY you go Collin!! I love this post!! I personally read through the comment section to find out further about a deal and to get other couponer’s experiences so I know what to expect when I go after a deal! It’s a pain sometimes trying to filter through people’s “complaining” towards eachother!! Thanks for this post!!!!
I love reading the comments because many of your readers have some good ideas in their comments. It’s nice to see what works/what doesn’t. A couple of things that keep me going…you’re never going to please everyone so don’t waste your time trying. And second, if you have a good idea, share it. Someone else might like the idea and if you’re someone who doesn’t like it just leave it be – no need to get mad, negative, frustrated. In other words, take what you want, ignore the rest. Some of your posts may not interest me so I just go on to the next one. I read your blog because there are a lot of posts that I love. I like the comments and feel they are a nice place for readers to share ideas and support one another. Keep up the good work, stay positive. And I love that you learn from your grandmother and she enjoys learning from you. It was so generous of you to share that relationship with us all!
Well said – I agree 100% 🙂
I agree 100%! People are so concerned about what everyone else is doing and always want to rain on someone else’s parade. My mom always said when we were little, MYOB!!!! 🙂
This was a great post and your right people need to mind their own business what is alot to one family may not be as much to another I have a big family 8 kids 2 adults so if something is on sale I may buy more then a 3 person family would People need to be nice and help people on here not try to drag them down Great job Collin
Besides being great at being savvy you are a great mediator! I know that it is ridiculous you even have to post about this topic but thank you. Even as adults sometimes we all need reminders to ‘mind our own business’ and be kind.
Good lesson–not just in couponing–but in LIFE!! Thanks Collin.
You have to admit though, it’s those comments that make the blog even more entertaining to read. It’s always a good laugh to read the posts of the people who get their undies in a bunch over someone buying 20 Glade candles, or whatever it may be. These people have nothing better to do than be the coupon police and judge everyone else for their actions.
Agreed! I get amused reading those comments, too. Glad to know I’m not alone! 😉
And agreed again…. these types of comments sometimes supply entertainment. The biggest thing I would get from Collins post is….don’t email HER about this. She is helping all of us. Don’t waste her time with this, she can’t change them either… As she said “myob”.
Touche’
Couldn’t agree more. I really don’t care how others coupon. What matters at the end of the day is how I coupon. I am way to busy to police the internet for people who committ coupon fraud. Focus on other things people, really let it go:-)
GREAT Topic Collin! I must admit it irks me to see people clear shelves just b/c they can, but its not illegal & I have no right to be mad!! **Squeeze those lemons!**
Unfortunately everyone thinks everyone needs the same amount of any 1 item
I obviously won’t be buying 6 packages of diapers because I do not have any babies right now but I am all for the parents who think ahead and save some $$
However I did buy 27 boxes of Kleenex this week. someone’s initial response is hoarding — but in fact I am purchasing for an organization of over 136 people — multiple offices ect. It is not a stockpile
So — keep in mind what one might need for a family of 4 (say 2-3 boxes), someone else may be purchasing for a much larger number of people.
This is a non-profit organization with all volunteers so we are looking for savings whenever we can
So before we judge the next person we look at their basket — they just might be apart of a large Non-profit — all volunteer organization
Give them some thumbs up for cutting expenses
Nicely put! If I see an awesome deal on something (espeically if it’s free) I will buy extras to donate as well. I can’t afford to buy things out of pocket to donate, but using coupons I can.
Why not contact the store ahead of time to order in bulk? Many stores offer this and could have the order waiting on you when the truck came in.
I LOVE this! It is a good thing to keep in mind in LIFE not just in couponing. We don’t know anyone else’s circumstances so it is not up to us to judge. I buy those deals sometimes for my daughter’s school…..I hate seeing her dedicated teacher have to use her own money to purchase snacks, crayons, tissues, whatever so I pass the deals on to her. It is a way I can support her education. Same goes for church and the foodbanks!!!
Just wanted to say on a sunny, lemony note-
Since your video of Ma with that cute shirt, just about everyday I drill the saying into my kids heads, it makes everyone stop in their tracks and laugh.
I will never look at another lemon without a smile on my face again.
Thanks MA!
Well said Colin. I always get a chuckle over someone getting upset(how very cruel of me……lol) However one thing we can all be grateful for is that those people arent the cashier checking us out!!
good point!
YAY! Way to go Collin…let’s just see if people stop! I read the comments often…don’t always post anything…to see how others use the deals you post! You do such an awesome job thanks for what you do. Your helping me save my family a lot of money!
Well put! As a side not I would like to mention that sometimes I may buy 10 items especially if I know my community kitchen is in need and they can be donated.
I agree with all your sentiments Collin concerning “Live and Let Live” as it were. But from kindergarten we are taught (hopefully) that we do not live in a vacuum. Personally, I have always considered gossip a colossal waste of time. Why talk ABOUT people to others? And, quite honestly, most behavior that is gossiped about won’t mean anything by tomorrow.
In school, we are taken to task for unethical actions, as in the workplace. More than one profession is founded on tracking the ethical actions of others.
However, as infinitesimal as an unethical couponing action may seem in the bigger picture, it does indeed have a societal ripple effect. For instance, I could sit here all day and say, “Who cares if my neighbor cheats on his taxes?” Well, in the short term and not looking at the big picture, it doesn’t matter. However, if no one cares that my neighbor does this, then others follow that behavior. In a coupon blog, if one person seems to have made good on an unethical tactic, others will follow the example. (That too is learned in kindergarten)
I may have made a comment or two about leaving SOMETHING on the shelves for others. I shop at some very well-stocked stores. Logistics practices are very precise these days, with stores implementing a lot of “just-in-time” inventory control. What this means is that what you don’t see today, you may see tomorrow or the next day. However, to people who have very little time to shop, having to come back two or three days in a row is not that convenient or feasible. Most people on the coupon blogs make a priority and a game of sorts hunting down deals. Other people are just trying to stock their homes from day-to-day. It’s not a sin if a person does not maintain a stockpile.
I would never have believed that people would email you to “police” others. However, the fact remains that coupons are offered on a voluntary basis by manufacturers. Each day more people join coupon blogs and learn to coupon. Why destroy the whole process by encouraging them or not advising them on the basic ethics (why anyone has to be told is beyond me) of curtailing greed? Manufacturers are not REQUIRED to give us deals. CVS, Walgreen’s et al are not required to post two or three items each week free after RR.
I do get more than one of certain products. But I have never swept the shelf clean. I do three to four trips a week to ensure that I am fitting my purchases into the overall purchasing traffic flow.
We DO live in America, a very blessed land. What that means is that we don’t HAVE to take it all. We are not hurting enough to sweep the shelves or cheat with coupons.
No, coupon cheating is not the worst thing a person can do. It is, however, an indication of a person’s overall ethics barometer. So, no I don’t regard it as a negligible matter.
Maybe I should “mind my own business” on this one but I agree with the idea that people doing things flat out fraudulant is wrong and does effect all of us in the end…..I knew a woman once who was openly committing insurance fraud by getting her chiropractor friend to get free samples of a heartburn/acid reflux medicine for her husband so he wouldn’t have to pay for them by buying the prescription. Funny thing is, she had no clue this was wrong or fraudulant so it was good that a couple of us, as her friends, pointed out the trouble she could be in (and her Dr. friend, too) if this was found out. She did stop so sometimes it may be that people don’t know what they are doing is wrong. On the other hand, as a teacher who has spent 10 years of my life with kindergartners, I disagree that children (and adults) will do things wrong just because they see others do it and get away with it. It seems that all of those little (and big) people come with their own set of built in values and the ones who are going to do the right thing always do and those who are going to try to get away with something continue to do the same.
My doctor “gives” me Free samples because they know I cannot afford the “name brand.” My insurance would not cover the name brand only the Generic, and my doc did not want me taking the generic.
I think your situation is different than the one I’m referring to….this was a Chiropractor requesting free samples from a pharm. company for medicines he was passing along not to a patient but to a friend so the friend could avoid paying for the presciption he was given by his own Dr. My friend’s husband was not even a patient of the Chiropractor and I don’t think he was qualified to be treating acid reflux anyway.
Shirley,
Kudos to you for your work with kindergartners! K teachers are special people!
I guess the argument there could be whether it is “nature” or “nurture” that gives us values. My parents demonstrated values to me.
Some kids will be “bad” because they are hard-wired to do so.
But we can have positive influence on others. No one wants to be looked upon as a “cheat” which is why I think the MYOB defense works so well for them. Self-examination is hard. I’m not perfect and I HAVE listened to others for counsel on actions I am taking that may not be right.
Barbara, when I finished typing this I started thinking about something ALL good Kdg. teachers know….Kids don’t come to school as blank slates or empty heads waiting to be filled. I’ll bet you are right….Is it a nature or nuture thing??? Can’t tell you that…..I don’t know what happens in those first 5 years before they come to me BUT, I think whatever it is lasts a lifetime and is REALLY difficult to change later on.
You know, I absolutely agree with you that coupon ethics are important and should be followed. But I think that what Collin was saying is that we can’t force others to be ethical, as much as we might like to, and comments (or emails to her – weird) probably aren’t going to change someone’s behavior. Collin does a great job (I think) of being careful to only post ethical deals on her site, and she has posted before about ethics. It isn’t her job to police everyone who reads her site.
Beautifully said, Barbara. I do believe in the bandwagon mentality, at least to a degree. People can get so excited about a deal that they don’t really stop and think about it. And often, they can’t distinguish between needs and wants.
Soon we will be hearing on the news about “coupon rage”. Some woman goes nuts in frozen foods because the woman in front of her got the last DiGiorno w/breadsticks or something. LOL!!! I’m kinda thinking that, no matter what, we all have a common goal: saving $$$$. That being said, you win some and you lose some. Life is too short (and the deals too fast comin’) to be dwelling on what I missed out on. It seems that no matter what the issue, there are some intent on sucking those lemons instead of making lemonade! I kind of see Hip2Save as a little (alright, HUGE) support group of people with this same common goal. I kind of like hearing about how someone got 50 packages of free toilet paper because I would LOVE to do that…..I think we should rejoice in each other’s successes and remember that you can’t win if you don’t play the game. It does no good for anyone to get all upset about what others are doing. Thanks, H2S for all you do. I’m going off to have some lemonade!!
coupon rage?…LOL…I love this post…girl you had me dying laughing!…it made me visualize a grocery store and hearing over the loud speaker “clean up in aisle 12 due to coupon rage!”…and to Collin…great topic!…I whole heartedly agree!
omg people email you to coupon tattle? wow……..
LOVE the post.
I Totally agree with your post! The point of posting is sharing and helping each other save money!
I agree with post by Leah…that right or wrong feeling came with the Fall in the garden when we came to KNOW right from Wrong…now we feel conviction when something isn’t right with what we do. We each have to decide for ourselves where the line is…especially with some gray areas like with some couponing. We shouldn’t jugde others…allow them to decide for themselves.
Good topic…if I go in to get something and the shelf has been cleared I don’t get mad at the other person, I get mad at myself for not getting there first ! I once got 38 of the Purex 3in1 detergent sheets and I was told that I was being greedy, well I got them all free with my B1g1 and cvs had them B1G1 so I cleaned the shelves for them…I have a family of 8 with 4 teenage boys…I need this stuff, if I didn’t I wouldn’t get it, so greed has nothing to do with it, I’m a smart shopper. I have put a photo of my family on the cover of my binder so when people look at me like I’m taking advantage I show the photo and say ” I need to do this ” Some people really shoul mind their business 🙂
LOVE the picture idea!!!
Good for you! Well said!
Well said Collin! I loved this post. Life is way too short to get upset over little things like how someone else coupons. You offer such great advice on how to save our family money and I enjoy reading how others get great deals too.
It’s like you’re reading my mind. You’re absolutely right. YOU CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE. Do for yourselves what you think is right and don’t judge others.
Hi Collin! Thanks for your take on the whole MYOB issue! I assume this is in reply to the Red Gold tote thread and I’m glad to see that you’ve expressed your opinions, which fly in the faces of the “nosey nancys”. I only wish we could all get along and not worry at all about others.
Its one thing to MYOB on stockpiling (doesn’t bother me at all) , but its another thing to sit back and do nothing when a company is offering a REWARD for its customers for purchasing their item. Not to google or share the upc/product code b/c that is IMO wrong. And as site owner, I was rather disappointed she never once stepped in to say ‘hey guys…do this the right way’ But for those that say its okay…maybe your moral compass is not pointing the right way to begin with.
What does IMO stand for?
IMO = In my opinion
I agree whole-heartedly with you on this one. It would be nice to have Collin post about the ethics of couponing.
Thank you, Melissa!! I was wondering the same thing about Collin. Forget the emptying of shelves which seems to be the big topic here, even though everyone says to MYOB and don’t bother Collin with your pettiness, they sure wanted to tell their personal stories and how they felt about it. Sounds like it bothers them more than they realize. No difference here than emailing her with the problems!! But, what happened on the post of the Red Gold Tomatoes, googling and sharing the codes for something that was to be a reward for a purchase, is simply not the same as emptying shelves and is not right no matter how one looks at it.
For the record, as Joy (120) said, I also did not email Collin and she can attest to that. Many of us just hoped that she does pay some attention to what is said on her website and that she would take notice of what was happening which was definitely people gaining something in a dishonest manner. And when we heard that one of our own, Andrea’s DH worked for Red Gold Tomatoes and it is a one state company, not some big conglomerate, that bothered us more. We hoped that Collin might say something, as Melissa said, “hey guys…..” and perhaps discuss some of the correct ways to use coupons and obtain freebies on one of her “Follow Me Mondays”. Many people have stated on this post that they don’t know all the rules. There is nothing wrong with teaching people the correct way to do things. Due to her enormous popularity, Collin could make such an impact.
I’m sure Collin is learning a lot as she deals with her website and no one expects her to be the coupon police or dictate others morals or ethics, but when you own a website, you are responsible for what goes on on that website.. It is up to the website owner to set the pace, make the rules, etc. and perhaps Collin is satisfied with allowing people to behave however they choose and MYOB, but does she really want people doing outright dishonest things on her website??? That’s a reflection on her site. Not good.
As far as the bickering and rudeness that goes on, the website owner also has the ability to control that too, I’ve been on websites where the owner simply does not allow that kind of behavior and eventually if it is called out when it happens (as one other lady here said), people eventually quit, just like if you don’t pay attention to the trolls, they eventually go somewhere else. You have to let people know what is expected of them, just like with children, or they will just do as they please which can make it unpleasant for everyone else.
MYOB is not always the right thing to do.
Collin knows I think she is darling, mature for her age and that I appreciate her website and all that she does for us, THAT, I have emailed her about.
Sorry, Joy was comment 102.
Pam,
I, too, was a little disappointed that Collin took the MYOB approach. Not what I had expected at all. I have seen other blogs address coupon and freebie etiquette in a very professional,tasteful way. They even have links and tabs for that specific issue.
I do think blog owners have a responsibility in controlling what is posted in their comments section and to educate their readers. Otherwise it becomes a “free for all” and people will start to lose respect and faith in that community.
And I’m surprised this post is about clearing out the shelves. I thought this thing started because of signing up for a freebie, not using coupons. LOL. There is nothing wrong with stockpiling or signing up for freebies as long as it is done in an honest way. And I don’t care how much you buy or who you are you are buying it for-just do it with integrity.
This is in reply to Joy, there’s no reply button on your reply, LOL!
Hi again, Joy! Collin is young and I’m sure she never dreamed that her website would grow so big, so quickly. She is a darling girl and I wouldn’t want anyone to take anything I say wrongly. It’s all a learning experience and I’m just hoping that as she goes through these different situations, she will learn how to “rein in” the crowd because otherwise, like you said, it could get very unruly here.. It’s very obvious that no one including myself has taken her advice of MYOB. Anyone (which is almost everyone) that said anything more than “Great post, Collin” is not MYOB. I don’t think humans, especially on the Internet, are able to MYOB.
In total agreement. I used to be a former marketing and PR guru. So I know firsthand how freebie and coupon promotions can snowball out of control and ruin what was supposed to be great marketing campaigns. I guess this is why this is such a hot button issue with me, as it is with many people. And I also know how powerful words can be and how they can be misinterpreted, esp. online. This was back when the whole dot com craze became popular but before FB,Twitter, blogging, etc. I also understand wanting to be nice to everyone so you don’t lose loyal fans.
But already I have seen snarky comments here and on the Huggies post. Where’s the MYOB in that? And someone even used a derogatory term to refer to a male body part on this post. Scratching my head on that one. But on a positive note, I see there’s a comment fairy rewarding people for helpful tips on some other posts. 🙂
Pam, I’m sure that Collin doesn’t have time to deal with the stupid crap that people say in the comments sections while trying to bring us deals and taking care of her family. You should either ignore it or if you feel that it is really wrong and/or illegal then take care of it by calling/emailing the company yourself. Collin probably doesn’t read the comments since she said people had been emailing her.
and Pam I think that you added fuel to the fire with the red gold freebie, you should have just called the company if you felt that strongly about it.
Great post! This is one thing that always bothers me. We’re all into couponing to save some money-if we didn’t need to find a way to keep a budget we wouldn’t bother. I had a run in at Toys R Us with the recent game promo that the cashier told me I was out of line and greedy-I then told her that at 25 I don’t have any kids yet-but that I do have a closet full of toys I get for free or nearly free throughout the year-waiting for Toys for Tots and Angel tree. If I waited until December there is no way that I could afford to give over a thousand dollars worth of toys-doing little by little I am able to make a sizeable contribution.
Seriously??? I would have asked for a manager right then if a cashier talked to me like that.
me too! That is rediculous (did I spell that right!?!)!
I think it’s humorous that people try to gripe about others stockpiling habits. I just laugh because it must be really nice to have so few problems in life that the way someone else is using a coupon or a deal is getting them so riled up.
Honestly, a great perspective; which is shared by many here. Assuming can lead to incorrect conclusions. “Be careful what you THINK you know.” There are many large families and non profit organizations that are struggling during this difficult economic time.
Thanks for all you do for us. After some of my shopping trips, I literally “skip” to the car because I am so excited about how much money I saved. I think that basically at the end of the day, you have to feel good about what you did. One day this week, I went to Walmart and used $27.74 worth of coupons, one of them being for a free Febreeze No-Spill Wood Difusser costing $14.74. When I got to the car, I looked in the bag and the cashier had put all of my coupons in my shopping bag with the items that I had just purchased. Of course it was very tempting to go back into the store and purchase everything again, but I knew that I couldn’t live with myself if I did that. I took them back to the store and told the cashier that she might be needing them. She was so appreciative, and told me that she was wondering what she had done with those. To make a long story short, it made her day and mine as well, knowing that I had done the right thing.
Good for you! That’s honest couponing. 🙂
I completely agree with you! I’ve decided that in my couponing, it’s not worth any deal or savings if I’m going home frustrated or upset with the situation. I’ve had times where I tried to get a deal and it didn’t work out and I fumed about the manager all day. For me, it’s not worth that. So I try to make sure I set myself up for success as best I can. I don’t try to shop when my toddler is cranky, I don’t go to the store I know isn’t coupon friendly, I don’t go to the cashier I’ve had problems with in the past, etc. Those are variables I have control over. And if something’s out of stock, I don’t freak out about it. Just move on. The people who come on here and talk about the 100 boxes of Kleenex they bought are the exception to the rule. They’re not the majority and there’s no use getting bent out of shape because of them. There will always be “those few” people no matter what you’re doing (couponing, work, sports, etc.).
One of my favorite sayings is “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit”. 🙂
I agree that many people would not want to store 100 boxes of Kleenex (or dish detergent, etc). I know I wouldn’t want to dedicate a space in my home to it, as my home is worth $100 per square foot (a conservative estimate).
I don’t freak about something out-of-stock. I get a rain check and come back. However, when I shop, I generally don’t NEED anything. I am buying it because it is on sale. I just try to think about the people who come into a store NEEDING the item.
I think we have all been stockpiling so long that we have forgotten what it’s like to actually run to the store and need an item. It’s really just about the golden rule.
Very nicely put!
The world, (coupon world too) could use a little less judgement. We all have different needs, wants and desires. Just stop and think for a minute as soon as you start to judge someone else’s shopping/coupon use, you are not in their shoes and have no idea what they are facing…. support and a smile will make your day better. Thanks Collin for a great website and interesting posts!
I totally agree. Your blog is #1 on my list because it’s laid back. But lately, I’ve been afraid that if a few people continue being so rude, that it might end up like a site that I use only when I can’t find what I’m looking for elsewhere. They seem so competitive & get so rude and bossy. I don’t want to see that happen here. I know it’s frustrating when you go to get an advertised item only to find that the self is empty, but those few that do clear the shelves are going to continue doing it no matter what anyone says. So, lets just keep everything upbeat here.
Amen! MYOB! Enough said!
I can’t agree more! If there is a sale I am not only clearing shelves in one store. I will hit a 10 mile radius. The way I see it…I am respecting the effort that it took to earn the money AND while my son is fighting for freedom in some third world country – I am fighting for freedom for my family by controlling the money spent on items to live!
Just a side note, have many people used a colgate coupon for a specific toothbrush and found it actually scans for any colgate toothbrush?
Thank you for the post. I understand the frustration of not having items on the shelf when you get there and get mad at myself for not getting there earlier. Like many others, if something is free, I get as many as I can to donate to family/friends/charity that are having a hard time. I truly don’t think there is anything wrong with helping out other people or my family. I purchased 8 boxes of kid vitamins the other day and was treated like a criminal too. Why? It may only be $50 savings over 6 months but it is still a savings that I can put away for a rainy day. Also, just because you buy a number of items doesn’t mean you are cheating on coupons. It could be, like me, you purchase or are given many coupons from friends, families…
Please stop before scolding someone and think their circumstances may be different than yours.
Thank you sooooo much for all you do!
LOL! I not only get annoyed with myself for not getting there earlier, I tend to get mostly annoyed with the store – they run a special; they know it’s going to be popular, so why have only 3 of that item available?
Great post, Collin!!