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!” 🙂
Great post Collin! I look to other peoples post for ideas, but in the end, I do what is best for my family. As the wife of a business owner and that being the only income in our house, I try to save money the best I can. If I can save 50% on my grocery bill, I am doing the happy dance. Couponing is an art- there will always be 1 person that is able to put together a better deal than you can. I have too many other things going on to have a blog battle with someone as to whether 20 toothbrushes was an excessive purchase.
I don’t have a problem with people taking for their families, but around here, there is a group of women that clear shelves and then go sit at the flea market. It infuriates me that they do that and I can’t get stuff for my family.
I also have a good relationship with several managers and you wouldn’t believe the stories I hear about people using coupons wrong and throwing fits when the store will not accept them, then they write corporate and get the store in trouble over the customers dishonesty. Some of it may be mistakes from not understanding coupons, but some of it is pure deceit.
The dishonest couponers will get theirs in the end. They will have to pay for their deceit.
I think this is a great post and at the same time it made me laugh. Why? Because I only wish I had enough time in my day to send emails about someone clearing a shelf in a store. I usually don’t read any comments that are of that nature.
Thanks so much for a great website Collin!
Collin I can’t believe you actually had to write a post on this, and another thing I can’t believe ppl email you those things- Like you have some kind of control over the entire couponing nation!! Lmao!
For my 2cents: I don’t mind if ppl get 400 free items, just as long as they dont brag about it. Like the above lady, they may be using them for non profit or something.
Well said, Collin!
Ah good…here’s my moto: WHO FREAKING CARES?
lol Know what you do and why. When somebody ASKS for an opinion, give it. Otherwise, do what you do and IGNORE the rest. 😉
Great post! Thank you!
Collin – thanks for babysitting the ones you have to and for the rest of us thanks for all the hard work you do to provide us with the deals. Some of the comments made and arguements that are started just make me laugh because people get so upset over basically nothing. Kind of like the lemon thing (atleast we have all got to have fun with that one) :o)
What is the lemon thing? I seemed to have missed what the lemons are all about.
In honor of this post, you should bring back the lemons!!! It will put everyone in a good mood!
Amen!!!
Agreed!
me too! gotta love free lemonade!
Collin-I’m sorry people are emailing you about this!! Expecting you to be a coupon police!
I’m not one to “hoard’ items. However, I want to know if the people that are complaining about people hoarding items, would they complain if they saw someone at the register with a cart full of (the same) product (ex:Purex detergent) paying full price for everything and NOT using coupons??
Oohhh, good thought! That puts a REALLY interesting spin on things. They won’t think you are greedy for paying full price but ARE greedy for getting a good deal??? Sounds like sour grapes (lemons?) to me! LOL!!!
dido
You said it!!! I couldn’t have put it better myself!!!!!!
I think you’re missing the point… who in their right mind would clear out the shelves for full-price items??? Apples to oranges I think.
There may be families out there, as mentioned in several comments above, that have a large family and may need multiples of the item. My point being is if the store lets say is running a sale, before coupons, on that item and a family stocks up on it without using coupons, is THAT being greedy? Some people are still out there that don’t know the value of a coupon!
I think it’s first come, first serve. That’s how it works in stores. If I miss out on a deal because the store is out of stock, I’m bummed, but I’m not going to email Collin to tattle! What’s she going to do about it anyways? 🙂 I can’t believe people actually bug her with lame stuff like that…
very good point alexd and I agree with Betsy!
This post made me giggle.
So Collin, I have a sister in law I will have to e-mail you about. You are pretty good at this therapy thing! 😉
I agree, and I think it is crazy that people are emailing Collin about this,
BUT
I do reserve my right to judge and roll my eyes at shelf-clearers. Especially when it’s a “controversial” deal that lots of people are having trouble getting, having to argue with management, etc. If someone goes to a store with a plan to get free items after combining coupons with in-store promos, they make quite a scene if they argue with management and then after management acquiesces they proceed to walk out the store with their entire supply of the item, buy nothing else, and pay the store $0. That manager will go to corporate meetings and have a story to tell, and if enough managers tell the same story, we will all be affected by that store revising coupon policies, or just not offering good promotions.
So, yes, MYOB, but people also need to use common sense and courtesy when couponing so that the good deals aren’t ruined for everyone.
I go along with megans motto from above lol
AS a therapist, I couldn’t agree more, Collin! Why torture ourselves with something we have ZERO control over? And as great as you are Collin, not even you can change those “evil couponers.” Let it go girls! We all reap what we sow! Take comfort in that!
Hugs
Well put, Collin. You are a clearly happy person and your ability to remain content while dealing with so many people (even non-directly) is a testament to your outlook. Way to re-frame it, sister! A little coupon therapy never hurt anyone. ( :
as Collin smiles all the way to the bank!! 🙂
It is strange to read a post like this.
You never know why people try to take a lot of deals.
Sometimes I take more then I need for my family, like this week with the cereal in Target BUT I GIVE it to a Catholic charity that gives it to single mom’s with children.
So I don’t think that I do wrong to anyone I only try to help.
I don’t have a lot of money and this way I try to do something for people that have less then me without hurting my family or anyone else.
Maybe this is an idea that more people can do to help somebody out??
You can judge me for taking more then I need for my family but only God will appreciate me for that because he knows I do it for the write reasons. And I am sure more of coupon lady’s do this
Way to go girl, it said it nice and simple! I love your deals and how far people go is up to them. I do not like drama but LOVE good deals and coupons. Thanks for all your hard work.
Yes!! Hear, here, sister Collin. I am soooo with you!
thanks Collin for all your hard work. Some people who clear shelves are doing so to help others. Although I am not one to clear shelves (mostly because I don’t have enough q’s to do it) I do pass along my freebies to others, ie charity, friends, and family. I often help people in the stores also so they will know the deals. To the people who are complaining I say this, your day to clear the shelves will happen and you will find yourself in a position of do I take the last one or leave it for the next guy. I say do the deal, you will see there really is no pettiness in it. Just the satisfaction of getting a deal. Next time you might not get there in time. Oh well. Stores will restock I promise!
I was just wondering about how you felt about this, Colin! I have only been coming to this Blog for a few months, but have noticed a lot of people trying to tell other people what to do. I was just hoping that is wasn’t going to discourage you from keeping this blog and sharing your ideas with us Hip2Savers! From the looks of it, that isn’t going to be a problem! I’m glad that you have the attitude that you do because it allows you to focus on what is really important here. That is for each of us to do the right thing for our families. Thanks for sharing this and many of your other ideas.
Thanks for the post. So timely for me. Just this past week I quite posting on another site because the women there are so nasty to lots of other women. Twice in the past 7-8 months I posted some info that I thought was helpful. Once there was an item that was being cleared at my store on a daily basis – some women waiting for the store to open after the re-stocked overnight. Finally after I talked to the manager and he told me how to get the deal. I posted that and the women went wild, attacking me for not following the ‘rules’. Their rules are apparently we can get our, but no one else can. I see this kind of thing there all the time. Last week was the final straw for me. I bought some items and the cashier told me I could only use one coupon per transaction. I knew that was not true, so I called corporate on the spot. I should have never mentioned that I was trying to use 25 coupons (there were at least 100 of this item left on the shelf). These nasty women started attacking ME for trying to buy 25 items. The STORE policy says you can use up to 40 coupons in one transaction – my post was about the store policy and how the woman would not follow it but corporate said it was ok. I wanted to let people know this. They turned it around and totally attacked me. I no longer post on that site any more. I found some good deals recently that were not on that site and I only told my friends. You reap what you sow.
hmmm wonder what site you’re referring to? i know there’s a lot of anal-ness going on at hcw…
No that’s not the one….but it sounds like another one I want to stay away from! LOL!
Colin, I just think you are cool, hands-down! This is one of my most favorite websites, and it has been absolutely INVALUABLE with three little ones. You are doing a fabulous job, so keep up the good work. God bless you.
This post made my day, it was sort of Collin’s way of saying Please don’t email about petty stuff that she can’t control! it is sad to know that there are adults that have to “tell on” or complain about others. If someone has an issue with others clearing shelves, my advice (and no one asked for it! haha) is to be one step ahead of them and get what you need. I have found that I have missed out on deals just by waiting to go shopping. Eh…there are always reasons why people do what they do and we can’t read the minds of others…so yea….get over it.
Is it bad that I get a kick out of reading the bickering and “drama” posted in the comments?
LOL!!! 🙂
Nah, it’s what keep us coming back and finding more deals! 😉
when i am able to get a great deal on large quatities i too help out my family and extended family plus i donate items to my kids middle-high school. all the personal items i pick up are great for the teenagers there and the school uses them for raffles and giveaways for after dances and such.
Problem is when peopel abuse teh system- tehy ruin it for everyione else. And no we can’t police them, but we can, and should, shame them. /soapbox
PS
I love this site!
my 2 cents is! there are reasons why someone may clear a shelf!
#1- they too are trying to get in on a good deal because they do not live near the store and drive WAY out of the way to go there!
#2- donating!!!(weather that be to other family or charity’s)
#-3 they did not get the coupon in there paper and had to put money into getting the coupons. but like i said that is just my 2 cents!!
also something to think about!!
if there is something you are wanting to get call your store and see of they can & will order it in for you!! that way you are not clearing the shelf 😉
That is a great idea! Also, if you call ahead, you may be assured of getting how many you came to get!
I imagine if you wanted to buy 30 and there are only 20 on the shelf, then it might be a little disappointing!
The retailers are the ones with access to the wholesalers. Retail stores were not set up for wholesale business.
Why not work within the system?
Also a lot of time the store never had that many to begin with. if there’s only four on the shelf and I need four to complete the deal I’m not going to drive to another store that may not have any.
As always, well said.
To my opinion, get enough stuff you want and need and not to abuse it.
AMEN
I’m can’t believe people actually send you emails like that. It makes me laugh. You tell em girl!
While it is VERY irritating to get to the store, scenario worked out, ready for your free items, and then find NOTHING, that’s the life of couponers and the nature of the economy. You have to realize that, as couponing spreads, this will happen more and more. Blogs like this, designed to help (and they do!) are helping LOTS of people, many of whom are getting to the stores before you. Oh well! I have looked for the same product at 5 different Publixes, and they are all out. I went to customer service, told them the problem, and they wrote me a raincheck saying I could use my coupons on the deal even if they were expired (and it is not a sale item). Get rainchecks and move on with your life. And I completely agree about not knowing why people are taking so many- for every obnoxious person taking a million ’cause they are free, there are several people taking a million ’cause they have a million kids (like me 😉 ) or helping a ministry (also like me 😉 ). Why do you feel that you are ENTITLED to that deal just because you have the coupons?
My problem is people who are using coupons illegally, making it harder on the rest of us when we try to use ours. Managers are sick of people throwing hissy fits b/c the store won’t take their coupons when they (the customer) are trying to use them incorrectly, and this general discontent is translating into them being more disgruntled and reluctant when the rest of us try to use them correctly! If it is illegal, it is STEALING- stores don’t get reimbursed for those! If it is stealing, you should go to jail. Jail is not really a “frugal” option for your life, is it? So it kinda defeats the purpose! 😉 And when stores stop taking ANY coupons b/c people misuse them, we will all know who to blame.
And why is ANYONE emailing bloggers about readers doing things incorrectly? What are they, the coupon police, setting out with their “free” handcuffs to apprehend the coupon villains?? Educate people, but don’t “tattle” to someone who can’t do anything! That’s just ridiculous!
Ok, stepping down from my soapbox. 🙂
Oohhh, free handcuffs. I could use those, I have three kids under age 7! I LOVE this post!!! (Just kidding about the handcuffs, BTW. Now someone will email Collin and tell her I’m handcuffing my kiddos!) LMBO!!!
I personally don’t clear shelves and hate when they are all cleared out but I shrug my shoulders and move on! There is always another deal around the corner. It’s disappointing sometimes but maybe you get in on the next great deal and someone behind you misses out. Certainly nothing Collin can do about it!!
I think people are taking this entire situation too seriously. Couponing is suppose to be an enjoyable way to save money. If it’s not on the shelf then move on! Don’t cry over spilled milk, it’s not worth it. Do what I do, wait until they restock the shelves or go to another store, and if you still didn’t get that item, then it wasn’t meant to be.
Way to go Collin! Just for the record, I appreciate everything you do here! 🙂
I would just like to offer a different perspective on people emailing Collin.
I didn’t know people would even bother to do that, but we are not seeing what they said to her.
Perhaps some of them assume (correctly) that Collin has a good deal of influence over a lot of people.
As such, perhaps these people are asking she take some kind of stance be taken on the ethics of certain situations.
It would not be the first time a highly regarded person such as Collin was asked to clarify a belief or action. Maybe they want clarification whether the blog they follow endorses coupon cheating (i.e. through multiple use of same UPC, etc).
Yes, I know manufacturers can make their requirements more stringent if they are concerned. But that would just be one more example of honest people being penalized for the unethical actions of others. I mean, now we have laws concerning the use of cell phones and texting in vehicles. I am surprised people need these issues cleared up for them, but they do.
Many people refuse to shop at stores if they believe the company’s ethics do not align with theirs. So, perhaps some readers wish to know what Collin’s official position is.
On a large-scale successful venture such as this couponing site, there comes a point where such matters should be addressed.
agreed
I think Collin has made it very clear many times that she does not support anything unethical or illegal. People do not need to email her to tattle on others and bug her, there is nothing she can do about it and all it does is waste her time.
Agreed, and nicely put.
Maybe some of these people using this site to get info on deals are looking to Collin to find out her point of view on the issue.
I get very frustrated with people when they are ‘greedy’ with their coupon deals and freebies. But my husband pointed out, ‘at least YOU’re not the one being greed or cheating the system, wouldn’t that be worse?’ And then I felt a little better about the whole thing!
Besides, if you don’t clear the shelves some poor sap may come along and pay full price, and that would be very sad.
LOL!!! Yes that would be sad!
LOL!
hahahaha love it! That’s the right attitude 😉
lol! I like this!
I am one of those rare, elusive male couponers. shhhhh….. Don’t tell anyone! I normally don’t chime in on these discussions, but I’m making an exception here. Collin is right. People have to decide for themselves what is right and wrong. Their gut will tell them. Judging others through a reply on a blog or website is sort of cowardice. Let those without sin cast the first stone.
You know, that is so right.
I think that the court systems should not be casting stones, either.
I know a DA who prosecuted a guy who stole a candy bar. I mean, really? It was just a candy bar.
And I am sick to death of red-light cameras. I don’t understand how I’m hurting anyone if I can take that last little second to get through the light. People should just smile and wave at me.
So many things that could be left alone but people get fined and jailed for them. I wish the MYOB could be taken to a higher level.
My understanding is the red light cameras have been deemed unconstitustional. The highway patrol sued the city to have the red light cameras deemed unlawful in Springfield MO, and they WON! No more red light camera tickets here, they are still there, but now they are only allowed to be used to monitor traffic.
This has nothing to do with the post, but I absolutely take offense at people who run red lights. You don’t have the right to put my life or my family’s life in danger so you don’t have to sit through one light cycle. Besides, it IS illegal to run a red light.
The light is red for a reason. It means STOP.
Really? It’s because of people who run red lights that they had to put up red light cameras in the first place.
Dot says, “I don’t understand how I’m hurting anyone if I can take that last little second to get through the light. People should just smile and wave at me.”
They are Dot, from the morgue.
Collin enjoy every moment with “Ma”! She is a sweetheart! My love goes out to you both! And thanks to you both for smiles!
Thank you Collin! Where’s the LIKE button when you need it! Thanks for all you have taught me!!
Great post – props to Mama Collin!
Collin,
Well said! We are all here to save money and have FUN doing it! People, don’t take the fun out of couponing!! If you get upset about not being able to use a coupon my goodness there are bigger things in life to be upset about. We all get a tiny bummed but move onto the next deal cause there are a thousand a day! Collin is here to help us all and she does an amazing job at it! She has literally saved me thousands of dollars and even given me deals for a ton to donate. Each person on this site should be here for the same reason, to score awesome deals and save money! Nobody should be telling anyone else what to do or what is right from wrong. We are all adults and no one is going to be the regulator of a coupon site! Just Relax and enjoy the savings!!
Thanks Collin for all the time you put in to help everyone 😉
Thanks for saying what needed to be said. I get tired of people trying to tell others what they should or should not do. “Let he without sin cast the first stone”. I read other’s comments because alot of times they are very helpful. And I believe that most people on here are just trying to help others. “Nuff said!!
I think it is always just best to mind your own business. No one knows exactly why one person clears a shelf. For instance, the woman that snags 50 rolls of toilet paper may just be a mother of 8, and it may only last them 6 weeks. So, what would last the family of 4 six months isn’t going to last the family of 10 the same amount of time. If you are not exactly sure of all the circumstances, then you have no right to pass judgment.
Then call the store and let them know you need to order that much TP. I mean really.
Let me first say that yes, I am a couponer who sells things at garage sales (I used to do flea markets, but there are too many people doing it now). I operate a very simple way: on Sundays I shop and coupon for my family, and on Saturday afternoons and evenings, I coupon for “the business.” If it’s a grocery store deal, I wait until about 1.5 hours before closing on the last day of the sale. That being said, I have to get A LOT of rain checks. However, that’s the way I work. You will never see me with 400 of any one thing. I buy my items in increments of 6 (if there’s not 6 on the shelf I will NOT clear the shelf, it’s just coupon karma, y’know?) so you’ll never see a buggy full of any one item. In fact, I usually only order 20 coupons for an item that I’ll be selling. I myself have been the victim of shelf clearing and it’s especially frustrating when it’s only Sunday afternoon and the shelves are clear. So please, don’t hate on all the couponers who sell at garage sales b/c they are poor nursing students 🙂
No hating here! Thank you for being smart AND considerate!
I’m sorry that people are e-mailing you about these kinds of things. I find that pretty ridiculous. However, I have to disagree with what you’ve said about minding your own business. While I think it’s stupid that people are telling on other adults to you, I do find it helpful when “coupon etiquette” is mentioned in the comments section. As a fairly new couponer, sometimes people bring up stuff I wouldn’t have even thought about and it makes me a better couponer. Sometimes people have opinions that I don’t agree with, but at least I can choose whether or not to take that advice. Like you said, “we are adults here and can make our own decisions”. Going on a bashing spree and ganging up on someone in the comments is another thing, but stating an opinion that might make someone think twice about what they did or will do is a good thing, I think. And makes for a better couponing environment for everyone in the long run.
Thank you Kim. I think you said it better than I did down below. 🙂
listen to collins mom, she has wisdom.
Yup, MYOB!! I get rain checks for stuff that has been “cleared” before I get there. I have gone to several stores a few times during the week and everything is gone all week even after they have “just gotten” thier shipment. (I think some couponers stalk to stores) lol. I just get a rain check andf come back next week when the shelf clearers will be after other stuff and hope that the things I want that week have not been cleared too. if so… I get another rain check. 🙂
I agree that coupners need to be careful that they are not just trying to get as much free stuff as they can and making the corporate mad enough to change coupn polocies and dwals in the stores. that will stink for everyone. Get what you need and maybe a little surplus to carry you through a “drought” and then take a break. I have takne a breaks for 3 weeks now of buying and deoderant, toothpaste, shampoo, bodywash and hand soap. I have plenty right now and I am saving money not driving to0 the store unneedily. (is that a word?) I do find when i try to buy diapers with coupons they are usually all gone in every size. I saw a lady once buying a ton of them. I went in after her (she was coming out) and I could not buy diapers that we needed. I did get a rain check but it was frustrating because I had to go somewhere else where they were not on sale and get them because I needed them asap.
On one of my Walgreens trips recently, there was a police car outside and two officers dealing with a woman who was cursing and yelling. Inside the store, all the managers and cashiers were talking and it all looked very dramatic. I assumed it was shoplifting, so I asked my cashier…the woman was ticked over problems with her COUPONS!!! Evidently she threatened the manager. So they called the cops!!! Now I don’t argue over coupons. 🙂
Scary! : (
Well said Collin!! I enjoy reading your blog to find deals not only for myself, but also for my family and friends (they don’t have time to do it themselves.) I am new to couponing, etc. and I have been trying to begin stockpiling to be able to reduce how much we spend each week. Please keep up the good work!!