Extreme Couponing… What are Your Thoughts?
As many of you have emailed, there is a new show airing tonight at 8pm EST on TLC called Extreme Couponing. The show profiles four coupon-obsessed savers (as TLC calls them) trying to get as much as they can for as little as they can. The show sounded pretty interesting, but as I started to read the description… well, I am not sure if interesting is the right word. Why you ask? Well, here goes…
*Important Note: The statements I make below are just my opinions. You do not have to agree with them and I have no problem with you sharing your points, even if they differ. I do, however, have a problem with disrespectful comments, inappropriate language and just being downright cruel. Those type of comments will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding.
So now my thoughts on this new show… I personally do not like how couponers are portrayed on the show. Now before I go on, I know they are portrayed like this for ratings… I get that. They want people’s jaws to drop and eyes to be wide open. But, it still stinks.
Meet the shoppers of TLC’s EXTREME COUPONING:
Nathan started clipping coupons four years ago when he and his wife took a closer look at their finances. Now, debt free with more than 10,000 items stockpiled in his garage, Nathan is preparing for the biggest haul of his life. On his latest visit to the supermarket, Nathan is leaving with over 2,000 items – his most massive checkout to date. With 1,100 boxes of cereal, 300 toothbrushes and 60 bottles of hand soap, Nathan is looking forward to topping himself and saving thousands of dollars in the process!
Retail value: $5,743.00 Nathan’s cost after utilizing his coupons: $241.00 – 95% savings!
Amanda is a full-time Storage Facility Manger in Cincinnati, OH who spends up to 70 hours a week researching in-store promotions, clipping coupons and surfing the internet for the latest and greatest deals. She already has a stockpile of products from previous couponing ventures worth up to $15,000. But this extreme saver is most proud of her collection of toilet paper – over 3,000 rolls – enough to last the average couple about 40 years! Now, with the help of her husband, Amanda is preparing for her largest checkout ever consisting of nine baskets of food, beauty and pet products including 218 boxes of pasta, 268 containers of noodles, 100 bottles of sport drink and 150 candy bars.
Retail value: $1,175.33. Amanda’s cost after utilizing her coupons: $51.67.
To me a great show on couponing would be a show that is teaching the average person how to coupon. A person that doesn’t have 70 hours a week to scour ads and clip coupons, a person that doesn’t have access to an entire garage to store all of their “goods”… and really, who needs that many “goods”?!
It’s called reality TV… but in my opinion, it’s definitely not realistic. As a coupon blogger, I hope Hip2Save motivates and inspires all of you. I try to make sure the videos I make ARE realistic and with that I mean, you will be able to go to the store and snatch up the same deals shown in the videos.
Again, I know this show is called Extreme Couponing, but I’m just not getting the point of the show and maybe that’s because I coupon in such a different way.
I don’t coupon so I have a receipt to frame… OK, so that may be a little bit of a fib. In the beginning, when I first started my couponing adventures back in 2007, I was very excited about the savings displayed on all my receipts and I did proudly show them to everyone I could… even people who didn’t want to see them! 😉 Yes, I was annoying like that. And I do think that’s normal, as I would assume most newbie couponers are very excited about their new-found talent! …But I quickly learned that couponing can become all too consuming. From clipping and organizing coupons to going through the weekly ads and then planning your trips… and on top of that, planning your days around when you need to go to the store. Too consuming!
I am still learning how to have balance in my life, but one thing I have learned along the way… well, it’s quite simple. When it comes to couponing, Nothing is a BIG deal!
Example: I let my high value $2/1 Pampers Wipes coupon expire and I would have been able to score FREE wipes at Walmart. Guess what? Not a BIG deal! Do you get what I’m saying? Start thinking like that and all the annoying stress you feel about rushing to the store so you don’t miss that oh so amazing deal will be gone!
I love my hubby. Random, right?! Well, not really because he is the one who taught me to really understand that most things are “Not a Big Deal”. And as you may know from reading my blog, I am a neurotic, high energy and very spastic woman… so for me to be able to step back and say, “It’s Not a Big Deal”… well, it’s HUGE and if I can do it, so can you!
Now I know I’ve kind of veered off from the topic at hand, but what I really wanted you to get out of my post is to not let couponing and deal hunting consume you. The same deals always come back over and over again.
Before I finish this post, I have a challenge for you – miss a deal this week and remember, it’s NOT a Big Deal! When you’re missing that deal, do whatever you like… take a bath, read a book, play with your kiddos, laugh, love, smile. Life is wonderful, so take full advantage of it! 🙂
Thanks for listening to me ramble.
This is the 4 time I have added a note to Collins blog but I am an avid reader and follwer I have also told hundreds of people abouth th blog but after reading most comments since I missed the show yes I was at Kroger hitting the P&G deals but I read someone added the website of Jill C. and her story about the show and what all she has done, but really to be nice I have to say Collin has them all beat, Collin passed on the deal so fast some times it hard to catch up but we love the challenge.
Keep it real like Collin I do not see her trying to sell CD of how to use coupons and make money that way I think by her keeping up with the deals let alone her family I think that shows alot of class.
Great job Collin!
My son actually commented that some of the people looked like they should be on “hoarders”. What bothers me the most I think is that it didn’t really portray couponers. I watched the show. But really… that much salad dressing? It goes bad. BUT – my hubby and I had great conversation about couponing and what’s good and what’s not through the whole show… which is invaluable to me – because his opinion of what I do is much more important than seeing a receipt 🙂
that show WAS 90% about hoarders, the first lady was near break down to tears, and how she was sweeping those butterfinger bars like she had 30 seconds to live… then the whole pasta amout seriosuly , past gets bad even toilet paper wont feel the same after some period of time( humid for example) and those 2 with 9 full shopping carts that made me angry as then one of us goes to the store to find empty shelves.
AND WHAT MANAGER would alowe us (without cameras) bu SO MUCH on ONE shoppin trip – ther HAS TO BE A LIMIT! Even like 60 toothbrushes…. a deal like this will come up again infiew weeks Why on earth they had to get all at once. That’s really sick! and made me ANGRY. And just thinking about how bad I felt when I got 8 bottles of Pantene once.
GOSH!and 1100 boxes of cerial?Lost for words…….
this show is so ridiculous! It should be following the average American couponer not someone who has hoarding issues. I am sticking to Hip2Save for all my “extreme couponing”! This site rocks! Keep it up Collin!
what has happened to TLC? Does anyone even know what TLC stands for? haha well I didn’t until my husband told me it’s “The Learning Channel”. It’s more like the freak show channel.
it does became a freak show , first they had a marathon of Todlers and Tiaras which disturbs me so much… you know why….then those hoarding couponers and then a lady who eats toilet paper! Seriously…. what’s next?
They should combine all this shows together so Kate plus 8 and Duggers Family can come at eat of Nathans garage, toilet paper eating lady would finnaly be fed up with toilet paper at Amandas stockroom and Cake Boss would bake some cookies and cakes from all others stockpiles.
Lol!
My 2 cents about the show:
First woman – her stockpile is excessive. She really needs to think about donating a lot of that stuff. I know there are lots of people in the Cincinnati area who are hurting and could really use some of that stuff.
Second woman – I saw a lot of myself in her (like dumpster diving for inserts and cashier profiling). The only rule of mine that she broke was staying “under the radar” at the store. But she probably did that for the show.
Third woman – now this is a woman I can really respect. She said she’s been doing this for over 35 years – that means she was doing it before the internet!!!! I feel like women like this are the founding mothers of couponing as we know it today.
Last guy – they did say he donated all the cereal to a food bank but he could also trim down his stockpile a little more.
I completely agree!
I watched the show tonight, curious of what they might show. Thinking maybe I’d get a few tips. I was very surprised by what I saw, spending 70 hours a week on couponing is quit excessive. Also the whole time I’m watching I’m wondering what these store’s coupon policies are and how come my store never has that much stock? At the Kroger near me the policy is 3 coupons of the same item will double or triple, after that it’s the face value of the coupon. And at Randall’s it’s one coupon on the same item that will double or triple after that it’s face value of the coupon. I am very happy for these people being able to find all these awesome deals. I just don’t think it was a fair representaion of how most of us coupon. I have dumbster dived and carefully pick my cashier. I am also always rotating and changing my stockpile, but most everything has a code date. There is no reason to keep all that salad dressing and soda on hand just to have. I am so glad you posted this topic on your blog and glad to see so many discussing it. I was really wondering what some of the other couponers thought. I’m also going to check out the TLC website and see what they say there. I think they kind of missed the mark with this show.
I was thinking the same thing with the amount of coupons used. we also have a limit of three
one thing I didn’t see anyone mention is even if it’s free you have to pay tax on nonfood items. So 300 toothbrush at $1 before coupon is $21 worth of tax.(@7%) Still a great deal if you are donating them but to just stock pile them you are actually wasting money. And the one lady said she paid $70 buying precut coupons another factor to go into her savings.One thing that really bother me was the first woman’s poor husband. He was so miserable and she was taking over his space with all the hoarding.
I was surprised that they all cut coupons. I file all my coupons and only cut when I need them. I agree these are defiantly extreme and more like hoarders except the one lady who said she only buys what she uses.
Another great charity would be a local foster family. The money the state gives them to take care of the children is never enough.
As a former foster family I wish I would have gotten into couponing sooner! I could have saved a lot of money on diapers! 🙂 And I agree with you about donating some of your extras to a foster family. I had my girlfriend (she’s an amazing foster mother!!!!!) over today and we stocked her up on tolietries, cleaning supplies and food! Every little bit helps! 🙂
I agree the kind of hoarding that these people are doing would be best served to give these items to charity or food banks. Also, if you know a local foster family that is taking in foster kids, it might be worth it to teach them how to do this, because they don’t get enough to take care of the kids. But, if you do this to donate you still get your saving “high” and can write it off on your taxes and save even more… Oh the possibilities 😉
Amen to your comments – this show is making it look like everyone who uses coupons are hoarders. I share everything I get at the store with my friends and family. This show was ridiculous!
Honestly, I did NOT feel sorry for the first woman’s husband. He could say, “No more” and really put his foot down, but he did nothing. He made a comment about the pasta and said, “We have enough for a year” but his wife just dismissed what he said and went ahead and bought over 200 boxes of pasta! He’s an enabler…who knows maybe that’s just how the show portrayed him…but I definitely don’t feel bad for him. He could do something, he just won’t.
In my state tax is only charged on after coupon total, regardless of food or non food. So no tax on things like free toothbrushes.
Really? I’m in the wrong state. They don’t double and we pay tax on price before coupons.
Yes i agree the lady that actually walked and asked her usual people that saved her coupons for her. She did excellent. She even helped ppl in the store and took a friend with her. That is what it is all about:)!
She was so cute. I like the ideal of getting coupons from people who would just throw them a way.
Two things I wanted to point out… first of all, no one talked about how much money these people spent on newspapers or their other ways of “buying” coupons. I guess it’s more “flashy” to just show the receipts w/o the real cost.
Second, I had to stop watching the show after a few minutes. It made me very sad. I’m afraid it’s people like this that will hurt other couponers’ chances of getting deals. How many of those people fraudulantly printed coupons and other such nonsense. And, for the sake of these people, maybe what they did was completely legal. But what happened to the single mother out there barely supporting her family who tried to get a free box of cereal but couldn’t, b/c one person bought them all.
I think it’s important to understand moderation. That could mean 2 boxes of cereal for a bachelor or 5 boxes for a family of 4. I know I used to try to “abuse” the moderation idea. I would justify it by giving my extras away. Well, isn’t the next person who put in the effort to “score the deal” just as deserving, if not more than whoever I gave it to? Just something to think about I guess.
On a side note, thanks for what you do Collin! I do whatever I can to credit you, whether thru referrals or clicking on your links. You save me so much, I’d like to give back where I can.:)
The first one mentioned she paid $70 on precut coupons. I
All I can think while watching this show is I wish I had a camera w me so maybe my cashiers and managers would all be nice! And I hope cashiers and managers are not watching this show cuz they might lump us in w these crazzzzzy couponers on this show and treat us like crap.
I liked that lady that only bought what she needed. The others are getting a high off the deal and off of hoarding. We all like a stockpile but some of these ppl give the rest of us a bad name!
I was totally thinking the same thing about the cashiers! WHY are the cashiers always so mean to me? LOL
I agree, it’s one thing to have 3-6 months of stock pile on hand, but more than 40 years of toilet paper is kind of bordering on a sickness…
Laura: My husband thinks the Krazycouponlady is Mormon (2 reasons: she moved from Idaho and she organizes her stock pile by expire date etc… they way they are taught to) it is a requirement of their church to stock pile 2 years of supplies. The church expects the members to be able to care for themselves in the event of a family crisis and if you need help from the church you first have to live off what you have and sell anything of value and if you still need help, then you can request it. (something like that).
Anyways, I live here in Idaho now and he grew up here – and when I go to anyones house who is mormon who is really doing what the church requests, they have shelves built like hers on all walls in their garage, temp controlled and all full of food and supplies. So, she is probably following her church rules too, just didn’t mention it on TV, if she is, in fact, mormon; then she may not be hoarding.
@ momwhocares I’m Mormon. You’re right our church teaches us to be self-reliant. We try to have a 1 year supply of necessities for every member in the family. For lots of reasons, one being prepared for the unexpected like when she mentioned using her supply when her husband lost his job. But I have never heard of people being asked to sell things before receiving help from the church
opps, this posted in the wrong place
I too am MORMON….and clearly you have a lot of misinformation. For this reason , l’ll let your ignorance speak for itself. I thought most intelligent people were past this kind of nonsense. Yes, we are taught to be self reliant… What’s wrong with that? B.T.W. There are NO REQUIREMENTS ( your reference to what were required to have ) we are encouraged to have a 1 year supply of necessities. For the rest of what you posted about your knowledge of MORMONS….you are just dead wrong. I hope you take the time to educate yourself and your husband.
Instead of admonishing or trying to shame people who may have some misinformation about Mormons (or any other group), why not give the correct information? I haven’t scrolled through all 800+ comments, only the first 400 and the last 50, and I can write that I appreciate the idea of self-reliance. If there is something that is erroneous written on the blog here, well this would be a perfect time to educate fellow couponers. I think wer’re all a group of people who like to learn.
We, as Mormons, are ENCOURAGED and taught to have a years supply of a families basics needs. I have a family of 7 and our food storage has pastas, soups, rice, toiletries and other non perishables. The idea being when a crisis arises you do not have the added stress of worrying about how to provide these basics for your family, while going through the crisis. My family has had to rely on our stock pile or food storage a few times. It has been nothing but a blessing. We also have received financial help from the church, and were NOT asked to sell anything….nor have I ever heard of such a thing. I have been a member of the church my whole life and have been blessed in sooo many ways because of it.
Wow! you did not have to be so nasty about it! I think they also need to require you to be more tolerant to people who do not understand you faith. ooops! put this under the wrong comment. I think we all know where this belongs!!!!
Thank you Tawanda and Sharon! Sadly, they said they do not like people judging Mormons, I wasn’t judgeing them at all. Sadly, their behavior probably only fed any judgements people do have of Mormons even more so.
Mormon or not, it is wise to have a supply of basic necessities in case a crisis arises such as a natural disaster. I’m not saying having 3000 rolls of toilet paper or 150 candy bars (I think this is a bit much), but some stock pile so you can be self sufficient when a crisis arises. I don’t understand why people judge the Mormon’s, when the Mormon church is usually the first one to help in a natural disaster and not just people of the faith, but everyone!
Wow, I never said anything bad about mormons or anything like that – what is it with people these days always first getting defensive, instead of reading everything and understanding what is being said – or just helping someone who may have been misinformed nicely, in a way you’d expect from people of GOD to behave.
You should all take a lesson from Ambo M, – who reponded so appropriately! The rest of you are the ones being nasty, not me. I would like to quote myself: I said (or something like that) – my way of saying I wasn’t exactly sure if that was how it was done. My whole point to the post I made was to defend her for having a stock pile to DEFEND MORMONS, not judge them – because Laura and others called her a Hoarder. Funny how many of you attacked me for defending Krazycouponlady’s ways and called me the judging one. Where in fact you are actually the ones who are attacking me and judging me and you were the ones wrong!!!
THere was an oppurtunity for you all to take the path of educating others in an appropriate manner about your faith, instead you took the way of hateful ways.
Why not stop and take a min to reread my post to laura and then do it from a non-“everyone always attacks the mormons so she must be doing it to”, judgemental way, and see what I mean. YOu’re behavior towards my post is no different then when a cashier sees acouponer and instantly is rude to him/her because they just assume the worst before actually listening or helping, instead just being rude to her because of past experiances.
I was raised LDS, but am not currently active in the church. I do agree with a lot of basic things they encourage church members to practice. Some of these comments were in my opinion a little harsh. It was hard to believe they were coming from LDS members. What you wrote was a little off-but no biggie. There are plenty of things I don’t know about other religions that I am sure I think I know from what I have heard. Sorry you had to deal with that. I thought youroriginal comment was nice, and sounded like you were just speaking from living around lots of Mormons in Idaho!
i think letting your free wipes expire is a big deal lol 🙂 I k now i have a mass amount of coupons about to expire on the 31st and I think for the second time, I’m going to dump and start over
It was interesting. I think you can coupon enough to have a stockpile; I’m not sure one that large is appropriate. I read this blog everyday! I’ve gotten tons of free samples and am currently receiving 4 free magazines from deals I found here. I love couponing and finding deals, but I think you have to keep it in perspective. I’m not dedicating 3 rooms of my house to stockpile, and 300 packages of toilet paper, really? That seems like a bit of an addiction.
Thank you so much for this blog!
I was so excited for the show, I to thought it was going to be about how couponers (realistic couponers) are saving money, not hoarding. Although, I will say that two of the women (Joanie and lady who walks around her neighborhood to collect her coupons) are a little more realistic than the gentlemen who bought 1100 boxes of cereal and the lady who started crying because it has taken over her life. That to me is a problem and we need Dr. Phil for them:) I don’t like to be judgemental or critical of anyone, but I was offended on how some of the show depict couponers. Again, two were a little more realistic and two were over the top, down right embarrassing, to me as a couponer. I LOVE to shop with my coupons and never go to Target without my binder, but my goal is to see how much money I can save for my family, not to purchase 40 jars of spaghetti sauce, that would take my family almost a year to eat. I know that Joanie donates a ton and good for you, I think that is great and very much appreciated! I follow the krazy coupon lady and enjoy her site very much, I think alot was made for “good ” tv, but two of those people quite frankly scare me. Who needs 150 candy bars…. really. Not the most healthiest thing to donate if that were their option. I apologize if I offended anyone, but I was just a little disappointed and I have been looking forward to watching this show. To see fellow couponers, but I think it was over the top, to a certain extent and I hope it dosen’t reflect on the rest of couponers out there. Good luck to everyone on all of there great deals:)
I decided to skip all the deals from Christmas on through the end of the year. I am spending time with my family and friends and not missing couponing. OK perhaps I am peeking at a blog or two but that is it for me until Jan 3. Happy New Year all. Thanks Collin for a super blog. May we share our extra bounty not hoard it.
I am totally with you! I have only gotten one ‘deal’ since Christmas. Of course I totally had to come and read this blog and this certain post… lol
My friend texted me while I was at Walgreens about the show. I thought OMG I hope my husband isn’t watching!! I really LOVE couponing. I sometimes freak about missing a deal but I know they always come around again. I hate the last day of the month when coupons expire especially p & G!! My friends call me crazy but everyone received laundry baskets full of items I got for cheap or free! I focused on the things they use all the time so each one was different. I don’t ever want to get like the people on that show!! Seriously -how much dumpster diving do you have to do to get 1000 coupons? When I get to 500 rolls of TP I am going to see a shrink! BTW- I am moving to their state since they OBVIOUSLY don’t have to pay TAX!!!
AMEN Collin!! Great post!! This week I’m skipping Walgreens…and it’s not a big deal!!
I am loving that “It’s not a BIG deal!!” I started couponing a year ago and found myself burned out fast!! I lost my coupon binder a few months back and was devastated!! I started to rebuild, slowly but surely! Then my hubby left my new binder in a cart and well that was lost too! After that I was thinking, it’s really not a big deal.. coupons come and go binders come and go deals come and go, but in the end it’s my family, the reason I spend my precious time on coupons, that really counts! For the past 3 months, I have been in “relax” mode with my couponing and it feels great! I love that I know I can get great deals with a little time and research, but also am so happy that I am in “control” of my couponing and know when to say no! Had I not lost that 1st binder, I would probably never have taken the time to realize all this!
As for the show, I have only seen the preview, and don’t care to watch. I really think if nobody watches maybe all the “hype” will go away and leave us couponers with some dignity and good standing with our fellow consumers!! I can really see this show causing coupon users to get dirty looks at checkstands etc. and honestly it scares me!
Hello,
Thank you for your blog and everything you do. It helps me save money for my family and I was able to donate 30 boxes of toothpaste (individual) this year! I think that it is important remember why we save and savor the time with our family. Balance is very important, and after my mom passed away in October, I went a little berserk – too much time watching sales and coupons – always trying to get the best deal and very upset with myself when I missed something or a coupon expired. Thanks again (to you and your fans) for helping me see the bigger picture 🙂
Hugs
Moderation is key! If you’re storing all that ‘stuff’ you probably didn’t really need it in the first place! Yuck!
40 years worth of T.P. … really? Wow. Invest $35-50 in 5 dozen family cloth and you’ll have reusable “T.P.” for a family of 6 for years to come…and it doesn’t take up a garage…rather an adorable little basket on top of the toilet! I spend NOTHING on toilet paper each month…best deal around, lol!
Now, there have been times when I’ve gotten a LOT of nearly free stuff ($.75 cereal boxes), but a portion was for our family of 6 and more than half was left of the doorstep of a nearby family with two parents out of work. If you score massive deals, you’d best be ‘passing’ some on to those who NEED it, not just get a thrill out of finding it!
i’m sorry, what is family cloth? I was just telling my grandmother i never could have been a child when she was a child and no such thing as TP and kotex. I am a horrible ocd germaphobe (not just a self proclaimed one, but an I really need therapy for this one) and I don’t think i could do reusuable TP
OMG! I was just explaining reusable paper to my mother in law and I just don’t get it either. How do you ENSURE that it is clean enough?
Family cloth is little 6×4 inch squares of fabric (generally flannel or bamboo or hemp fleece) that is used in place of toilet paper. Buy once and you’re set… no searching for TP coupons, looking for sales or storing TP! We’ve been using it for a good 3 years now.
Really, its just pee and poop, guys 🙂 We’re a cloth diapering family as well… poop and pee just don’t phase me. Wash on hot with a good, natural detergent, baking soda and vinegar in the rinse. Dry on hot in the dryer. I suppose you could bleach if you really wanted to ensure its clean ;0).
You re-wear your underwear right? Your undies are washed with the rest of the families undies??? ;0)
For a family of 6 we’d easily be going through 3 double rolls of TP a week (when we were using TP my kids always used WAYYYY too much each time, too). I don’t even know what that would cost as we don’t go there, but I know we’re saving! I’m sure you could find cotton flannel on sale for $1.25 a yard, buy 3 yards and make as much TP as you need for your family for less than $5. Time to get over the germ fears ladies! ;0)
Do you make the wet or dry version of the laundry detergent? Do you mind sharing your recipe? I looked into it before but most of the recipes called for borax which is harmful to a baby and even stated on the cosmetics database as a top 5 hazardous chemical to stay away from. I already use vinegar instead of bleach in my laundry.
For a real *gasp* look up MAMA CLOTH or REUSABLE CLOTH for women. I, too, use that and would never ever ever go back to disposable pads or tampons. So much more comfortable and healthier. And I save $ each month not needing to buy…and I never run out ;0). No late night “oh, crap!” store runs.
There’s also the Diva Cup or Mother Moon Cup that are reusable, buy once period products.
Wow, I’ve never heard of that. Kind of something new to think about.
Love my Diva Cup!!! Would never ever go back to tampons or store bought pads again.
I think I will pass on that product. Yes, I re-use my undies, but I do not poop in them and that is the part that I can’t get over. Kind of like dumpster diving, I rather pay for my coupons – Imean isn’t the point of having a roof over your heads and couponing to keep fromhaving to dumpster dive? That one lady paid $70 for her coupons and still her savings was mind blowing.
I know that may make me sound stuck up, in fact I am failrly down to earth. More open minded than most people I come across, but I do have my limits too. Yes, even been homeless before and stuggled before, and know what it is like to hit rock bottom. That is why i do not mind what people think when I use coupons. I just also like to think all that work I put into the things I do and my kids etc… I deserve a little luxery – 🙂 that’s all 🙂 so toilet paper for me and the convience of coupons dropped off at my front door. We all have our treats I guess 🙂
And thats totally ok! Just watch out, it grows on you! …start slowly…. cloth diapering (healthier for my baby, saved us easily $1500 over her diapering 3 years including cloth baby wipes) led to cloth paper towels (saved us the cost of 15 rolls per month, happy with our conservation) led to cloth napkins and tissues (saved us even more, cleaner faces at the table, less roughed up noses) led to family cloth (cleaner butts, more $ savings, more conservation)…and finally led to mama cloth (healthier, easily saves $5-8 a month, more conservation).
Its a progressive thing. Its not for everyone and that’s ok! But those that do get into it are more often than not happy with their transitions to cloth vs. disposable products. If you have questions, let me know! I”m more than happy to answer – even the nitty gritty questions – and give resources on how to make or where to find the cloth products. 🙂
What happens when you have guests and they need to use the bathroom?
Tatyana,
Not sure about the family cloth but with mama cloth, I just keep it in my master bathroom, I’m sure if you use family cloth you can keep it out of the guest bath or put TP in when you expect that guests are coming. Just think, if you just used regular TP for guests, and number 2 you could save a ton!
LOL, it does grow on you. We don’t do the family cloth thing, although I have thought about it and may do it after the kids arrive. But we started with a few rags to clean with and then started using them all the time instead of paper towels and cleaning wipes. Then last month I made the plunge and tried mama cloth…whoa…I never knew what a difference it would make….or I would have switched sooner…
I am a true “clean freak” and honestly it isn’t any more gross then the throw away stuff.
I am wanting to make the switch to family cloths. We have been using homemade hankies for 6 months now. It has saved us so much money! A house full of people with allergies, we go through a lot of tissue.
Also you don’t have to use family cloths for #2 if that wigs you out. Use them for #1 only and you would still save a lot of money. Especially if you have a lot of girls.
totally agree on the #1 use of Family Cloth if the #2 use grosses you out. ;0) Good idea!
You should try the FC! My guess is that you won’t regret it, but rather enjoy the $ savings and knowing that you’re conserving even more!
My question is what do you do with the actual cloth after you use it in the bathroom? Do you have a receptacle for it in the bathroom or what?
Yep, just get a cheap $5 small garbage can w/lid and leave in next to the toilet. You may want to write “cloth” or something on it so that unknowing people don’t leave you surprises in that can! Then just dump it all in the wash on wash day…you don’t touch anything.
I agree with many of the other responders that it would have been nice for the people who have the ability to score multiple items to donate them to a cause rather than hoarding it all. Behaving any other way is just being plain greedy. We are all here to help others. I appreciate the help I have gotten from the couponing sites. You ladies are awesome!
I haven’t seen the show yet but from the comments it sounds like hoarding to me. Even if you do give some of it away if it is takiing that much of your time and space you’ve crossed the line.
On a side note, my sis was at VS tonight and they were marking a ton of stuff to 75% off and told her the semi-annual sale starts in stores on the 4th but now is a good time for make up and lotions.
I agree it was over the top with the amout of purchases. I live in a Very small town and have to travel over 20 miles to get to a desent grocery store. Over 30 miles to get to a Target or Wal-mart. There is NOTHING that makes me more mad than when I get there to shop with my coupons. To find out that someone came in and wiped out the entire stock! Really do you need 60 jars of sause or 300 toothbrushes?!?!! I understand that Everyone wants to get a GREAT deal. But put into consideration that your not the only one that is out for the same deal. I also leave my “fixing to expire coupons” with the products when I know that I will not use them. Hoping that the next customer will save a little too 😉
I watched this and really wasn’t sure what to expect. I definatly think this was excessive. I mean really why do you need enough stuff that would last the average person 150 years?? To me that is hoarding. I am still learning the tricks of couponing and hope to save even more this coming year but I think I have done a pretty good job until I watched this. My savings didn’t seem like anything compared to them. I can see stock piling for a year or two but not more than that. I am not sure about stock piling perishables that makes me nervous..
LOL I have to laugh that anyone would take out insurance on their stockpiles LOL. Also, to have that much salad dressing that actually expires is wasteful unless you are eating bottles of it daily lmao.
I thought the same thing. The woman who moved her 1,000 pound stockpile made me laugh too. How much did that cost?
I have a few family members who are not well off and I have gathered from my stock pile and shared with everyone, from food items to hygine products. The main thing is to SHARE. I am able to give “BIG” for very little. That make my heart smile. 🙂
Hi,
I watched the show and it really saddened me and almost made me sick to see ppl stockpiling that much stuff! I understand a good deal but those ppl seemed like hoarders and there are SOO many needy families that could use just some of the things they had stock piled up. I liked the guy at the end who was giving all that cereal to a food pantry… everyone else seemed like they had a really bad addiction and need help! That is horrible.
I was happy to hear he called ahead to order them so that some other people could still get in on a deal!
I did not watch the show and I am not positive I would have enjoyed watching it, sounds like it was extreme couponing and not what most of us consider “normal”.
I went to Target today without my coupon binder!! I actually bought a couple of items I knew I had a coupon for at home… gasp! When I first started couponing I spent way too much time looking at different websites, printing, clipping, and organizing coupons then the runs to various stores. After a few months I finally figured out that if I missed a deal today it is not a big deal the same deal will roll around again! The only deal I try not to miss is when my coffee (8 oclock) goes b1g1 at Publix because it only rolls around every few months and it is quite expensive if it isn’t on sale. I have learned to manage my coupons better and I only shop Publix, CVS, and Bi-Lo on a routine basis; Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and Target are just too much of a hassle for me. Hip2Save is my “main” blog but I also utilize SoutherSavers & Iheartpublix for my weekly grocery ads. I normally only shop once a week and sometimes I skip if I just don’t feel like it or if there aren’t any really great deals. My stockpile is modest and fits our family’s needs. I appreciate all the hard work Collin & her fellow bloggers do!
I watched the show and it disgusted me a bit. I usually keep my mouth shut around here because I do some of the things that other people scream about on this site. That said, I think this show was ridiculous and was COMPLETELY for the camera. At least three of the people said these were the largest shopping trips they’d ever taken. ie. They planned huge trips just for the camera and NOT something they do on a regular basis. Personally, I don’t want my cashiers to hate me so I would never try stunts like these- even for a tv show.
The very reason this is the first site I click on every morning is how down to earth and relatable you are Collin! I love the fact that you let wipes coupons expire!!!!! Just shows you are like all of us and have lives, get busy, and crap happens!
23rd of Dec I left all 3 boys at home with daddy, went shopping ( 1 hour drive to get to any stores) after my 5th store and 6 hours later I still had these great coupons for batteries making them .38 each but after way to many hours away from all my guys I said Not a big deal I’d rather be at home instead of chasing another deal! I use to feel the need to run after all the deals and now I know they will be back around!
Thanks Collin!
I’ve got to say, I profile for the young male cashiers who scan my coupons and don’t really care. That said, I there is no way my stores would let use that many of one type of coupon at a time. Also, I don’t see the point of having HUGE stockpiles. I stockpile, but after a certain amount I just donate the old stuff to the local food bank.
In fact that was one of the big benefits I found when I began couponing.
I guessed that this what the show was going to be about. It is reality TV. I guess no one wants to watch average couponers save money and get great deals. So I say live and let live. If they want to spend 70 hrs plus clipping go for it. Me I rather watch my son grow up. But two thing that really got me was the “dumpster diving” with the child. No way. If you want to fine but do not put your child in danger. There is no way to tell what is in those recycling containers and the site did not look very safe to me. The second was that no one bought any fresh food. I mean I don’t buy any packaged food w/o a coupon but you can’t just avoid fresh fruit and veggie b/c there are no coupons for them. But I was not there so maybe they got it on there next shopping trip. Happy New year
I felt sorry for that kid, who’s just there to help his mommy. 🙁 I only hope he won’t learn ‘greed’ from all that experiences….Saving/being frugal and being greedy are totally different…
Joyce and Nathan both mentioned that they purchased fresh produce and dairy with coupons. I’m reading a majority of these comments, and it’s the same gripe. It wouldn’t fit the definition of “reality tv” if it didn’t have someone who did something extreme. Yes, I agree that having insurance on your stockpile or having so much salad dressing that IS GOING to expire is unconventional, but I watched this show as I do anything else; with a selective eye to pick up any tips. It actually is a great visual on what Collin and other blogs teach us to do, but as the show’s title dictates, to get on this show one has gotta be EXTREME.
I think the only thing most people are concerned about, is how this show (or shows like it), may affect couponing for “normal” couponers, as if stores see this (and they will) they may be inclined to change their policies more and make it harder to use coupons. The other thing is, what is wrong with being concerned about a child’s well fare? Nothing? I agree some of the tone is a bit negative, though having some good points about the visual aid, however, it is not any less negative then comments you criiticize, and yours seem to be lacking in seeing the larger picture on several points.
God Bless ~Amy
Mental illness mixed with greed… plain and simple.
Why does someone have to be so greedy as to buy a 1,000 of something off the shelf and leaving nothing for anyone else. Some people would be quite estatic to have one or two of something with their coupons as well.
That woman went in that store KNOWING that she was going to buy… uh recieve carts and cart full of products. She couldn’t even show the store manager, company, or employees an iota of respect by giving them a heads up. Instead she walked around that store like only her and her stuff mattered. Four hours checking out ONE customer? Seriously? I think if you want concierge shopping service then you should pay for it. That was rude, disrespectful, and totally self-centerd. All for a crap-load of candy bars and sports drink… what a shame.
I hope she gets the mental health help she desperately needs. Then again give it a few years and she will be on the show “Hoarders”.
OMGoodness…..this show made us all look horrible!!! What is the deal with them buying 40-50 of the same items….people like this give us a bad name!! I always try to be reasonable with what I am buying in one purchase because there are other people who would like to purchase sale items also….I am SICK!!!
I used to have a bargin blog as part of my old job. I used to get every freebie I could, even if I knew I couldn’t use it. I used to be consumed with finding all the “deals.” It hurt me to let a coupon expire, especially a freebie. But I found myself consumed by being a consumer. I felt my compulsion to get all the deals was not healthy. I had to take a step back and put my life in perspective. Now I get deals for what I need, can give away or donate. I don’t need hundreds of rolls of toilet paper, or 40 packets of shampoo samples. If I miss a freebie, its not a big deal!
I am sorry for who i may upset by this post please know i mean not to upset u
I couldnt feed my family(single mom with 2 children) and a dear friend introduced me to coupons …but these people ruin it for those of us thats just trying to feed our families these our the reasons that couponing becomes harder and harder for ur average couponer because these our reasons the stores keep putting new rules in place
Indeed. It makes me sad. 🙁
Did it bother anyone else that 3 out of the 4 people were obese? Maybe buying 150 candy bars wasn’t the smartest thing…
I was thinking the same thing. Hey do you think you really need 150 candy bars!!
My husband pointed that out too!
yeah – addictive behaviors seem to fit – they all said it give them great pleasure, even though that one lady almost cried at the thought of what she was doing. That too was another sign of an illness.
My husband kept pointing out things I should never do while we watched the show and the candy bars and soda were 2 of them. We both know that is just not a need to have and only can bring more unhealthy eating habits to our family. I said: well, we could put the candy in the chest freezer until halloween and be the rockin house on the street 🙂 lol
All I have to say is that I find it amazing that after only paying $51 on an over $1,000 bill, why does she not use her knowledge for good and donate to the local food bank. WHY keep all that in your home!
I didn’t watch the show but WOW It sounds like my sister was on the show….LOL
I look at my local ad. If there’s something that’s on sale and I have a coupon I may get it. But there has been to many times to count when going through my expired coupons that OOOPPPSSS I let a FREE coupon expire. Like Collin says, “No Big Deal” My sister on the other hand. I had went to her house 1 day. She brings out boxes of stuff. Stuff I have never even heard of. I looked in the box and just about fell off the chair laughing. Ok my sister is blonde and her husband has brown hair. She had Just For Men for black men. I looked at her and asked what in the world she was going to use that for her pubic hair? I never been hit so hard before…LOL She told me that her RR was going to expire and she had to use it on something. REALLY She couldn’t find something she needed? Now that’s the BIG joke with my dad and I. My poor poor sister :0
I believe people like that have a problem that is very close in nature to hoarding.
Also I send any expired coupons to miliray families over seas.
bahahaha I am laughing soooo hard! I would never ever have thought of dying pubic hair…. lawd help me I can’t stop laughing!!
omg that is hilarious!!! your sister will be so mad that you told that, but thanks for the laugh 🙂
Tell your sister that Walmart takes RR – they just scan it like a coupon, hit enter and it accepts the vaule of the coupon. I saw their corporate/store policy as they looked it up. THey also said they can’t take VV from rite aid anymore but they can take the $5/$25 riteaid coupons because they are manufacturer coupons. HTH
VEry funny story!
Hmm..if she needs to get rid of this particular type of JFM,well I DEFINITELY know of someone who could use it. This was a good story; thanks for posting it! 🙂
Hip2save I love you! Your blog is AMAZING and this is a wonderful reminder to all of us to focus on the truly important things in life – not just amazing deals. As you pointed out those deals will always come back around.
What I have found is that God has used your site and couponing in general to provide for our family. A few months ago we moved out of the area of any Rite Aid stores. Gasp! I was REALLY bummed. I had gift cards from rebates that I ended up giving away to family members because I could not use them. My FAVORITE store – I would always get great deals there and used all that overage to buy baby formula and other pricy items we needed for next to nothing. I wondered what would happen now that my “supplier” was cut off. Guess what? God has provided for us in other ways. Remember the Similac recall a couple of months ago? Well, I got $ sent to us for formula (we got at Rite Aid) and on top of that Similac sent us tons of $15 coupons for free formula. Not to mention all those reccuring $3.00 coupons which means cheap formula. That’s just one of the ways that God has provided. And as you say, the deals always repeat themselves somewhere.
Anyhow, thank you for all that you do. Thanks for this reminder to stop and take stock of what we are so blessed with.
I think each person on the show is different.
I think the first woman is close to a hoarder. She just throws stuff in rooms, still in bags, and her husband is very unhappy. It also consumes her life completely.
Joanie (the second woman, the dumpster diver) is definitely not a hoarder. They also didn’t mention the “hours and hours” she works every week as a full time job mostly go to running a coupon site similar to hip2save. Her trip was definitely a TV stunt and she does not do this normally, Hers is also very organized… hoarders are NOT organized.
The third isn’t bad at all. She does what she needs, helps out others, and that’s about it. Although I do think she spends too much time on this… but that’s just my opinion.
The fourth guy I think is very close to a hoarder as well. He has more then just a stockpile. He has more then he will EVER use. 1500 sticks of deodorant? Plus the tons he bought for the show stunt? The show said that’s enough for someone for 150 years (before the new stuff he bought)! I’m glad he donated the cereal.. but I still think it’s pushing it. Though I know it’s partly a TV stunt too.
I think we need to remember that this show is called “Extreme Couponing”… it’s going to look extreme. TLC did what they did for ratings and nothing more. Some of these comments are just plain rude. If it doesn’t float your boat then don’t do it. But speaking of mental illness and throwing harsh judgments around serves no one.
Amen!
I haven’t read anything that was negatively rude. I do not see anything wrong with pointing out that the show could possibly rune things for other couponers. There is a balance between being perceptive and analysing things and being rude and judgmental, most of the comments I have read, okay, all, have been more perceptive then rude. In fact, your post comes across more rude and judgmental then any of the other post, but I am sure this was unintentionally done, so I just wanted to let you know you may want to write something a little less hastily next time. 🙂
God Bless ~Amy
And my husband thought I was crazy when I brought home 10-15 sticks of deodorant for him that I got for free or nearly free. He watched w/ me and he will never pick on me again lol. I like everyone else took serious issue w/ this show and I really hope that this show and these people don’t ruin couponing for the rest of us. When I saw the preview for the show the very first thought that popped into my head upon hearing about the 30,000 rolls of toilet paper and seeing the stock piles was “hoarding!” I’m sure that if someone at butterfinger saw that their coupons got 1 single person 150 free butterfingers, they probably immediately thought something was amiss and seriously are rethinking the coupons they give. I know that company’s send these coupons out knowing that w/ sales they will be giving product away for free, but really if every couponer got 150 candy bars for free that company would take a serious hit. And the guy at the end just annoyed me b/c he said he donated things to charity, but his “garage” did not look like he donates very much. I am really just astonished by the whole experience and definitely don’t think I will be watching again. Thank you Collin for all of your hardwork, and know that most of us that use your sight would never take advantage of your information in this way.
And can I also point out the sales tax issue??? Did anyone else notice that on the one order the sales tax went to negative??? And on Joanie’s order, can you really tell me that all of that that she bought the sales tax was only $2 something? I am not trying to judge or be rude, but that is exactly what is going to start happening to all of us who use coupons now, whether we use just a few or a few hundred (thousand).
If she got only groceries, there wouldn’t be any sales tax, but I know what you’re saying. I wonder if the show had the store make it look like they saved more than they really did by letting their coupons go toward sales tax?
That was EXACTLY my thinking, personally, I feel the stores were in on it. No store in their right mind would allow someone 150 free butter fingers! 15 to me, at a time, is even a stretch. Maybe 5 if you were lucky.
God Bless ~Amy
Tax is based on state law. Some states charge tax on pre-coupon price, others like CT charge tax on out of pocket. At least with CT, they get you in other areas!
I just wanted to point out that of course TLC barley mentioned that most of what the 1st woman bought and what the man bought was donated to local food banks and shelters.
Colin although I have taken a “holiday” from your blog. I love what you do for us. And I love all your deals.
I am a single mother of a daughter who is 2. Her father hasn’t been in her life and I struggle with supporting her on my own. Thanks to Hip2Save (Collin) and doing research, I have been able to afford nice things for my child. She doesn’t ‘have to go without’. People all the time comment on how well dressed she is. She has more toys than you would expect a single parent to have. I have stretched my money and have never paid full price for anything.
To me, missing a deal, IS a big deal. For the frequent bargain hunters, we all know what deals will come again soon, and what deals are very rare or once a year and you have to jump on them. It is all about timing. The great deals go very fast, within minutes things are out of stock.
I plan ahead of time because I do not want my child to go without and will sacrifice my needs for her. I have not bought anything for myself in years. I am supposed to wear glasses/contacts, never bought them. I have gained weight and wear the same pants every day because they are the only ones that fit me. But, my daughter has nice clothes to last her up until size 6. I am afraid of being in a situation and not being able to put clothes on her back.
Any money I can spare temporarily, goes to her and what she may need now or even several years down the road. If my bank account was solid, I was married, and could afford everything…I would probably brush off things and say ‘its not a big deal’, but it is a big deal to me.
Oh Cheryl, it sounds like times are tough for you, but you’re doing a great job! Just don’t forget to look for the deals for youself every once in a while too. 🙂 I don’t know you personally, but I can tell that you deserve it!
Deep Breath. This too shall pass. 🙂
I too am a single mother of two kids, their father is not around and i recently lost my job! so ya times are tough. I will always make sure my kids dont go without but at the same time mommy time is precious too so skipping a d eal wont hurt. Just know God has plans for us!
Wow. 🙁 I will be praying for you! 😀 Obviously, I aint there and can’t see or understand the whole sich, but I get the gist of it.
I think one thing you def need to do is do something for yourself, your daughter deserves the best, but you do deserve a new pair of pants, you will feel better if you take better care of yourself and if you are getting a great deal, maybe even free, why no get yourself something? Don’t punish yourself, you need to provide for your daughter, but you CANNOT provide for your daughter if you end up killing yourself b/c you get too depressed or God knows what. I am not trying to be negative, but you do need to realize that before we can fully take care of another person, we first, have to take care of ourselves. You are doing a great job! And remember, you are here to give your daughter life skills, not just things, show her that she’s not the only person who deserves to have the best, and she wont grow up taking things for granted. 🙂 Keep your head up and don’t neglect yourself, you are doing great, and you can do even better. 🙂
God Bless ~Amy
Collin, perfectly said! I kept saying to my husband the whole time as I was watching the show that these couponers are hoarding! There is no way that any of them will use that big of a stockpile before the exp dates hit…I really hope they are all donating the food and not letting it go to waste just for the “thrill” of the deal. As another person mentioned above, I really enjoyed watching the woman who stated she only bought what she actually uses. Plus she went door to door getting unwanted coupons from her neighbors, and didn’t take her kid dumpster diving…oh my!
My thoughts…buying that much at once pisses off the average manager and screws you and the other couponers in future visits. As usual Collin is right ;D. Couponing is a means to an end (taking care of your family) and shouldn’t become the end in itself. Also Nathan I thought paid too much OOP. I would never have paid $.23 for soap…it’ll be free somewhere in a week or two 😉
Couponing to the average beginner is fun and it is tempting to get tons and tons of items for free when you start out. Depending on where you get your info, some bloggers do thrive on getting 10-20 of each item every week and buying every single deal. Before I ever started blogging, I was that person for about 6 months. Now, I will say that some of that stuff helped us through a time in our lives when we had absolutely zero income and wouldn’t have had anything, and I do mean anything, to our names if I hadn’t stockpiled some things. We would have had to get rid of our dogs if we hadn’t had a stockpile of food, and thank God they didn’t need a vet visit!! I had about 10 of everything, When that period ended, I was able to share my stockpile with my extended family and we all had shampoo and toothpaste and deodorant, etc. for about a year. It easily saved us all about $40 a month, and I was thrilled.
Now I cut down significantly, some of it due to health problems and I regret it to an extent but I won’t go back to buying 10 of it all unless it is something I KNOW we’ll all use and/or it’s a freebie that can be donated to a local charity.
I digress and Collin is probably ready to delete this comment! 🙂 Sorry! My point is that it’s good to take care of your family and whomever you can by couponing but dedicating 70 hours a week to it is ridiculous!! Spending more than 5-10 hours per week is something I can’t understand and that INCLUDES going to the stores. A bit of organization would go a long way to help alleviate that. I have yet to watch the show, so I’m not sure if they were organized or not.
Anyway, it seems that the show should have been Hoarders rather than Extreme Couponing. Anybody who needs an entire room or building for their toilet paper needs their head checked, in my opinion, and I do no tmean any disrespect by that. It really sucks when you get to the store on a Monday and the stock is out on something you’re really wanting because one person bought it all!! If you want a lot, call and talk to the manager to find out if they can order the merchandse for you! Leave some for the masses. Some of it, though, is the store’s fault because they don’t carry enough stock plus they don’t restock the shelves.
Ok. I’m done. Sorry Collin! I miss my blog and having htat outlet for my wordiness 🙂 I’m glad you wrote this post!
I found the show interesting. I’ve been couponing for a year now. It used to bother me when I saw stockpiles with hundreds of bottles of dressing, ketchup, whatever they had on their shelves. But now, a year later, I just don’t care. To each his own. I think everyone has a need to feel that sense of security in their lives, and if it’s having enough toilet paper for the next forty years so be it. I was very shocked at the amount of time they spent on couponing and shopping. I think I spend a total of 30 minutes a week finding deals, and 60 to 90 minutes shopping.
My stockpile looks pitiful compared to what I saw on TV, but it works for my family. Those are the people I care about. I keep at least a 3 month supply of items in my storage room.
Just remember, it’s TV. They are going to show you what they want you to see whether it’s “real” or a set up. I looked at it as entertainment for an hour.
“Like” button clicked again for this comment.
I have a quick question for Collin or any other members. Nathan mentioned coupon selling sites. I’m curious where these sites get the coupons they sell? Does anyone know?
I watched a few minutes of the show then I flipped over to the TV Guide channel because I thought the new season of Hoarders: Buried Alive had started. TLC is becoming more well known for sensationalism tv than shows that actually teach you anything. This could’ve been a wonderful opportunity to teach people about bargain shopping and couponing but instead TLC basically made a mockery out of couponing and how it actually helps people save money. What they showed tonight was not so much about couponing but more about addiction, obsession, and poor impulse control. They didn’t need to glamorize yet another form of hoarding and addiction when that’s not what couponing is about in the first place. So TLC gets the Fail Whale for this show. Next time, they should talk to bloggers and consumers whose lives have been changed by saving and couponing but of course they won’t. Everyone loves to watch a train wreck and that’s what gets them ratings.
Tess, I defintely believe that TLC does offer the sensationalism, else they’re afraid we won’t watch. Now, I’m going to have faith (I’m a New Orleanian) that TLC WILL FEATURE some more appropriate couponers in the mix; and I think TLC accomplished what it wanted to do by getting us to watch this new TV show. I’m going to stick with this show for a while and at the end of the season, if it’s not to my liking, well I’ll write the company and let those in charge know what I wanted to see.
OK, I just need to get this out of my chest….. I get VERY upset when I hear cashiers moaning whenever they have to deal with big or larger pile of items and some coupons?
Excuse me but is it really that hard to just SCAN the items ? they just pas them trough….then they just have to scan some coupons… and they have issues? Excuse me but .. IT’S THEIR JOB! Second it IS NOT a hard physical god knows how hard job to do to JUST SCAN the items!
To compare maybe they can have my husbands job for a day – spend all day on the roof in a 130 degree weather!
It makes me SO angry hearing they have issues with “all the scanning ” they have to do… aghhhhh
I am on another board that the shopper who took hours to check out is on. She mentioned that they DO donate alot of their shopping but the network chose to “edit” that part.
I am lucky enough to live in a state that doesn’t have sales tax, so I do know they exist.
Agnes, I am with you , I don’t know if I live in the most unfriendly area of Oregon but even as a VERY organized newbie, I have trouble with the cashiers at Walgreens and RiteAid. Talk about imposing limits, I bought 2, yes 2 boxes of chocolates at Christmas time and the manager came up and made sure to tell the cashier to limit it to one per person. I also had a stocker tell me that she wasn’t going to let me “wipe out” her stock. I told her I was only taking one and she actually said.. “I saw you in here twice yesterday” (I was buying two different items). I don’t know how the shoppers on the show were getting the quantities they were but it sure wouldn’t fly here.
I show dogs. .. Does anyone remember the movie Best In Show ? ? ? Everyone thinks it is hilarious , except those of us who actually enjoy the sport. Media has a way of turning things the way they think they will get the most reaction. Believe me, not everyone who shows dogs acts like that movie. I have a feeling the media didn’t portray these shoppers in 100% their best light. I too wish the show was more about how to get great bargains but I as I said , I am on another board that actually features two of the shoppers and they seem to be very nice helpful people.
JMHO , for what it is worth.
I’m with you KellanRevere!
Hey there fellow Oregonian!!! :D:D:D I do fee; lucky as well to live in a sales tax free state! 🙂 Yeah, I don’t try to do too many deals in the same place for the reasons you mentioned above, I usually go to multiple stores, if its something I really want, if not, I don’t bother getting more than one. Some cashiers/managers get really upity, but in my opinion they can take an even bigger stick and insert up their bum. ;P I don’t mean this to be mean, they are just doing their job, I know, I have worked in customer service for 6yrs, and one thing I know is, if you want the customer to come back, do not be un-needily rude (mainly if the person is civil, don’t be rude, and even if they are rude, unless they are intentionally breaking things or hurting ppl there is usually a diplomatic solution)..
God Bless ~Amy