Extreme Couponing Affecting the Un-Extreme?
So, I received the following email from reader, Rashelle. She is feeling very discouraged about using coupons and even dreads going to the store. Here’s what she had to say:
Hi Collin, I know this may seem odd but I was wondering if you have heard from any readers that they have been feeling down about using coupons lately because I have. Ever since the “Extreme Couponing” show has been airing I feel myself getting looks from other customers. For example, I was at Toys ‘R’ Us the other day with my son and a lady in front of me had items that I had a store coupon for which I wasn’t going to use and I asked if she wanted it, she was very thankful and asked if I was sure I didn’t need it and my son said, don’t worry she has a whole binder of them at home, and her tone changed drastically as she said “Oh, you’re one of Those.”
I was in Publix last night doing my weekly coupon shopping and was flipping thru my binder when a couple of women walked past me, looked me up and down and then one said to the other “she’s loco” (crazy in Spanish) and at checkout a husband and wife came into line behind me at the end of my transaction while my coupons were being scanned and started talking very loudly about how the people on “that show” take advantage of shopping (and I didn’t even have a cart full of stuff).
There have been so many times lately when I feel glaring eyes upon me and I feel I need to justify myself to these people and say I am not a hoarder, I don’t have a small grocery store in my house, I am not clearing shelves, and so on, but of course I just smile and keep my mouth shut. I hate this feeling of being embarrassed and ashamed of my coupons because I use to be so proud and happy of all of my great savings and I don’t want this to ruin couponing for me, but it has left me very discouraged, and instead of being excited to do my weekly trip, I almost dread it. I was just wondering if I am the only one experiencing this behavior. Thanks for your time and for everything you do!
Since I cannot give you a hug (I so love hugs!) or tackle the stores with you, I am hoping that all of you readers can make Rashelle feel inspired to continue being proud to use her coupons! What ways have you motivated yourself in times of discouragement? How have you made your couponing adventures positive and fun?
I know exactly what you mean. I’m 18 and a couponer so people look at me funny or just think because of the show thats why I coupon. Which is completely false. I do this because I love it and I love saving money. But I got discouraged after a cashier called me “cheap” and said that I need to stop trying to be like the people on the show. It makes me want to stop, but I ignore the ignorant and keep doing what makes me happy and you all should too 🙂
I get looks and i get alot of interested people to. I dont let it bother me. Im polite dont hold up lines and I know I am saving. Whos loco the ones who choose to pay full price. Id rather save my savings for a weekend out with the kids!
DON”T SWEAT IT! I am pregnant with my 5th child. Couponing allows me to provide more for my children because I am saving on the things I have to buy no matter what. It leaves extra to use for “fun” stuff we may not normally get to do. My kids are happier, I am happier and if the person in line behind me isn’t happy, well then that is there problem not mine. I am making the people that truly count happy and that is all that matters!
We are such a nation that loves Extremes. I despise the show, I think it promotes scarcity and selfishness. My experience is that couponing helps me be more generous. I dont buy 24 bottles of maalox. I do buy a couple one for me and one to give away.Couponing is about abundance, The Maalox will go on sale again no need to be piggish, Today I taught someone how to fish- I gave her coupons for target with a manufacturers coupon. I love helping people free up some money!!! Use Couponing to build connections not hide in our bunkers hoarding!
Do you even watch it? A lot of the people on the show donate what they get.
I personally don’t care about anything negative anyone has to say. If someone is saying something negative I figure that they are either jealous, having a bad day, or maybe they’re just a negative person. You by no means should feel embarassed or guilty for couponing. You are doing nothing wrong. There are always going to be people who are going to try to bring you down. I personally think the best thing you can do is smile and go on about your day happy that you’re saving money and helping others! Please don’t let these experiences stop you! Keep saving money and keep enjoying it!!
this might be BAD advice, but I’d give attitude too. When I’m with people accompanying me sometimes and people give me looks I go ahead and raise my voice and say “look at all these people wasting their money, while I’m getting this for free!!!” [even though I don’t haa] And maybe this is too extreme but if somebody comments. I comment back, ESPECIALLY if I’m at the register and they say those exact words
“One of those…”
“”Excuse me??””
“=silent-”
Cash Register says 3 or 4 dollars for 20+ items
Hehehe, I smirk and leave
I’ve never had anyone make comments……but if they ever do , I’ll use the ‘excuse me ‘ line.
I’ve been called “One of those people” I took it in a good way. Yes I am one of THOSE people that like to save money ,after all my last name is Hilton
My thoughts exactly. My husband has sung my praises at work and since the show aired, they ask him, is that your wife? I don’t care. I know they appreciate the free contact solution and body care we share with them. We also don’t have a huge stock pile but I am very proud to be “one of those people!”
I work in retail, at Walgreens. Love couponers, love shoppers, use coupons myself. What me and most of my regular good couponers are tired of is this: if you have a binder and a buttload of coupons, please know how to use them. This pretty much pertains to all the new shoppers, that don’t know what they are doing, but after watching a few eposides of THAT show, think it’s all soooo easy. I know how much work that goes into planning out your shopping trips and transactions, and it doesn’t take a binder to do it !! Otherwise, I am sending out hugs to everyone that has had a bad coupon trip. I love going home after only spending pennies and my coupons and bags of goodies. Keep on Couponing !!!!
I’m getting frustrated at the extreme couponers because for some time now, I can’t even snag ONE of the free deals. Last week it was toothpaste…shelves cleared. The week before that was cat litter…shelves cleared. I could go on and on. I just want ONE item! Seriously frustrating. And the cat litter reminds me of an epidode of “Extreme Couponers” when someone bought out the dog food, and they didn’t even have a dog! Come on now.
I agree with this…seems like you have to plan the trip sat. before the ads come out (thanks collin for early match ups) and rush out the door sunday in order to find things on the shelves!!
Realistically, the I don’t care approach doesnt work, because w are human and we do care what other people think or how they look at us, whether it’s employees or customers. My approach is my attitude. For others, friendliness works such as sharing your coupons like you did. For employees, just being nice and showing them you care such as a simple thank you for your time or if someone is coming up behind you with a few things let them ahead of you because you know you’re using coupons. You give the employee sense you care about them as well. Plus LOYALTY…. Example: If you use your cvs more tranfer you prescription there and if you already have them there let them know it. Like you guys are so nice about all this, that;s why I buy my children;s medicine or prescription here… Admit we get so involved in couponing, we think we are important, want to be the first in line, are quick to ask for management but not always ackowledge the nice and helpful employees.
I have to say I too have been discouraged, not because of any looks or comments but because I’m not saving enough money, and I wonder if the savings those people on extreme couponing are for real. Whatever, I know I can’t afford to go back to paying full price for things so I’ll just keep plugging away.
I like to coupon (on a small scall, nothing extreme like on tv). Not only do I help my own family, but as a social worker, I am priviledged to work with some fantastic families in my own community. I see many single parent families who work tough jobs for little money and may get food stamps, but no other assistance. What I have discovered is that food stamps do not cover soap, kleenex, toilet paper, dish soap. laundry soap, or newspapers (which contain the coupons) so these struggling families consider these items luxuries (I have worked with a lot of families who limit their tp and kleenex usage!!!!). I am lucky enough to be able to donate my free items to the families directly. I always let them think that the items came from a store donation, but actually I get everything for free with my coupons. I mean, seriously, should any family in this country do without toilet paper? I guess what I am saying is that people who judge couponers are not in the “know”! Lol- Go Coupons!!!
i would not change who yo are or what you are doing just because you coupon. If I knew how to save like all of you guys do i would do it to. be proud of who you are and what you are doing to help your family out.
Im new to thee extreme couponing thing but my wife and I have been approached by people in the stores asking if were one of those extreme couponers. My wife generally says no but I say yes(I have always been one for confrontation lol) anyway usually they ones asking are wanting advice on how to get coupons etc. I must admit I always metion thos site and tell them the tricks I have learned. Oh and to all the haters out there I dont clear shelves unless the store wont order me my very own. Usually they are more than happy to order me whatever I need however when the items are on a sale and cant be ordered in time then as far as im concerned to each there own. Sometimes stores run sales and know they have limited quantities but they do it to lure you in there hoping you will buy more non sale items. I am just levelinng the playing field a little if the store doesnt have what they advertised and i have a coupon for it then they lose out on that sale I stick with my plan free or darn near free after sales and coupons combined. Im not even in a state that gets double or triple coupons so a good deal will not be passed up!
I would not worry about what other people think… You are doing what you do to help out your family. Not to make some stranger happy. Maybe they are jealous cause they cant save money like you do.
You should never feel ashamed of what you are doing when it makes you happy and works for you. If they want to pay full price and be judgemental then fine. You are the brave one for using coupons with pride. Most times when people discriminate against another it is because they dont know all the facts. I had been against extreme couponing until i read the blogs of the people that were on the show. It was out of desperation and a need to feed the family on a small budget. Now that they are not in that situation anymore they donate to help others. I changed my mind the first time I really made the effort to use coupons. I couldnt believe how much I could save. I get those looks when I am in an aisle looking through coupons. But just give them a mean look! [right back at you].
I was at Target and the cashier was about done with my transaction when a woman behind me [who had one coupon] sighed when i gave the cashier my coupons. My total before coupons was $67.24 after was $24.00. When i finished i pushed my cart outside and the woman who was huffing behind me in line, stopped me and asked how she can save that much. Like i said its bcuz they dont know how to save. Even my family was laughing at me for being an “extreme couponer” and carrying around my coupon binder. That is until they saw me shop. I made believers out of my whole family and am currently teaching them how to save.
Keep your head up and there are others out there who know what you are going thru and will listen and offer help to boost your spirits up.
I like Rashelle feel a bit discouraged because of the negative light that is being shed on people for using coupons. I am not a hoarder but the looks that the cashiers and other people give you when you use coupons make you feel like your doing something wrong. I like many other couponers.. are finding it harder to find good deals if you don’t get to the store before it opens on the day of the ad the shelves are pretty much cleared. I won’t let these minor things keep me from saving $$ as the old saying goes a penny saved is penny earned 🙂
The problem is that I’m pretty much over the extreme couponers in my area. I’ve shopped at the same store for years and have developed a really good relationship with lots of people that work there. They know me and that I’m not going to do anything sneaky or clear the shelves just because I can, but I hear stories of those that regularly do. I’ve not run into any backlash personally but after visiting the food pantry at my church two weeks ago to drop some stuff off, I couldn’t help but notice that they are running low. They told me that the couponers aren’t bringing in donations anymore. I can’t help but think that showing the huge stockpiles on Extreme Couponing is taking some of the emphasis off sharing by putting so much focus on showcasing huge stockpiles. There have been some episodes where donating was the theme, but usually it’s more about having a trophy stockpile.
I just wouldn’t worry about it. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve waited behind someone who took forever to pay or asked the store to get something different or my personal favorite “I forgot just one thing I’ll be right back”. If I can wait behind them, they can wait for my coupons. I am usually far more organized at the register than anyone else.
As far as comments in the store, I usually have people asking me how to get started or a nice comment that I’m very organized. Of course I’m not walking around with 50 bottles of BBQ sauce either. On the off chance someone has a negative comment to make, I just ignore it. I have other things to worry about in the store.
I have a positive one from this week actually a family was behind me in line at Giant Eagle when they saw me with my wad of coupons. The wife was actually interested. My total was 379.00 I had 20% Food Perks (through Giant Eagle) saved 59.99 and then had about 74 dollars in coupons. My total was still over 200 dollars but for all the stuff we got for our family of three I think I did pretty darn well. As long as you limit yourself to 2 to 4 of each item I think you’re being fair especially at a grocery store. Now at CVS, Walgreen, Rite Aid people are a little excessive but maybe next week something that you really need will be on sale and their will be a whole shelf of it. I’m loving the 75% sales on the makeup I’m saving so much money that even a year ago I was wasting. You take the time to do all the leg work don’t worry about what everyone things, you’ll get to reap your own rewards that’s all the matters.
OOOOH! I’m starting to love Giant Eagle. Do you follow anyone’s matchup? I have been looking at ladysavings.com, she does a good matchup but sometimes the prices and even sale items vary regionally. Do you know of another one?
Oooo, you’ve got to check out Jen at OhCherryPicker.com! She’s absolutely the best at Giant Eagle match-ups.
yES I WAS AT A PUBLIX THIS MORNING… SPENT 105.00 SAVED 195.00 … HAD LOTS OF COUPONS .. THE WOMAN BEHIND ME KEPT ROLLING HER EYES … I MADE A STATEMENT TO HER WHEN MY TRANSACTION WAS FINISHED “THANK YOU FOR BEING PATIENT WITH ME” SHE DID NOT SMILE OR RESPOND WITH A COMMENT JUST ROLLED HER EYES AGAIN??? ALL I THOUGHT WAS … REALLY???? I GO EARLY IN THE AM SO STORE IS NOT SO BUSY ..
I am so in love with this email! I can’t tell you how many times I have felt the same way as Rachelle and most of everyone else. I flip flop between loving couponing and wanting to come home and cry because I can’t beat anyone up or I’d go to jail and I DON’T have a coupon for that!
I live in a small town that exchanges people at a very rapid rate. There are lots and lots of people here and only so many items to be purchased. Everyone has their strategy and things were going great! UNTIL “the show” started to air again…now it’s a mad race to the gas station on Sunday mornings to get the papers from the larger cities because a just a FEW ladies would like them ALL (20+ from 5 stations each). These same FEW ladies enjoy clearing the shelves every Sunday morning at all of our local stores.
This has made me soooo sad and angry, because I happen to run into these FEW ladies a few months back and they were admiring my 5″ binder and coupon database I have on my phone (too many coupons in that book to keep up with!). As I do with everyone I talk to when I hear “Oh, you must watch that show!” , I simply explain how much I hate it because it is a staged event and what most of those people are doing is rude and selfish. I give examples including the lady who had all of that cat litter, but no cat…Normal couponing just doesn’t work like that. Yes making money on a deal is great, but when you clear a shelf or many of them several things happen. The first of which is the next person who comes to buy that item who may really need it, can’t get it ends up paying full price and has to cut corners somewhere else… all because you wanted kitty litter for an imaginary cat?? The next thing that happens is that the stores start changing their policies, because people are taking advantage. If someone comes in and clears the shelf, the next person who does not find that item will eventually just walk out and not continue to shop there. The store looses money because they count on the additional sales for balance. If the store is not making money, the policies start changing and we ALL loose…prime example, WAL-MART. How many times in the last few months have they changed their coupon policy?
I love saving money and I think that we should ALL do it, especially where I live (we all sort of live the same life). I have no problem at all sharing with people where to get coupons (not our local paper, but from the larger cities), what sites to visit and how much I REALLY do save. I show people how I do my shopping lists and even let them know how to plan for a big trip to 3 different stores (one which doubles) about 40 miles from here to make it really worth the drive. I could talk all day long about the joys, frustrations and my learning experiences. I answer any questions and if they happen to have something in their cart that I have coupons for, I am more than happy to get them started on their own coupon stash. What’s the point of knowledge if you don’t share it? I also STRONGLY discourage shelf clearing. One per family member is a general rule of thumb, but common sense is the key. Donating items is AWESOME…I do it often! BUT, I only will “clear a shelf” on the last day of a sale if there is anything left…doesn’t happen very often, but it never hurts to look, our family is usually out running errands on Saturdays anyway. Be kind, share the wealth, be a coupon fairy and I hope to see you and your AWESOME coupon binder soon… I have this same conversation probably 10 times a week. The following Sunday after I spoke with the FEW ladies my couponing world was flipped upside down! The newspapers were gone, the stores were cleared and I had no idea what I was going to make for dinner that week! The thought of paying fully price for something made me ill (literally). It has just been a little over a month and our Walgreens has had to change their policies, our Wal-Mart won’t just take “your word for it” any more on price matches (I never really did try that, I always have lists and ads and calculations and such…I think I’m pretty believable) and our Target is now ULTRA picky. I loved shopping at Target, until the other day when I had to go to customer service TWICE and the damn cashier would let me have my marshmallows! I am fortunate enough to know cashiers at the stores I shop at and have “heard” about the FEW new ladies…
I suppose my point is is that “the show” is bad for my health. Not only do I have the “looks”… c’mon I know I look ridiculous! A 5” binder, several shopping lists and ads, a calculator and my iPhone all laid out neatly over the front of the cart… a pen usually hanging out of my mouth, I wear those goofy toe shoes (man they are comfy though) with this look of serious intention on my face… heck I would stop and stare at me too! I LOOK extreme, even though I’m not. I have had people actually stand around the register while I was checking out at Target (can we say awk…ward!) as the cashier kept yelling out how much I was saving ($153 something or another… 82%… yeah that was a good one!). But now I have these FEW ladies who think they can BE that show! When I did my shopping at Wal-Mart the other day, I had to hear ALL about how these FEW ladies came in bought ALL the dental floss (among other things I would imagine) and Wal-Mart ended up having to pay THEM $61! I just wanted to scream!!! There were SO many things wrong with that situation…
I will keep on keeping on… I will never stop sharing my knowledge with others. I have gotten creative and found a way around the selfish FEW ladies who want ALL the newspapers. I have taken all of this and I “think” I have taught my teenage kids a few things. Don’t get me wrong… I’m mad, frustrated, ticked off, think life is not fair and want to throw a temper tantrum because I have done all this hard work for it to be ruined by a TV show and a FEW ladies. But the reality is, when I am done venting (thank you! by the way, I think I needed to get this out, huh?), I will get back on the blogs and facebook, get my printer(s) roaring and updated my lists because I can’t afford not to. I part you with my go to line for my daughter …”awww honey, they’re just mad because they’re jealous” 🙂
I know how you feel! I was at Walgreens last week and the cashier took one look at me and recognized me as a coupon-user and she said–“I get off in 5 minutes. If you have a whole cart of things and a lot of coupons, I am going to have to ask you to go to another cashier”.
Wow. I was shocked.
Having technical issues here! Lol. I meant to respond to Kristi. I said, “That was really rude of her. I would complain to corporate.”
Don’t worry, Rashelle. They’re the ones spending wasting they’re money away… how smart can they be? lol
I am pregnant with #6 and I am able to stay home with them so I take pride in my savings! They are just jealous! I once had an older woman behind me state “I know you young people need to use coupons”. (I am 38)..I politely thanked her for the being young comment but it had nothing to do with that…I was just smart! she said nothing else! I would agree that since extreme couponing has been on it has put a damper on our “keeping to ourselves” but I say who cares what others think!
That was really rude of her. I would complain to corporate.
sorry my comment was meant as a reply to an above post.
If a store was advertising an 80% off sale everyone would go there and shop. People who make ignorant and negative comments to couponers simply do not realize what they are missing. I’ve had some silly comments made to me about coupons, but usually am able to deflect or ignore. My choice response to the commentor is usually along the lines of should I vocalize my unfounded opinions about them and the purchases in their cart. Ignore the ignorance or hand it to them on a silver platter. 🙂
I figure that I work hard for my money and if I can save with coupons so be it…who cares what people think. Do they pay your bills? You have to do what is best for your family and your budget….
Wow, you said it best, that’s the ultimate comeback for a snickering person “Do you pay my bills?” I love it!!!!!! They can’t possibly have a comeback for that.
You know what, think about how ridiculous those people look by looking down on someone for saving money. If you really think about it, isn’t that the American Dream to save money? to get all the things you’ve ever wanted and still have money left over? Those people don’t seem to get it. That they can do it too. And how easy it is. What I would say when someone makes a comment to you that’s rather inappropriate, say to them matter of factly “in this economy, you have to cut back whereever you can” or “if I don’t coupon, my family wont eat”. I think hearing those thing will make them feel bad for looking at you funny. And maybe they’ll take it to heart and realize that they are struggling too and see couponing in a different light. I am very shocked that anyone would watch Extreme Couponing and dislike what they see. I assumed it was a natural human reaction to say “How do I do that too”.I think if you can have comebacks ready for the negative people that will make them realize how important couponing is for struggling families then if they have a heart, they may just feel silly and not say anything else.
I started couponing because of the show. I became an ethical couponer because of the blogs and I thank you all for that. I get what we need and a little for my Mom – that’s all.
I think the show had the potential to be so much more than it is. How many times can we watch a person clear a store’s shelves with 6 carts of toothbrushes, gatorade and mustard, and go from a $1000 bill to 0. It’s boring after a while.
I think what might have been more interesting would be to show how they use the stockpiles – are they more creative about how they plan meals? How do they organize how much they need? How do they give back to the community – perhaps show giving coupons to troops overseas.
What I’d also like to learn is how it benefits the retailer and the manufacturer, because I know that it does. I shop at a number of stores I never shopped at before and I spend money there, not just scooping up freebies. I recently ordered a $50 fruit and cheese gift basket from my Harris Teeter. I would have never shopped there if not for their great coupon deals. I also appreciate the great service that their staff gives to customers.
We also now buy a lot of makeup at CVS, and we never shopped there at all before. These two stores gained a great new customer in us and I know that as a marketing strategy, that’s why these promotions are offered.
The Extreme Couponing TV Show is very staged. It’s a reality show. Most of the shows have to be set up in advance in order to work for the cameras.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Most of the employees congratulate me and help me when I’m using coupons. They say – you’re a good shopper. They use coupons too – believe me!
The rare bad apple doesn’t get my business – and that’s our Walgreen’s Manager. She’s suspicious and difficult and I don’t shop there any more – why bother – Safeway, Harris Teeter, CVS, and Rite Aid want my business! Bloom is a little dicey at the check-out, but the employees on the floor are so helpful – they make up for it and super doubles on Tuesdays this summer will be a wonderful treat!
i know exactly how you feel this week i was going through this same mood…..i went into rite aid and had receipts for two returns (diapers we were going up in size and bottle i didnt need my baby wanted a sippy cup instead none of which were used or open) the cashier accused me of stealing and buying these items to get cash back which all i was asking was for an exchange or store credit still i had the receipt…..I felt ashamed for something that i shouldnt have been of. Then i proceeded to shop the store for 8 packs of diapers, i tub of wipes, 1 shampoo renpure, 1 conditioner renpure and that was it in two transactions i even let an older women go between my transactions and the whole time the cashier was ugly and rude and even complained to his manager while i was in the store. I almost left crying then thought he has no right to judge me and I know being a cops wife everything i did was legal…..So I say they can eat ants….. I dont horde and only buy for my household, some donations, and other family members…..im trying not to get discouraged so you dont either those crazy extreme couponers are making us sane folks look insane when were not.
I didn’t read through all 727 comments but I am NOT a fan of the Extreme Couponing show. Every since that show aired it seems like all the stores I shop at are cleared of the coupon items so it has been really hard for me to get any good deals lately. I have NEVER bought 4 or more of one specific item. I think it is so selfish for some couponers who clear the shelves. There is no good reason someone needs 100 bottles of Tylenol. It’s ridiculous! I hope either the hype dies down, the “extreme” couponers realize they are being selfish, and/or my favorite stores get with the program and realize they need to order more of the hot coupon items.
I feel the same way, I am in no way a extreme couponer I only have a few coupons when I got to the store every other week, And I get those same comments. “Oh Your one of those” I say, No, I only have one cart, and I only have 8 coupons. And that seems to make it okay.
I wish some one would pay my grocery bill so I didnt have to used coupons. I really suck at using coupon.
When you can only spend 100 every other week, which means one bill dont get paid, You have no choice but to save those few pennies.
I use the line “I’m not an Extreme Couponer. I’m and Extremely Smart Couponer.”
Love this line:) Think I might get it made into a shirt and wear it on days that I go couponing:) Which would be everyday
haha just say, “sure waste all your money on thoughs few objects well I will happily get 20+ items for less than the price you are paying for thoughs two 😀 Don’t worry my mom coupons a lot (me to I am 12) and at the CVS the one time she got like 20+ items (way more then 20) for .50. The clerk and manager glared at her lol.
I can’t be embarrassed for saving money and I don’t care what people think of me. I will probably never see these other customers again so what do I care? I am always pleasant and friendly to other customers and cashiers and have my coupons all in order so as long as I’m not being rude, it’s no one’s business how I shop and how I pay for it.
Just want to share that last week the cashier had spread all of my coupons out on the conveyor belt to check them and the woman behind me (who hadn’t unloaded her groceries yet) said, “Are you one of those coupon people?” I said, “Yes,” with a smile, and she smiled back and said, “Good for you! But I think I’ll go to another line!” Then another woman got in line behind me, and she had a bigger stack of coupons than I did! 🙂
I, like you, am not a hoarder. I do not have a grocery store in my basement. I only purchase what we need. I do not buy things just because they are free, unless I am donating them. However, through couponing, I have been able to cut down to 16 hours from 40-60 hours per week as a registered nurse, and spend more time at home with my six month old daughter. I place the money I “would have spent” without coupons in a separate savings account for college and have saved $3500 in the 6 months since she was born.
So feel proud of what you are doing, not ashamed. The people who give you funny looks should be ashamed for judging you when you are trying to save money for your family.
HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH!!!
I think people that make smart remarks about that show have never actually watched it. While some of those people may be a bit nutty, you’ll notice that most of them DONATE plenty of items from their stockpile. It warms my heart to see other couponers giving to those in need. Don’t let naysayers get you down. As my mother always says, “God knows your heart” and that’s all that matters! 🙂
I had a lady give me the evil eye at Super Target the other day as I pulled a coupon from my binder. We were both picking up the same clearanced Yoplait yogurt and I looked her right in the eye and said “I’m getting these for free, how about you sucka?” That stopped her in her tracks. I usually try to be very considerate…I never hold up the line or clear the shelf, but I DO NOT appreciate being treated that way, especially when I’m shopping with my kids.
I love this comment. That is all.
I am not an extreme couponer, but I really enjoy using coupons to buy a reasonable amount of the things we actually use/need. All of my friends say, “Ask Dianna, she probably has a coupon for that.” Once a CVS manager made a snarky comment to me about the coupons and I was pretty mad about it, but when I got home I realized that I can’t change how other people act toward me but I CAN change how I react. When they start to pay my bills for me, then I will listen to their opinions but for now, this is the best way that I know to manage my family’s budget and meet their needs. And in the end, that’s what counts. So chin up Rashelle, don’t allow anyone to hurt your feelings when you are doing the smart thing!
I feel the same way! People look at my coupons as if I am trying to steal from them and inspect everything, but then someone I know on Facebook made the comment that you can use multiple coupons on items like buy 10 yolait yogurts and use a $.40 of 6 a $.50 of 8 and a $75 off 10!! Then she started teaching others who commented on her facebook how to do it! The coupons says one per purchase so the $.40 off 6 would mean you could only use one coupon for the whole six not all three coupons because you bought 10!! She brags about she gets things for free all the time and how if the upc code is different on the coupons you can us multiples. It erks me that she is doing this at the store where I shop and getting by with it, but then when I go through I get criticized for using my coupons! She just started using coupons since the show started and says she is doing it the right way- I have been couponing for a long time now (before the show) and hate how people think they are right since they just started. I have even been told I am one of those people who have stockpiles and wipe out the shelves, but I rarely buy more than 2 of the same item. I do have a stockpile, but there are 7 of us- we use alot! I will still coupon though because with couponing my family of 7 can survive on a small income and still be able to feel as if we are rich!
So when you smile and keep your mouth shut remember a couple of things. 1) Your family gets “treats” from your savings. Their family doesn’t. 2) You are a generous giver to less fortunate. For me its domestic violence shelters. The average family can’t afford it. 3) We do it for the love of our family and for sharing with those smart enough to learn from us.
Smile daily and always laugh (even if its on the inside)
Chin up! People have to find some way to be negative or bring you down. Most are probably jealous. Its the way that helps me be able to be a stay at home mom! I get lots of people asking me for advice, telling me I am so organized. It makes me feel good when they ask how I do it and I can help and say go to hip to save because its the most straight foward best place to learn. You are taking care of your family, who cares what anyone thinks. Its not always easy, but worth it!
I think the Extreme Couponing show will finally fizzle out as everyone begins to see that it is the same scenarios every time.Big Stockpile, tons of coupons, trouble at the register, tower of hot sauce…. An informative coupon show that shows real world coupon users in a normal environment–that’s the show I’d watch each week! 🙂
I have felt some of it too, but now I know why. I ended up in line at Walmart behind someone who was trying to buy tons of three or four different items, make them price match it to Rite Aid’s price AFTER UP rewards, and then use the wrong coupons on the items to boot. The register was beeping all over the place. It was extremely aggravating to the rest of the line, and I was mad because she was walking all over a new teenage cashier, very meanly. I went and got a manager, who later thanked me for being alert to the scam. It’s up to responsible couponers to keep the rest of them honest.
WOW…748 comments already! I just found this website days ago, so you could call me GREEN! However I have a story to tell. My “friendly” Walgreens cashier told me just last Sat…A family came into the store, bought $240 worth of merchandise and walked out paying JUST $30! Now THAT is extreme couponing. Not what you are doing. Echoing what all 748 people before me have said: HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH AND DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR….YOU!
I’ve had more snide looks from cashiers than other shoppers. I did read an article about one of those ladies on Extreme Couponing where it pointed out she was committing fraud. She would match up part of the bar code on the item and coupon – not necessarily what was listed on the coupon. For example she bought 63 budig packs of meat, the small 4oz pks but the $1 off coupon was for the larger 12-14oz pack but it went thru and she got it all for free since the larger packs have the larger dollar coupons. She stole the product in my opinion. Just because you can get away with something doesn’t make it right.
How did they go through if only part of the barcode was correct? I would think the register would “beep”.
hi first of all im only 10 years old my mom has been couponing for a while now and has been felling the same way i think your the smart ones whos saving lots of money to bye clothes and shoes so keep on couponing and ignore the people who tells u stuff . thanks andrea j
Oh Andrea you’re such a sweetheart, your mom should be very proud of you and her coupons!
Yes, I know how you all feel! I have had a few negative reactions but fortunately, some positive ones as well. I was in Wal-Mart once, fairly late at night & had a fairly large purchase as I had received a coupon booklet in the mail that was full of BOGO coupons (yay!) I had mostly just a few of each item, but still a cartful. There was only one register open at the time & as I was walking up, three girls in their early 20’s got there right behind me, I offered to let them go ahead since I had alot more items than they did (& a ton of coupons) but they said no because they were waiting for their other friend who had run back to get a forgotten item so I went ahead. They got huffy as it took quite a while just to ring me up since there were alot of small cosmetic items & I swear they almost hit the floor when I pulled out my coupons! About 1/3 of the way through the stack, they all started complaining about the wait, etc which hello! I told you to go first! So I said “Look, I know I’m taking a while but I DID offer to let you go ahead of me. Besides, how much money I spend is MY decision, so if you would like to pay for my items at full price I’ll have her stop scanning the coupons right now. Since I don’t even want to pay that much, would you please stop complaining? When she’s done scanning, you’ll see why I do this” They were so shocked they actually listened! The further she got through the stack, the more their attitudes changed!! My total had started around $250 & ended around $28. They even apologized! Just remember, it doesn’t matter WHAT you’re doing, there will always be some nosy grouchy person around to complain usually because they just don’t understand the situation. In most cases, don’t expect an apology like I got, but DO remember, they are still wrong!!!! It’s your money spent, your time spent sale hunting, clipping, sorting, etc. Do with it whatever you wish as long as you’re being respectful of others & taking care of your family don’t let it get you down 🙂
Ok, so since there’s not a “I’m too stupid to coupon 800 number”, please ignore those people!
I’ve met so many people who ask me if I’m “one of those extreme couponers” and I just smile and say, “No, I’m not that good at it. I think those people have a lot more time than I do to coupon. I have a full time job. Oh, and did you see the episode where the guy gave a 1000 boxes of cereal to charity??? Oh, I wish I could do that.”
But mostly, I get people who are old or have a big family or not much money, etc. I’m always so glad to tell them about Collin’s website and a few others I visit. I’ll pray God sends you some of those people and after you help them, you’ll feel better.
I just helped my sister again today. She wants to know how to coupon like I do. Her son is going off to college and she needs to save some money for that. I was glad and excited to teach her today. I’m going to teach her one day a week.
The media can ruin anything, but I don’t think they’ll stay on this too long. This too shall pass!
Hugs from TX!!!