Your Thoughts: Selling Your Stockpile – Yes or No?
Check out the following email I received from reader, Ronni:
[h2s_box]The reason I am writing today is to ask: How do you feel about couponers that resell their stockpile items? This has recently become a HUGE scandal here in West Texas as there is a person who is known to clear shelves, hits the stores when the trucks deliver and has the employee’s give her the items she’s couponing before they are even stocked on the shelves and has now rented a space and is re-selling items which she procured with coupons.
After following you for some time I am aware about how you feel about ‘extreme couponing’. Most of us in this area are friends and we are not extreme couponers. Just regular couponers LOL. The problem we are facing (beyond crabby cashiers, non coupon educated management, etc) now is that the resale lady is making it more difficult for non-extreme couponing families in this area to save as much money or catch the really great deals.
Are we in this area wrong to be “just jealous” that she beats us to the deals and in turn makes a buck off of her saving ability? Or are we right in feeling that this is completely tasteless? What are your thoughts?[/h2s_box]
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Thanks for any insight you can provide.
My parents couponed when I was a kid. I’ve couponed for 15ish years and each year it gets harder and harder to find the item still on the shelf or be able to use a coupon without breaking some new/unknown rule. Honestly, each year I end up using fewer coupons and have even started shopping at stores that have discounted prices, but don’t accept coupons. People clearing the shelves, abusing coupons, and getting overly emotional over them in the stores have just about ruined couponing completely for me. I relied on the savings from coupons all my life, but now I waste so much time clipping coupons and planning out deals I never get to use. It’s sad when you reach a point of giving up on coupons and changing your lifelong spending habits.
I havent been couponing long enough to notice a difference. I dont do it weekly or run out for every great deal i see. I just like Collins site and do get some great deals because of her posts. For me to turn around, hoard then profit from it…thats disgusting. Where are peoples ethical standards??? Family of six here…could i clear the shelves? absolutely! would i? nope. once in awhile ill grab something i dont need if i know someone to give it to or will donate it to the churches food pantry five minutes down the road from me. The elderly at my local food shelter really appreciate that. Alot of those people cannot get out at all or afford to eat on a daily basis so to grab them some free vitamins or a free/cheap blood glucous monitor…do it up.
I agree. I have been couponing for years and I get disappointed all the time because of all the new rules especially when they change on a day by day basis and a clerk by clerk basis. It is so frustrating. I am using less coupons too but then that means I am mailing more to the soldiers overseas so I guess it is good for them in a way. I hate to see the shelves cleared too when I am in the store shopping.
With the scenario described, I think the bigger problem it that the clerks at the store are helping the lady get product, instead of putting it on the shelf for all of the customers. I find that TERRIBLE and fault the store more than I do the lady shopping!!
It seems like all of the discussion here is more about shelf clearing. No one knows if the various people around the country re-selling are actually clearing shelves or not!! Maybe the true shelf clearers are the ones who donate to charity!!!
I don’t have a problem with anything anyone want to do; if they buy extra to donate, if they buy extra to donate to get a slip for a tax break, if they buy extra to help their families, if they buy extra to help their friends/neighbors, if they buy extra to sell to help them thru a job loss, if they buy extra to sell to pay for a vacation. I truly don’t care!!!
Honestly, I feel that cleared shelves are more about lack of stock to begin with then people clearing shelves!!! Case in point, I went into CVS on Sunday morning. I went to get the CVS brand Probiotic that was free after extra bucks. There was three on the shelf. Even if the shelf was fully stocked, I think it would have only held 6-7. So, 6-7 customers come in and it is all gone. No one cleared the shelf at all.
I like the way you think Heidi! Lol
Same thing happened to me at CVS with the charmin rolls. Sunday morning at 7am and the shelves were cleared…because they never had any/hardly any to begin with.
Lol
While I completely disagree with the lady re-selling the items and receiving merchandise before it hits the shelves (separate from someone putting an order in ahead of time…I believe this is fine) per a “secret” agreement with the managers, I agree with you Heidi, that in many stores, all it takes is about 5 or 6 customers each taking 1 or 2 to clear the shelf. I constantly wonder why stores who know they will have a sale item do not order extra to keep in the back for that sale week. This happens to me with regular sale items as well. While I do like getting a rain check, they often take so long to restock that I can no longer use the coupon on the item. Another trip in often makes it not worth the deal, but by that time, I’ve wasted time planning the deal. Thank goodness Collin helps with her store match-ups so I don’t waste even more time!
I most definitely agree with you Heidi! It would be the fault of the stores and their employees for allowing the lady to monopolize the products.
And you are right again on those who buy extra and/or those clear the shelf. There were many times there were 3 items or less left on the shelf and I did “clear the shelf” by taking the 3 left because my store allowed me to use up to 3 like coupons for this particular product. But do you know how many families including my family who benefit from me buying extra? Many families! I have helped a single mom who is disabled and has 3 daughters and grand baby on the way. A co-worker at work knew I couponed because I had brought a bunch of stuff to share with them at work, asked me for toothbrushes and toothpaste for a care package for kids in Africa. We all should help others from our couponing.
Let people say what they want to but there are many who not only keep stock for themselves but freely give more because that is what a person who coupons should do. Couponing shouldn’t be about greed but about blessing others because God has blessed us!
I completely agree with you Violet. I love couponing and I love getting extra food because so many others benefit from it. I keep enough for my family and everything else I give away. I can’t pay my babysitters a lot of money so I give them extra food (especially since all three sitters have 4-5 kids). Plus I love being able to give food to my church or my neighbors who can’t afford much. I’m of course not one of those crazy extreme couponers that are on tv but if I can get 4 boxes of cereal for practically nothing, then I will do so.
Amen, Sister!! I agree 100%!
I agree 100% with you, Heidi! I would blame it on a bad store managment.
Thumbs up Heidi!
I actually saw this topic earlier and could not believe the controversy! I seriously doubt so called “extreme couponers” are causing problems by clearing the shelves. Any time there’s a big sale on something, I see empty shelves also. I don’t care why or how much anyone buys with coupons. If they have the coupon or sign up to get free items online, then great! It’s a free country and a free marketplace. Anyone doing that legally is entitled to do so and it’s not infringing on anyone else either. We are a country of excess and there’s plenty consumer goods to go around. The early bird gets the worm! If store clerks are giving an unfair advantage to anyone, the STORE needs to address it with their employees. I don’t blame anyone for trying to get an advantage however. If someone is trying to make a living to feed their family or pay their mortgage by getting things free or at low cost and reselling them – then great! That’s how retail works. It’s entrepreneurship at it’s most basic. Someone trying to make a living like that in this economy is just as deserving as another person who gets things to gift or donate (thereby saving themselves money). The companies that provide coupons or give away free things are not being hurt by this either. Advertising and promotion is part of the cost of doing business for them and they will never give away more than they can afford.
Well, there is this perspective… The purpose of coupons is to get different people to try their product, maybe wouldn’t buy it if they didn’t have the coupon (been there, done that), but hopefully now that they try it they will be willing to buy it in the future without a coupon (been there, done that as well), or at least their product will get exposure (maybe the person shares it with someone, maybe someone sees them consuming it)… If a few people are using up a large portion of coupons and reselling for a higher price (than what they paid with coupon), then those coupons did not go to the individual people to try out the product, thus the advertising/marketing using the coupons will not have the effect the company was hoping for. If the company sees the coupon marketing is not as effective, they will possibly go to other advertising options and that is when normal couponers are affected. Don’t you think that is a possible scenario?
No! The stores should put a limit PER day on the # of coupons Per item. It IS not fair to those of us that are on a budget & really need to coupon shop! Hope she has a re-sale license & pays taxes, etc.
I give what I can’t use of my stockpile away but I have never sold it and never even thought about that. I think it is a shame that people do that.
I work as a cashier in a grocery store and have witnessed one individual who buys multiple items with coupons for pennies or free. He works for another person who then resells the merchandise at the neighborhood bodega. This operator employees several persons to do his dirty work. They has been discouraged from entering the store multiple times a day/week. They do not support the store or its customers, further they take advantage of those that can only shop at the bodega by hiking prices on those who can least afford. I enjoy saving with coupons, but hate those that take advantage of the system for pure greed.
Okay, if it were me I would probably get frustrated, but in all honesty…you snooze you loose. I know it sounds harsh, but if she isn’t doing anything illegal than you have to get over it. I realized when I used to do extreme couponing that I would end up with 50 D.O, 50 tubes of toothpaste, 50 packs of razors, etc. There is no way my family and I could use that. I started dumping it off at our local church, and while I was donating it I was still being a hog. I stopped doing to extreme coupon and I no longer stress out. I come across an awesome deal every once in awhile, but it is not worth taking time away from my family. You can’t say other wise. I used to spend hours every day clipping, organizing, and preparing for my trips. It is very hard work. This lady is selling it, but what is the difference from everyone else stocking piling it in their own household and most of it expiring before you have a chance to even use it. I wonder how many actually donate to cause on a regular bases vs. those who stock pile.
According to P&G coupons she IS doing something illegal! Read the fine print. “Limit of 4 like coupons per household per day. Any other use consitutes fraud. Coupons not authorized if purchasing products for resale.” All of this is plainly printed on the coupons and some of it in red capitol letters. Did this change anyones opinion? I’ve always felt it was wrong to resell free or cheap products after clearing the shelves. I send care packages to the troops (128 so far) and it makes it hard for me to keep my budget in line and send the boxes if I can’t get the products for the best price. Do I buy a few at a time? Sure…but no clearing the shelves. Other families need the products as well and maybe the next person is sending a few things to the troops as well 🙂
Proctor and Gamble can put anything on its coupon that they like. That doesn’t mean it’s enforceable or that the law supports it. Nor does it mean that not following the rules as stated is illegal or a crime! These are basically instructions for the STORES. The stores have an interest in enforcing the manufacturers instructions so that they get reimbursed by the manufacturers. Who seriously reads all of the fine print on a COUPON?!? P&G is telling the stores that if they identify someone purchasing products for resale, they should not accept the coupon, or risk not being reimbursed. However, this instruction does NOT prevent an item from being legally resold – they can’t do that. That’s why they try to instruct stores not to accept coupons from buyers who intend to resell their products. The “Any other use constitutes fraud,” is probably taken out of context. I really doubt using more than four like P&G coupons per household per day legally constitutes “fraud!” It’s probably referring to something else aimed at the stores who actually get reimbursed MONEY when they submit the coupons.
P.S. You can now cut the tags off your pillows. You know, the ones that say it’s unlawful to remove the tag. That message is for the RETAILER who cannot remove the tag prior to first sale. So get out your scissors! It’s fine – you can cut them off without fear of being arrested or imprisoned by the Pillow Nazis for unlawful removal of tags.
Your second post seems a bit mean-spirited.
I loved it!
JZ – It’s still illegal to sell products to the public without a business license and I would bet she’s also not reporting her “income” on her taxes. So YES it is illegal.
Elizabeth, Business Licenses are not necessarily required to resell items, because they are issues by various state and local jurisdictions. And I would bet anyone who needs to get a store to sell their inventory DOES have a Business License and pays taxes. So, no it is not illegal.
JZ- read the coupons!! When you use a coupon you are entering into a contract of sorts with the retailer and you are agreeing to the terms of the coupon.. I did not take anything “out of context”. That is the way it’s printed on the coupons. My Wal-Mart is set up to only take 4 P&G coupons on the same product or the register kicks it out and they will not push it through. A person would have to start all over again for the same products. And I have seen people try and the cashiers turn them down. The above print on the coupons is printed after the word “consumer” so aimed at the consumer not the retailer. If this kind of purchasing and reselling continues, the manufacturers will enforce it in their own way by really cracking down on the retailers and not offering as many coupons or making them worth less.
Good for you Carol! What a great way to use your extras!
Thank you Elizabeth. I’s been so rewarding to get to know some of the men & women that protect our country. I have adopted 17 military personnel through Herobox.org and have been in contact with almost all of them. I have pictures of 12 of them framed and hanging above my computer. They are so appreciative of anything that is sent to them since they can’t just buy what they want much less what they need a lot of the time.
I’m not a fan of this style of shopping for many reasons.
As a word of practical advice, I’d contact the store management. Explain your concerns and ask them to put limits on amounts that can be purchased w/o a special order. If you let them know that they are losing business by catering to one person, I think they will probably make some changes!
I do very little couponing any more, but I still save a lot by using other strategies that Collin has shared here-planning meals around sales/buying in bulk/using my freezer/eating more veggie meals etc…..
It’s sad that a few folks really did spoil couponing, but there are always other deals and other ways to save. I think coupons may come around again too, once the Extreme folks get bored with it (or run out of space-lol).
I personally think it is wrong. Especially those who buy just to resell. A lot of stores even have policies regarding resellers as well. If you want to run a store, do it the right way. That is how I see it. If you have enough to have a yard sale full of “stockpile” items, is it really still a yard sale or is it more of a mini-mart? Coupons weren’t meant for that type of use. They are meant to get you to buy the product to use.
I also take issue with people trading and selling coupons. That practice seems to add to the stockpiling problem. There is wording on them regarding transferring and selling, but people continue to do it. I know people say that they are paying for the time it takes, blah, blah, blah, but if that was the case, then why do higher value coupons cost more. If I wanted 20 of the same coupon, I will go buy 20 papers. Small town papers usually get inserts in their Saturday papers and they are a lot cheaper.
I have seen a few people try to sell their stock at garage sales. I just have to laugh thinking I know you got that for free and are trying to sell it for $2. I just think its tacky. It’s one thing to get things for yourself, or donate them, but to try and make a profit on it after getting it for free is just wrong.
Shelf clearing by a few people in particular is a big problem in this particular MN area. But. I think the stores like it as they are top in this region. These shelf-clearers aren’t just selling a few stockpile extras. This is big-time inventory in small-time garage sales. More inventory than the stores. 100s upon 100s of toothbrushes. . . etc. It’s a pain as a shopper to find items sold out all the time. I think it’s unethical on her part. I’m wondering if she has a sales tax license. But. It’s her problem. I’m not going to wreck my day by worrying about her. I sometimes just plan my shopping trip for a different city.
I think that should not be allowed, since it does not give others the opportunity to get the same deals. I believe that is being selfish on her behalf, and unfair to others. People like her is what makes it difficult for others to coupon as well, since managers tighten up the policies and give us more trouble with coupons. Is because of people like her that managers and cashiers look at us as if we are doing something illegal.
Here in Boston at my local Target store, I was using about maybe 30 or 40 coupons in a transaction. When the supervisor saw me and my girlfriend come up to the register to check out, right away she came up the the cashier and was watching everything. She started giving us trouble for no reason, and after some argument she said what we were doing “was not right” is really hard to coupon nowadays.
that’s too bad as it doesn’t sound like you did wrong
I think reselling is totally WRONG. I think couponing has started to have a negative vibe with all the shelf clearing and overdoing it. I wish it would go back to the days when you could still get a few good free deals to make it worth while going into town.
I think it is completely tasteless to resell. The manufacturers and stores are helping us components out by giving coupons and for someone to take advantage of them along with other people in their community to make a buck is just wrong.
I think it is completely tasteless to resell. The manufacturers and stores are helping us couponers out by giving coupons and for someone to take advantage of them along with other people in their community to make a buck is just wrong.
I think the stores should add to their loyalty card policy that you agree NOT to sell items that you buy using their card. And then enforce the policy by cancelling the card of anyone caught reselling. Trade with your friends, donate to charity, fine. The extreme couponers that resell, buy in such quantities that eventually the manufacturers are going to cut and cut away and limit the offers and that hurts us all.
Are you kidding? “Anyone caught reselling” LOL! If you legally purchase something from a store it is YOURS to do with what you want! Use it, donate it, sell, it – set FIRE to it!!! Geez. This is basic trademark and copyright law. A concept known as the “first sale” doctrine basically says that once a legal purchase is made, the trademark or copyright holder (manufacturer) has limited rights to control further resale of the particular good. So after you legally purchase something from a retailer, the manufacturer does not control it and the store CERTAINLY doesn’t control it! Regarding items labeled “Not for Resale,” the courts have flatly rejected the argument that merely slapping a notice on a copyrighted/trademarked item prevents the item from ever being resold. These court rulings have further cemented the principle of the first sale doctrine in copyright and trademark law – once ownership has passed, copyright and trademark law no longer interferes with resale.
I can’t keep up with all the changes the stores make concerning coupons anymore. The cashiers tell me that there are so many people abusing coupons. Two weeks ago Dillon’s no longer will double coupons. We only have one store left in Springfield, MO that will double coupons. We have limits on how many coupons you can use per item at several stores. I no longer spend very much time couponing. It’s no longer fun to spend a lot of time clipping only to find the shelves are cleared. I save money by price matching more than couponing now. I’m also noticing a lot of people selling items in a sell/buy swap site. I guess that I have mixed feelings about reselling. If they are not clearing the shelves on those items then go for it otherwise it’s rude to resell.
Off topic but I do love Collins site even if im not coupon crazy enough to buy and resell a bunch of crap. The outfit I am wearing atm however cost me a whopping 11 bucks and all because of Collin! $60 off season tall fashion boots (bought in the spring from a post off this site and saved till now) my cost $6 shipped to my door. Free jeans with a coupon and a clearance sale. And an awesome $5 dollar blazer bought at the goodwill $60 original tag still attached! The under shirt was a gift from my sister. My shampoo and conditioner used today cost me 20 cents..toothpaste free eyeliner and eyeshadow free! yay me! Shoutout to Loreal Paris while im at it…lol
Thank you very much Collin…Without this website I would not look so darn adorable today! 🙂
I can’t even see you, but way to rock that $11 outfit! You go girl! 😉 I love when we can get good deals in all areas.
Love it!! I’m sure you look fabulously adorable! Thanks for sharing, you made me smile 😉
I agree that I save a ton of money without even using coupons just because of the deals Collin collects for us around the net! Clothes, cards, gifts, activities, even just a heads up about a promotion here or there really helps the pocketbook!
I definitely have a problem with reselling. Just feels wrong to me. If you are in an area where this is happening, and shelves are being cleared, I would encourage shopping at stores that don’t honor coupons but keep low prices: Aldi, GFS, etc. For things like toiletries and such, I’d recommend watching for online deals with free shipping, or even asking for rainchecks if you’d like to purchase products that aren’t in stock. Overall, it’s a very frustrating experience, and I hope this person tires of the couponing thing soon and gives it up… in my experience, most of the more extreme couponers don’t keep it up for too long.
I think the lady who cleans out the shelves, buys the items cheap and re-sells them is in the wrong. That is why some stores limit the number of items you can buy on sale or limit the number of coupons you can use for the same item. Manufacturer’s issue coupons as a promotion for create brand awareness and loyalty not to subsidize a business.
As for myself, couping is mostly a high. I feel good about saving money on things that we need. Sometimes I feel bad though when I buy things I don’t need b/c they were on sale or I had a good coupon. Then I can also be hard on myself when I don’t get the best deal. Overall–mostly positive though. Our family can live better b/c I take the time to look for deals, use coupons, and buy on sale.
People that make a business out of reselling goods should be required to have a business license — and pay taxes as a business. That should nip some “extremists” in the bud. 😉
They actually are required to have a business license because they should be paying taxes as they are selling for profit. Most of them are making way over the minimum limit to avoid taxes.
If they don’t have a storefront it would be awfully hard to enforce. Yes, they should have a business licence and claim their profit/loss on their taxes with other related business expenses. But how can you police that when they have a flea market booth or are selling from their garage sale? It’s nearly impossible.
I see some resale like this, but not a lot. It doesn’t seem ethical to me. However, I always wonder who buys this stuff? Would you buy food at someone’s garage sale? Would you buy toothpaste from a flea market? I don’t see them benefiting from their resale.
I have never couponed with the intent of reselling items, however when I had a garage sale this year I did put some things in that I realized I didn’t like or couldn’t use. These were mostly cleaning items, room sprays, candles. All my extra toiletries and any food I donated.
I guess my point is, it depends on why you are selling them. Did you buy them solely with the intent to resell? or did you accidentally buy more than you could use, not like the item, or fall on hard times and have to sell them to buy
groceries?
Sorry, but I (personally) see this complaint as nothing more than jealousy. Sure, I can see how it can be frustrating to find an empty shelf, but as someone else above said: “You snooze, you lose”…that’s how I see it. If you want the deals like this woman then you have to hustle plain and simple. She’s not sitting around complaining about it, she’s out doing it.
This reminds me of “hot Christmas toys”… every year you have people buying them up to resell for profit and every year people complain about it.
All it takes is two of you hoarders in one store and one of you would be the snoozer. It’s a shame that Collin SHARES her deals with everyone, yet some people think its dog eat dog rather than a community of like-minded shoppers. If we all thought and acted that way, there wouldn’t be a h2s or all of us sharing deals.
Well said Irene.
I agree with you, Rachel, for the most part. If you snooze you loose. But I do believe that its up to the stores to manage their inventories and train cashiers and put realistic limits on items for purchase. But someone will always try to skirt the rules. That’s life in general. I’m a couponer but I’m a courteous couponer. I never clear shelves but not everyone is like that. And are you really “clearing” a shelf if there are only 3 items on the shelf?!
As far as selling the items I’m not opposed to it. I’ve done it occasionally but don’t make a habit of it. I buy for personal use and I do donate products to a local high school and support several family members. I don’t see selling items occasionally as any different than selling a concert ticket that you won or received as a gift. I love the site and love reading all of the comments for and against selling your stockpile. Is the real question an ethical issue or is it more of a legal issue?
I think the problem here is only a difference in moral standard. The “you snooze, you lose” mentality only serves to foster ideas of materialism and greed. It also shows a lack of moral character and a negative mindset that centers around the win/lose paradigm. (I MUST WIN, THEREFORE YOU MUST LOSE…)
Perhaps we have made a mistake in emphasizing competition between people when the original idea was to help people save money during a recession/depression.
So what if someone is clearing out shelves to resell and make a profit! What does it matter? Right? Well, here’s the thing….the message the person is sending, is that the ONLY way she has ANY sense of SELF is by controlling the inventory, MONOPOLIZING the availability of the product (by clearing the shelves and not leaving ANY for your poor grandma, who happens to be on a fixed income, and will NEVER see an increase in her SOCIAL SECURITY..who is today paying 30 cents more per gallon of gas than she did 9 days ago, and just needs a toothbrush to clean her dentures……), and lastly, by making a massive profit off items she obtained legally (for less) and then selling it to impoverished people at the local bodega…imagining she’s in the toothbrush/laundry soap/dish sponge mafia or something…..
This greedy, monopolizing, and insecure individual can gain her sense of self by no other means. She MUST create the win/lose scenario. It’s all she has going for her. It’s the only way she can feel like she has ACCOMPLISHED something.
Additionally, she has NO EMPATHY or CONSIDERATION for anyone else who comes behind her, because all she cares about is HER situation. In her mind, the ONLY tape playing is the “You snooze, you lose” song….over and over and over again.
So you see, it’s this WIN/LOSE at all costs mentality that causes this greedy and self-serving behavior. If anything, feel pity that she has no emotional awareness, no ability to see how overt her insecurity runs within her own soul. SHE NEEDS the materialism…she has to CONTROL it to feel POWERFUL.
So, let her be the dental/dryer lint/kitchen floor mob boss. You can all see how ridiculous this greed and ‘faux need’ has gotten? IT DOESN’T MATTER if you are donating all 879 toothbrushes to your local church….there is a 5 year old with her own coupon that really wants that cartoon character toothbrush and was JUST DREAMING ABOUT IT the night before.
So now it’s OKAY to choose GREED while SQUASHING this little girl’s desire to have ONE TOOTHBRUSH…but she CANT have it because you cleared the shelves SO YOU CAN DONATE TO A CHURCH???? It’s just another “pretty little way” of controlling the inventory. Do you see how insane that ‘justification by way of donation” REALLY IS?
How “morally right” is it to take from others so that YOU can CHOOSE where all the inventory goes??? (i.e. a church or pathetically overpriced bodega). It’s a manipulation of the TRUTH.
Additionally, hiding GREED behind a wall of SELF PERCEIVED CHARITY…this only serves to amp up YOUR EGO and make you feel like you “did a good thing”, when in REALITY….you took advantage of the situation so you could profit by way of an EGO BOOST.
Take this into consideration too: The more you BUY/OBTAIN, the more the company MANUFACTURES. So think about how much greenhouse gas, fuel, electricity and damage to the environment you are CAUSING by taking WAY MORE THAN YOU NEED. See, most people don’t think about the message they are sending to the corporations when they purchase massive amounts of product.
There is wisdom in the phrase “Think before you do things”.
Here is my solution….we should only take what we need.
Actions speak louder than words, so the questions to ponder today are:
“What message about your character do YOU ACTIONS SHOW?”
and
“What message are your ACTIONS sending to your children about (1.) what you value, (2.) how important winning is, even if by way of taking advantage of a situation (3.) how you REALLY feel about protecting the environment, (4.) if you value integrity, family and community more than a superficial, short-term, materialistic ego boost.
sorry for the length and emphasis….nothing personal, just food for thought.
PS-Colin, Ive been going on your site multiple times a day for just over 2 years. Love you and your site!!
Really long email, but awesome points. Yes, the basis here is morality…or lack thereof. I think it is great when people donate, but yes, I also wonder if that is the “front or guise” used to justify buying so much. I am sure that one person’s couponing isn’t funding the entire church’s needs. If so, the church congregation needs a SERIOUS message!! Couponing to help your family/friends/neighbors still does not mean you need to buy umpteen amounts. As most couponers know, sales are cyclical and a sale will come back around in what every 4-8 weeks? So, even using the justification that things are given to others, there is really no reason to have to take large amounts because they are there. Buy some now, and some more later. As someone commented earlier, the companies will certainly make more.
As far as the reselling, I think if you are saavy enough to get it free why not give it free? If you can’t give it, why do you need to buy it in the first place? If this is helping to pay bills and such, perhaps try a way that is more positive – like become your neighborhood shopper as a job. People seem to forget that the time it took to plan these “hauls” has probably taken time from something else…we only get 24 hours each day. Spend that time with your loved ones and not at the store scoring a deal on 95 toothpastes! I lost my brother and father in 50 days of each other this year. I would give all my couponing “scores” back (and that means 2-4 of like items–in my “stockpile” as I can wait for the next sale) just to have one more minute to tell them I love them one last time. RELATIONSHIPS are more important than things. We ALL really need to remember that.
Thanks Collin for everything you do for us everyday. And thank that husband of yours for his time serving in the military keeping us all safe and FREE so we can coupon AND have discussions like this especially on this day of remembrance for 9/11.
People are mixing up legally and morally wrong here in these responses.
“It’s not fair she is taking it!” Well, unless she is breaking a law, no it’s not. It would be completely fair for her to buy it, but what it isn’t is merciful to everyone else.
“It’s wrong to do it!” (morally and ethically) Believe it or not, this is subjective. If you believe it is morally wrong to do what you can to feed your family, yes. If you believe it is morally wrong to shelf clear, then yes. Etc. This line of thinking can go on forever.
My point is, don’t mix up something being legal and moral because there are plenty of things that are perfectly legal that are very immoral and things that are illegal that are perfectly moral.
Exactly my point. It may NOT seem moral, but yet it CAN be legal. In either case the question still remains…what message are you SENDING through your actions?
Collin, I just want to say Thank you for “HIP2SAVE” i have been visiting your website for over a year now. I have 2 year old and second one on the way because of you i been stocking on everything before my second one comes out….since my husband is always busy with his work. My point is you help us stock things when it’s on sale so we don”t have to pay full price for it and at the same time we try not to take advantage of the stores and people
Collin,
This is a pretty HOT topic! wow!! well my two cents..
First, I think it’s completely wrong for the employers or management to allow this lady to do what she does..Second, there should be some form of limits that should be set whether in that particular store or area..With that being said, getting the items simply for re-sale purposes defeats the purpose of coupons therefore; i don’t think this was the manufactures intended purpose.
However, my personal opinion “it’s not something I would do and I think it’s just unethical and plain dishonest” Furthermore, I do understand that things are hard right now for everyone especially; with families trying to make ends meet and may see this as a way out instead of stealing well… YES! technically you are stealing because one would originally have gotten the items for free (hence the store shelves being cleared) or pennies then in-turn resale. I just don’t thing its an ethical thing to do, and there are several services and options available if you are in need and don’t have the funds to assist your families.
Something like this should be grounds for arrest because in all honesty it’s literally fraud!! Once again this is my personal opinion.. Thanks for reading 🙂
I don’t know if it could be considered fraud, but people that make a business out of reselling retail goods should be required to get a business license. It should be outright illegal for them not to do so! Even if they are supporting their families because times are tough, they should be required to have a license. What’s the difference between them and Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Jeanna’s Deli, Bobby’s Hobby Shop — all of which must have licenses to operate? The only difference that I see is those Retailers work hard to put together deals (to get and maintain business) and the resellers are STEALING their hard work….. and making a profit.
And I HATE that the resellers clear the shelves to make themselves a profit! They are denying deals to people for who they are intended (the Retailer’s customers), so that they can sell them to their own yard sale customers. It’s wrong!
I agree with you — it’s totally unethical… maybe even immoral. 😉
I dont know. I could be wrong but i cant recall how many times I have noticed a package state specifically NOT FOR RESALE. Does not most if not all products have this??? I need to check into that cause if thats the case then she is actually committing fraud wouldnt she be?
A concept known as the “first sale” doctrine basically says that once a legal purchase is made, the trademark or copyright holder (manufacturer) has limited rights to control further resale of the particular good. Regarding items labeled “Not for Resale,” the courts have flatly rejected the argument that merely slapping a notice on a copyrighted/trademarked item prevents the item from ever being resold. These court rulings have further cemented the principle of the first sale doctrine in copyright and trademark law – once ownership has legally passed, copyright and trademark law no longer interferes with resale. Manufacturers put “Not for Resale” on some things such as demos and samples to keep their own reps from illegally selling their products to third parties. The first sale doctrine would not come into play in this case, because manufacturer reps would not meet the first sale criteria since they did not legally purchase the items. However product samples or promotional items that ARE given or legally sold to other consumers can then be resold.
Just because someone does something “right” (i.e. following the law), DOESN’T mean they are doing the “right thing”.
This seems to be the crux of society’s problem, and though some individuals may not breaking the law, one has to question whether we are raising socially conscious and responsible children that WILL CHOOSE to place more value on MORALS than they do MATERIAL ITEMS and ‘the WIN”.
People who get deals with the intent to resell should be required to have business licenses. They have made a business out of it and it should be illegal for them to resell the goods unless they are a registered business. They should be taxed as a business, as well. 🙂
Morally, taking more than you will reasonably use in a reasonable amount of time is gluttony. It is wrong to deprive others of goods when you have enough to sustain yourself.
I am not talking about people who have a yard sale, once in awhile, and sell a few things that they bought a few too many of. I’m talking about those who buy more than they, themselves (and family…) need and with the intent to resell in their yards, or wherever.
If these resellers are supporting their families (by buying and reselling), then get a license — because other Americans have to do it!!!
There is no such thing as a Federally provided “Business License,” so not everyone who resells things in the U.S. would be required to have a business license. Business licenses are provided by various state and local jurisdictions, depending on the type of business. These jurisdictions all have different rules and regulations regarding business licenses. Fees may be required to obtain a license and the amount may be based on the business’s gross annual receipts. It is separate from Federal, State and local taxes. So even if a Business License is not required, the operator still has to pay taxes on sales. Someone who only sells items on Ebay and does not have a brick and mortar store or other aspect to their business would probably not be required to have a Business License, but they would have to pay taxes on their profits. Ebay requires sellers to use Paypal, which now reports sales to the IRS. Because most businesses of any size have to take payments other than cash, most resellers are probably law-abiding tax payers as well.
I really think the old phrase too much of anything can be bad applies here too. The problem with people is that you find a number of them that wanna fully capitalize on things that will benefit them. Pair that with the overall American mentality that I can do what I want and its noones business and you have people who will clear shelves and not care that they are leaving nothing for others. I am an extreme couponer. I go out of my way to things easier for everyone when I am out shopping. I have a limit that i will only stock up to 6 months worth so that I do take from others or go over the top. I understand that everything we say and do will have an impact on the world around us and that that will circle back around to affect us at some point or another. Example: Couponing becomes huge and people start turning a profit at the expense of the manufacturers and the result is a crackdown on what can be done and people cant get a deal as easily as before. All this cause you couldnt stop at 5 or 10. There is nothing wrong with being smart and thrifty. There is something wrong with being so greedy and inconsiderate that you will consume everything you can for as little as possible with no regard whatsoever to who gets harmed in the process simply cause there is no rule or law that says you cant. These manufacturers are losing money when someone goes into a store and grabs up 1500 bucks in products for like 10 dollars. They allowed for it and they have to honor it. But to think that it ends there. That they just accept those loses and the way it is and thats that is naive. They will recoup those loses in some way and often its a rise in prices that non couponers will end up picking up. I spent a good deal of time overseas and America is the only nation Ive been to that has this sort of mentality. Everywhere else I have been has understood that helping others will help yourself too. That a thriving community is a benefit to all. If you are hurting others and know then yes I think that its a problem and its gone too far at that point. This situation brings to mind a indonesian kid that was attending university here in the states. He found that a certain line of text books that he needed were selling for cheaper here than over in his home country. He bought them in mass here and then shipped em back and resold them and turned a profit of over 3 million within the year and the publisher took him to court and won a judgment of the difference. They are now as a result of this drafting up a law to be passed that would ban people from reselling these items they buy without paying the manufacturer the proper sales taxes which would allow them to tax the same product everytime someone buys it again. So you couldnt sell your car without getting charged for doing so. This is how taking things too far can hurt yourself as well in the end. For me this is common sense but I have found that common sense just isnt so common anymore.
I kind of feel stuff should be used for family and friends. Not so much for profit. Same thing with thrift stores. I’ve seen aggressive people running around thrift stores trying to find treasures to sell on eBay. I don’t think when people donate items for charity they are thinking ,”boy hope someone will be able to sell this on eBay”. I know it is completely different then couponing, but if a shelf is empty when I go in to purchase an item, I like to think the items went to families who needed them.
It really depends how its done. I mean, you don’t need to clear the shelves to end up with a huge stockpile when you have been doing this for 5 years. When I go to publix and pick up 4 bottles of vitamins that give me $1-2 overage each I am not clearing any shelves, but if I resell them for $1 plus shipping I am just making the taxes I paid on them back, and letting someone who doesn’t have the same sales in another state get the vitamins who actually takes them at a decent price. They will go bad with me and I’m not even really turning a profit on them, so I see it as win-win. Now if I went in and bought 20 of them a day every day of the sale and then resold them near retail, there is a problem there. Just one example, but that’s how I see it. If your selling to turn a real profit and buying in bulk for that reason, that’s not right at all. Selling what you have accumulated and can’t give away at nearly free just to recoup your taxes is quite another thing indeed. The food pantry can’t use vitamins because they could be libel sense they are giving it away. The fire department can’t use them. None of my friends take them, and I feel bad just tossing them.
Aside from being illegal. She is selling items and should be reporting this to the IRS. I have checked with several accountants in my area and this is what I was told. Anyone can report someone like this to the IRS anonymously. I coupon for my family and to help others families who are less fortunate. I have even donated to my local National Guard unit. I would never think of selling the things I coupon for. I coupon to save money and it is relaxing to me.
I think most people agree shelf clearing for resale should not be allowed. It hurts the store and most of the customers.
I would say the real tough issue is people taking a 3 to 6 month supply for their own family. I’m on the fence on whether that’s hoarding or not.
For example, here in Chicago, there was recently 34 cent large boxes of Puffs. Everyone complained there wasn’t enough stock. Some people bought a shopping cart full. Honestly, in my family, that would only be enough to last about six months. I bought nine but there were people who thought it should have been limited to three.
So should the stores limit the quantity, should they be required to give out rain checks or have enough stock for what would be obvious demand?
You know Im with you on the hoarding issue. I watched a couple episodes of extreme couponing and I was actually baffled with some of it. The homes were overflowing with crap. Its was kinda sick actually. The coupon deals generally run on a six month rotation from what I understand so stocking for six months makes sense. Not going over the top and making sure you have enough for your home to last till the next time that stuff goes on a deal. I buy what I need. Right now there is a deal on mouthwash at walgreens where three bottles will be completely free , I have the time, the car, the coupons but I have 5 bottles in the closet so I aint gonna grab those cause its not needed. This is where the line between stocking and hoarding gets crossed. When you are getting things you dont need cause its a deal that you can resist. Fortunately I dont struggle with this but I realize that many really do.
You only buy what you need, but you have 5 bottles of mouthwash in your closet? I hope you have a lot of mouths to wash. Thanks so much for passing on the 3 additional bottles of free mouthwash and leaving some for the rest of us.
You know nothing of her family and how many people are in it and you are judging… For all we know, she has her grand parents, and 4 kids, making 5 bottles go really fast. But for all we know, she lives alone, so either way.
Wow! You are such a charmer. This is a debate where everyone is posting their views and opinions. Its not Jerry Springer. There is no need to attack people. Your hostile sarcasm is just out of line. Starbeamer is right. You dont know anything about me or my life. I have 3 boys, myself , my husband and his elderly parents who we care for. I can see that a person does not HAVE TO CLEAR A SHELF to be a hoarder in your book. Apparently anyone who buys more than 2 items will be wrong in your opinion. 5 bottle of mouthwash makes me greedy? What is your problem that you have to be nasty to people? Grow up.
Does anyone have a link to an article describing this woman’s deeds?
How does one even think a plan like this would work financially?
If you rent a space (storefront), you must pay for rent and utilities.
Next, she probably needs a staff to help the customers. I’m sure the staff isn’t working for FREE or for peanuts.
If she is selling food, I think she needs a permit from the Health inspector checking on fridges and stuff. Permits cost money.
So basically, if she spends little or nothing out of pocket to get this merchandise for her store, she is going in her pocket to do the things I listed above. At least hundred of dollars if not more.
I just don’t see how this is a financially good plan….
It is no different than any other business. There are sales and there are expenses. She must think the addition of a store front will increase sales enough to make it profitable.
I also don’t see how her business is any different from a mom and pop vintage or antique store, salvage store, consignment store, or outlet, etc. She acquires merchandise at a low cost and sells it for a profit.
No one is complaining about antique buyers who stake out estate sales and auctions and get all the good stuff for practically nothing to resell it for a profit. Should there be a limit on how many antiques one can buy at bargain prices?
How DARE we let ANYONE sell ANYTHING unless they are Walmart or Target!
I doubt the couponer woman is getting rich, so anyone who is calling her “greedy” is probably way off.
She’s probably just trying to feed her family and pay the mortgage and other bills (including taxes), just like the rest of us. She most likely started due to unemployment or underemployment.
It’s so funny how so many people would call this person greedy for basically turning her couponing/shopping talent into a business while at the same time they quickly dismiss real corporate greed as “free enterprise.”
More power to her but I doubt she’s going to put anyone out of business.
Oh, wait, that’t what Walmart’s for.
Geez, JZ get a life. You obviously have tons of time on your hands by continually posting these paragraphs in defense of an obviously crazy person.
I appreciate JZ’s posts!!! JZ is offering a different perspective from many. I for one appreciate hearing many points of view on this topic. And why do you say the lady from Texas is a “crazy person”. Right or wrong, the store is working with her and accomadating her shopping style!!
Personally I wonder if the lady who wrote in the first place was feeling guilty about what she was doing, did she write to have others relieve her guilty feelings, if she wasn’t feeling guilty about what she was doing why did she write?
I hate the idea. In fact I used to live in a smallish town in WI where I would coupon every once in a while, but on almost all items I wanted there was this woman who I would see literally sweeping products off the shelf. Then one day, my husband and I went for a walk past this little road that seemed to have a lot of garage sales going on. Well low and behold I pass a house whose lawn was full of brand new products covering the lawn. Then I realized they were things like travel sized toothpaste, floss up the wazoo, seemingly insignificant items that I know had been on sale and essentially free with coupons, and then there she was. So I figured I would walk up just to see if I was imagining things, she was selling things at a 300% mark up of what she paid. It infuriates me. But I have to believe she really needed the money and was making the most of a bad situation
I agree that it is tacky and in bad taste to resell items that you got for free or paid little for. I am pleased to see more “couponers” are choosing to donate and help others with their finds 🙂
I understand couponing for paper goods, some cleaners, etc. But I have to admit literally every haul I see people take pics of boasting of their great finds/low cost, I think to myself I wouldnt have any of that food in my house. Pre made, boxed, frozen entree foods are not real food, guys. The gatorades and sodas are causing HUGE health concerns. One out of 3 children now has (created) type 2 diabetes. This is 100% food and (lack of) exercise created and preventable, as it is reversible. I am NOT judging, just asking you to be aware when you read this.
I am going to put this out there— what is the difference of you selling your clothes, shoes, couch, furniture etc at a garage sale, and selling your ‘stockpile’ ?? The answer is– NONE. If I paid money for my products and my ‘stuff’ that I own, I can do whatever I want with it once it is mine, right? Coupons are a form of money, or payment. So, techinically how is anyone going to tell me I can’t sell it. I ‘own’ it- it is my own personal property. I do have 4 sales a year at my home, and I sell a ton of product that I got for very cheap or even free by using coupons. I make about $2000 at each sale– that money goes to pay for all the extra expenses/fun/vacations/sports etc that me & my family would otherwise never be able to afford. I have had several police officers who live in the neighborhood come to my sales, and they know exactly what I do. They are always impressed, and have told me many times that there is nothing ‘illegal’ about it- I have all of my reciepts from all of my purchases to show for it. I am always a respectful couponer and I have never cleared the shelves on my shopping trips. I don’t agree with what the woman in the Texas case was doing, but for my family and my life I will continue to do my stockpile sales for as long as possible.
I agree with you Suzie, if I have gone to the trouble of finding the coupons, printing them out and going to the store to redeem them, then the products are mine to do with as I please. If people are selling the items above retail, as some of you have mentioned, no one is forcing anyone to buy it.
Think about it, anyone who is a reseller of an item and owns their own business pays wholesale for the item and sells it for retail. They’re not doing anything wrong.
The deal that the coupon user in Texas who had the store employees hold items for her before they hit the shelves sounds wrong to me. That should be reported to management, or the same service should be offered to anyone who requests it. That practice would be stopped very quickly.
Wow a TON of stories. We either give parts of our stock pile to family or we donate it to Elder Care services Tallahassee or to a childrens home. Our staples go to eldercare (they always seem to be out when we show up). And our cereal to the kids home.
Could someone explain the difference between what this lady does and what Walmart does on a daily basis? They buy low from companies and sell for a profit right? The same with manufacturers, they make a product for really cheap, then mark it up high. Its concerning that everyone wants to say this is not fair. Everyone getting their fair share whether they work or not is socialism right? Her idea is a basic free market principle. I’m thankful she’s out there working to bring in an income instead of living off of the government. As long as she follows the laws and rules on the coupons I don’t see how this is a problem.
There’s a difference between illegal and something that is wrong and should be stopped. What this does it make it less likely for stores to offer very good deals.
Companies usually offer items at a highly discounted rate in order to get people to try their product. If you notice, most free or nearly free items are new. If they start to realize people are just grabbing products to resale them, they are less likely to offer the product at a discount.
Sometimes retailers will have loss leaders in order to get people in their stores. If the first person takes them all, people who can’t get their first thing in the morning will not bother to come into their stores. I can tell you 100% many people will no longer shop sales or coupons because they assume the hoarders have taken everything. Again, the stores will notice this and stop offering loss leaders.
There used to be a great Con Agra catalina here in Chicago every year. There were great deals but people started to abuse it by ordering hundreds of products. Guess what, the company no longer does the catalina and now no one gets a deal.
The solution is to try to get retailers to limit quantities.
No. This is not what coupons were intended for. This is why couponers now have such a hard time using coupons. The only instance in which I would sell items in my year or less stockpile, would be to help someone in need, so they could maintain some sense of dignity.
I have this same problem in my area. The gal has a huge garage sale in the summer and it is ENTIRELY stock pile items. She’s gotten a lot of fame in the area, calling her rummage sale “The Big One” that “everyone looks forward to.” It’s partially humorous and at the same time frustrating to me. Frustrating because, yes, there are times I get to the store with my kiddos in tow and can’t get my items, things that I need for my family on a strict budget. Humorous because of all the people that do flock to this garage sale and in my head I’m thinking, “if they only did their homework, they’d know how to have gotten this free or super cheap to begin with.” I know it’s not illegal, but to me, selling out of the stockpile (a full garage sale especially) is disgusting to me.
I agree with Suzie. There is no difference in selling your clothes, furniture, and things versus your stockpile. I have never cleared a shelf. I only buy small amounts of items. I do sell items to friends and family at half price. It is a win/ win for me and them. They do not want to take the time coupon, but they want to save money also. I save them money and I also make a profit. I am in school right now and my husband is the only who works. I also donate to a local women’s home every couple of months. I do not think that it is wrong or unethical. The lady we are talking about is doing it for wrong reasons.
Huh??? Why is it fine for you to sell stuff, but the lady we are talking about “is doing It for the wrong reason” Really?? How do you know the ladies reasons? Maybe she is in school right now too like you!
Im sorry that did not come out the way I meant it to. I just think it is wrong to clear the shelves and for the employees to give her products before the products go on the shelves. That is what I meant by wrong reasons. I apologize for the wrong wording.
I may not like the results (speaking as a non-extreme coupon shopper), but I also know all the work involved in selling items–trying to consign baby stuff etc… I think they work for every penny they get reselling and we should give them more credit for the hard work they put in. She is also taking a risk and plays the guessing game of what will resell and for how much. Kudos to entrepreneurs who are willing to risk it though.
It’s annoying. I dont have time or desire to be an extreame couponer. However I just discovered rain checks so I’m not as annoyed as I used to be when I’d find all the products I wanted to be gone. I do wonder if all the extreme couponing is driving up prices though? That crossed my mind the other day as I stood behind an extreamer and thought “the grocery stores don’t care this person is getting $200 worth of free stuff because I’m going to make up for it by paying full price.” Is there any truth to that?
Collin, I really don’t like this. All I want is just one or two depending on the item. I see it as a form of being selfish. You can only use so much and then it just goes to waste. I really like it when the stores put a limit on items. I feel if you are buying items you can’t use then you spent money for nothing.
I like reading everyones take on a topic like this… I wish I had more time to read all of them!
Why is it wrong to take a talent you have (couponing) and make some money off it? It’s just like any thing else… The people she’s selling to are getting a deal and she’s making a buck for all her hard work clipping coupons, planning her trip, and doing the shopping! Some people just don’t have it in them to coupon and some do… I see nothing wrong with it… Supply and demand! It’s the fundamentals of business!
Collin, this was an interesting topic… Thanks for sharing!!
this happens all the time with toys – mostly i’ve seen it with Lego because that’s what I buy for my boys. just read the threads on slickdeals. it is any worse with toys? i found a TON of Friends Lego on 70% clearance at Walmart last month. I called the 4 neighbors who’s girls love this and bought a bunch for them. I asked the Walmart clerk i saw at toys if she had an issue and she was impressed that I was being such a nice neighbor. Then in the next breath she told me one guy came in the previous day and bought out ALL the boy Lego on clearance. He filled 2 carts. Yep, you know he was a reseller but Walmart doesn’t care. Karma.
Wrong to do. She should be reported if she has opened a discount store w/o proper licensing and is not paying sales tax on taxable items. If she is only doing this once a year at a garage sale so be it. Weekly? She has opened a business that I’m sure the city and state would like to know about.
Two words: BOTTOM FEEDER. We all know these “money makers” are loss leaders for the store. When you clear out a shelf, it’s not good for the store or your fellow shoppers — it only benefits you, the shelf clearer. And when you make a profit at the expense of others, that’s an opportunist or bottom feeder. You know — ambulance chaser, personal injury lawyer, street hustler, etc. You have checked out as a contributing member of society. Please consider a different line of work to support yourself that uses your God-given talents. Find a different line of work that allows you to hold your head high.
I have been couponing since 08 and ive seen a big change in the coupon values due to the simple fact the “extreme couponing” show outed the horders and ruined it for us. That show basically portrayed all of us “couponers” to be horders, I stock up for my family and also give away to people who need help. I get very frustated when i go to the store and the shelves are cleared bc someone couldnt take what they needed and leave some for the rest of us. Reselling of the products will get around to all the manufactures and coupons will become a thing of the past. The stores are allowing it so it wont stop until the stores say enough is enough.
I’ll never forget the one “Extreme Couponing” show that featured a woman who had stockpiled diapers, enough for about 3 years. But——–she didn’t have any children, wasn’t pregnant, didn’t have any prospective father in mind! To me, that sort of stockpiling is nothing short of sinful. Think of how many poor mothers who are on food stamps, which won’t pay for diapers, could have benefited from her stockpile, should she have donated it.
Your right, that is just greed for sure. These people are ruining it and they dont even realize it or care.
I have never seen the extreme couponing TV show. While I find it odd that someone would buy 3 years worth of diapers when they don’t have a baby, I don’t agree with either of you that, “she should donate it” or that, “is greed for sure” and “ruining it”. For one thing its no ones business what people donate to various causes whether it is money or goods. You saying she should donate her diapers, would be like me deciding that someone who earned a year end bonus at work, should donate it to poor mothers to buy diapers. I also don’t see the greed. Maybe it took it a few years to build up her diaper stockpile. Perhaps she did every diaper deal at CVS, WAGS, Rite Aid, Target, K-mart and Wal-Mart. Possibly by building her stockpile over time and many stores she never cleared a shelf. Like I said, I have never seen the show, so perhaps I am missing something. While I find it odd that she has so many diapers, I don’t find her greedy in the least!!
Not sure how long youve been couponing but ive been doing it long before the show came on and when the first season aired our coupon values changed, and when you watch it youll see women who got 70 mustards, and clears the shelves so when someone clears the shelves and stockpiles like that, it is greed. So please watch the show before you comment on our opinions and yes it is ruining for us
Uh, excuse me JulieC…….”so please watch the show before you comment on our opinions”……..really?? What the heck?? This is a public forum and the topic is about a women in Texas buying goods to resell. I can and will comment, thank you very much! The comment I was responding to was about a lady on TV who had 3 years woth of diapers and no babies. Did she get 3 years worth of diapers on ONE shopping trip?? I highly doubt it, because I dont even think a store would have that many diapers to begin with!! My opinion (yes, I have a right to one too, even though I don’t watch the TV show!!) is while I find it odd to stockpile something that you have no use for, I dont have a problem with it. To each their own! julieC, re-read what I wrote above. I was not even getting into a debate about clearing shelves. I was expressing MY opinion about the womens right to have a stockpile of diapers if that is her wish. Having a stockpile and clearing shelves are two completley DIFFERENT things. For example, I have a stockpile, but I dont clear shelves. As far as couponing, I have been at it since 2007. The big differance I have seen is the limits of 1 or 2 things at the drug store. Thats fine with me and I have no complaints about that at all. As far as changes to the coupons. I am fine with the coupons we get. I feel like I am doing as well as I did back in 2007. I dont need 100’s of an item, so truly the changes havent affected me. Every single week Colin highlights deals at all 3 drugstores. If the deals were gone, then she would have nothing to post. Its too bad that things are ruined for you, but I am doing just fine!
I didnt say ruin, i said ruining it, and you can have your opinion all you want but please dont give me your opinion when you havent seen the show!!! All collin wanted was opinions on this subject not a heated debate and people arguing because they gave their opinion, thats all it is, is an opinion… so leave it at that!!!!!!!
Wow, just wow!!! In your comment (145) you said the show outed the hoarders and “ruined it for us” but whatever ruin, ruining, does it really matter? Colin wanted opinions on the subject and I shared mine. She didn’t say “only people who have watched the extreme couponing show should share opinions” Thanks though for telling me that I can have an opinion, but please don’t give my opinion!!! Ha ha!! Your a funny one JulieC!!! Thanks for the laughs, my family has really enjoyed it!!!
LOL, It does take all kinds to make the world go around, and i dont have time to argue with someone i dont know, I have a life, just gave my opinion like Collin asked and it was taken to another level.
I gave my opinion as well……….
Can you say GREED! Reselling items you got with coupons can be done on a small scale if you ended up with more than you thought you needed, but doing what this lady is doing is really a heart issue. She sounds really greedy to me. Let’s just get what we need for our families and not ruin it for everyone!
In terms of the specific situation mentioned in Collin’s post, I don’t really feel like there’s enough information to judge this “reseller.” I know that some stores will allow you to order items ahead of time if you know there’s going to be a sale and you want a lot of that product. For all we know, this woman has worked out such a deal with the stores. We don’t know what stores are involved in this or what products she is buying. We don’t know what kind of “space” she has rented either. I would guess flea market but it could be a store front or a lawn or a church basement… We also have no idea what her motivation is. This woman could be out of work and trying to make ends meet, she could be an entrepreneur, she could enjoy “sticking” it to everybody else. Who knows?
Generally speaking, I say to each his own. If you want to be an extreme couponer and hoard it, resell it, give it away or if you want to be a regular couponer and stock up or give it to family or not coupon at all or pay full retail prices, that is that individual’s decision. It’s not really my place to judge that decision. If the early bird gets the worm, then so be it.
Who cares? If you’ve ever had a garage sale you have “resold” items. I’ve sold brand new clothes at a garage sale before. What’s the difference? You may make a profit, you may lose money, but either way it doesn’t matter. Sounds like she’s figured out a way to make a profit, who wouldn’t like a little extra money?
Do you have 100 of the same new item of clothing at your garage sale? Obviously, we care a lot because it impacts all of us. Moot point on both counts. Consider caring for your fellow human beings just a little more.
I agree with you Jennifer!!! Who knows maybe people that sell their stockpile are keeping their family off welfare. Again, I have to say again, just because someone sells their stockpile does NOT mean that they cleared a shelf to do it!!! Also everyone assumes that people who sell their stockpile they don’t pay taxes. Who knows??? Years ago I babysat for 1 child. I didn’t make much, but I claimed it every year when we did taxes. I am sure people assumed I didn’t, but they were wrong!!
And look what has happened to couponing in the last few years because of fraud, unethical people, etc, etc,
Coupons have a shorter ex. date, lower value, less of them. Mfg’s not doing Sunday inserts and going to internet coupons, where they can limit the amount printed per computer and can limit the amount in each zip
I predict in a few years Sunday inserts will probably disapear
In all lines of work when it comes to money there will always be some people who commit fraud
We can spend a lot of time moaning and whinging on about other people’s lack of a moral compass but at the end of the day all we really have power over is our own actions
no this is totally not alright. if anything they should be donating to charities that need it.that is just like in cvs .I know everyone there. some lady went in and cleaned out the shelves as soon as an ad came out. not only at mine but other cvs. this is cruel of this person. and they do not tell me what stuff is going on sale. people need to be fair to other shoppers. though cvs does load there sale prices the night before but I seem to forget about it till the next day