SHARK BITES – Extreme Couponing Backlash
Since the debut of ‘Extreme Couponing’ on TLC in 2010, the couponing society has seen a severe fluctuation in store policy changes, reduction in coupon value offerings, and even blatant disrespect from store employees. Needless to say, innocent people using coupons are affected somehow.
Retailers aren’t taking this couponing controversy too lightly either. There was a time when you could use a coupon that had a $1.00 value off of one item. Now, the value may is worth $1.00 off of 2 (or three items). This may become a win for the manufacturer’s out there, as they aren’t losing as much money as once before. Don’t get me wrong… as there are coupons with a $1.00 value off of one item. However, it seems like they come far and few nowadays.
So, how do we as consumers adjust to the decrease values and limited quantity amounts? It seems we’re still trying to figure it out. Rules and policies change all the time. 🙁
Shelf Clearers
Not all couponer’s are extreme couponer’s. Don’t you just hate it when you’re all set to go to grab a great deal or two, only to get to the store and find out all the items are gone?! For instance, when you shop at a store that is open 24 hours a day and their sale begins at 10pm or midnight… you better believe there are die hard couponer’s out and about waiting for the clock to strike on that hour. Meanwhile, you are nestled comfortably under the comforter waiting for the next day to begin when the sun comes up for your shopping experience. Now, that you have arrived to your designated store, you find out everything you wanted to get the “best deal” for your money can’t happen. Of course, you can ask for a raincheck for that sale price/item. However, that doesn’t mean you will get any ‘incentive” attached to it (like Extra Bucks from CVS for instance). It all just depends on what store it is and what their policies are regarding rainchecks. It just sucks when you have coupons and can’t use them, because by the time the raincheck is used… they will have expired.
Now, we all know items are first come first served. But, is it necessary to clear out an item just so you can have brag rights? The stores may only stock/re-stock once a week. I just wish stores that have popular item sales, have plenty in stock. Especially since the high demand. After all… they’ll be making money… even when coupons are used.
Is Double Couponing Obsolete?
Double couponing has been on the decline for some time now. Not all grocery stores honor this awesome deal. For instance, I know a lot of my followers miss Kroger’s double coupon policy. So, if you’re lucky to still have a store in your area that has double coupon promotions, you are very lucky!
A Steals a Steal
Newspaper inserts are getting stolen out of the newspaper vending machines. Have you found your Sunday paper subscription missing? Even the coupon dispensers in store aisles are being taken for granted. Shoppers pull several coupons out of the dispenser, if not all. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people that will do anything to get several inserts/coupons for their stockpile by any means necessary.
Stack Attack!
Since store policies have changed drastically, stacking coupons have been a bit harder to do. Target is a great store to stack coupons (manufacturer, Target store and Target Cartwheel for instance). However, there are a multitude of stores that have cancelled out this type of activity and limit the amount of same like coupons per transaction.
Stores Reserve the Right…
At the end of the day… coupons aren’t going anywhere thank goodness! However, stores do reserve the right to limit quantities of items purchased. Therefore, coupons may not make a huge impact like we’d overall want the outcome to be. Again, it really depends on a retailer’s store policy. It is up to us “the consumer” to “know” the store policies of those you shop at. I recommend printing new copies at the end of each month when you are going through your coupon binder and getting rid of an expired coupons.
Abide the Rules
Couponing can be of great savings and great fun. I mean… who doesn’t like to save right? I encourage you to keep at it and follow all rules necessary to get the best savings possible. The backlash from extreme couponing doesn’t mean the end all, if we consciously follow the rules.
I wish you all continued success in your shopping endeavors! 🙂
And remember…“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
