Cutting out coupons might seem old school, but everyone likes to save cash, right? Coupons can be used for saving money on food, clothing, etc. Using coupons can help you save a lot of money. These are some great tips on how to save with coupons.
One of the best deals you can obtain through coupons is using them whenever there are “Buy one item, get one free” specials. You get the bonus item for nothing, and you also get a cheaper price on the item you bought to get the freebie. The savings can be so good you might have to do it again while the opportunity is still there.
Acquire copies of the couponing policies at the stores you frequent, and keep them in your coupon binder on each shopping trip. Having this policies in writing can help to clear up any misunderstandings at the register quickly. Many stores make their policies regarding coupons available on their web sites.
Try using competitor coupons at your local grocery store. Many grocery stores will honor competitor coupons to garner your business. This technique will not only save time, but it will also save money on the gas you would spend driving to multiple stores. If you do not know if your grocer honors competitor coupons, simply ask the store manager for a copy of their coupon policy.
When grocery shopping with a lot of coupons, don’t visit the store at peak hours. This frustrates not only those waiting behind you in line, but extra-busy cashiers and baggers, as well. You are less likely to inconvenience other shoppers or the store staff during slower times, like weekday mornings.
Always keep a copy of the store’s policy with you. If you run into trouble and are told that you can’t make a certain transaction, simply get out the policy and go through it with the employee. Make sure that you don’t lose your temper, either. The only way you will get the situation resolved is if you remain patient and kind.
Target the smaller sizes on the grocery shelf to maximize your coupon. The reduction in size also carries a reduction in initial price. When you reduce your unit cost, you save more in the long run. This will let you control your usage of products better overall as well.
If you arrive at a store, and they are out of a sales item, ask for a rain check! This is one of the least utilized coupon secrets out there. Most grocery chains will offer rain checks for items that have been advertised. This will allow you to come back and purchase items at the sales price when the store receives more stock.
Keep your eyes peeled for peelies! When wandering through your local store, be on the lookout for coupons stuck to the outside of products or hanging around the necks of bottles. These are called peelies and hangtags in coupon lingo, and can save you big bucks! Also look for coupon dispensers in aisles to save even more.
Make sure you use the coupons you have in conjunction with a store that has good sales. Check the store’s weekly flyer before going there. No matter what coupons you use, if the store does not have good sales, you are not getting the best deal possible. If one store does not have good sales, check another store.
You may be surprised to learn how much money you can save by building a stockpile of the items you use most with your coupons. Buying items in large quantities might seem wasteful or even burdensome at the time of the sale. However, when you crunch the numbers, you will see just how much you can save.
Never throw away old coupons that are past their expiration date. Ask the manager of your local store if you can still use them. You will learn that many stores will often still accept the expired coupons.
Look up the manufacturer’s website if you’re interested in coupons for prescription drugs. Medication is really expensive, and sometimes the manufacturers will offer some relief in the form of coupons. Keep your eyes peeled for these valuable coupons. If no coupons are offered, there may be loyalty programs you can join that will offer certain discounts.
Only use coupons on items that are on sale. You can get the most out of your money this way. If an item is not on sale and you buy it just because you have a coupon, you could be wasting money. Hold on to your coupons until the next week when sales change and the item you want is on sale.
You may know to subscribe to the Sunday paper; however, you should also subscribe to magazines that offer coupons. Check online for circulars that are popular within the couponing community. Often, these magazines will have garnered great coupons that are hard to find, if not impossible to find, anywhere else.
Join a coupon group or start one with family and friends. If you know someone who also collects coupons, you two can trade coupons based on your individual preferences.
If you have a great coupon find, use several copies of it and buy in bulk. This only works for things that are not perishable which you can stock up on, or for items that you can freeze for later use. By stocking up, you will increase your savings and help your family’s budget.
Do what it takes to break anyone in your household of brand loyalty. Being emotionally attached to one particular brand of any product is going to really restrict your couponing opportunities on that kind of item. You need to be flexible and willing to stock up on months’ worth of a name or alternate brand when the deal strikes.
Now that you’ve read the above article, you should understand that using coupons is an excellent money-saving idea. Start using the strategies you have found here, and see what kind of discounts you can obtain. Use these tips to become a coupon expert.
