Showing posts with label extreme couponing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label extreme couponing. Show all posts
Tuesday
TLC EXTREME COUPONING SCENARIOS: WHY YOU CAN’T DO IT – PART 1 of 3
TLC EXTREME COUPONING SCENARIOS: WHY YOU CAN’T DO IT – PART 1 of 3
EEK!!! With TLC rolling out yet another season, I felt it was time to revisit my posts series on their Extreme Couponing Scenarios and why you CAN’T Do it – This is Part 1 of 3 for all of you that have joined us since my TLC Extreme Couponing rants during their last season 😀
I’ve tried to avoid posting about the TLC Extreme Couponing show because I get so aggrivated and worked up when I try to explain to people that it is a REALITY SHOW but it is NOT REALITY – what they are doing cannot be done 95% of the time.
I could write a huge lengthy post on all the reasons that I have come to loathe the Extreme Couponing TV Show, but rather than fill this post with my opinions, I decided to post a few FACTS for you.
This is POST #1 on Why You Can’t Do It (Wow-I’m usually such an optimist!)
Forget the fact that the shopping trips viewed on the show are all prearranged, approved by stores in advance, edited, clipped and made to get a reaction from viewers.
Forget that I myself, and thousands of other readers of this blog do shop for Free on a regular basis, Legitimately, by stacking coupons and matching up to store sales.
The number one reason I loathe TLC’s Extreme Couponing Show? Because it is deceiving viewers. Misleading the unknowing. People that have never couponed in their life and those that are new to couponing are not made aware of the REALITY that you face when couponing.
The #1 Reality Check – STORE COUPON POLICIES
Those Huge “Hauls” that you see acheived on the show are not the norm. Nor are they allowed in the majority of grocery stores. There are restrictions in most stores as to how many identical coupons are accepted and/or how many coupons or the dollar amount limit for doubling coupons. But don’t take my word for it….Here’s what the stores have to say. These are exerpts taken directly from each Stores Coupon Acceptance Policy
Food Lion:
Customers may not use more than (1) one coupon per item with a maximum of (10) ten coupons for the same item per customer
We reserve the right to limit the quantity of coupons that may be
redeemed in one shopping visit.
Harris Teeter:
Only allows 3 identical coupons doubled per transaction, others at face value
Only accepts 2 identical internet printed coupons per day
Only one coupon allowed on a BOGO sale
Only allowed to purchase 1 of a BOGO sale
Ingles:
No more than 2 identical items are eligible for double coupon savings
will only accept 2 internet coupons per manufacturer product per visit per day
Three (3) coupons doubled with each $10 order.
Six (6) with each $20 order
Nine (9) with each $30 order
Twelve (12) with each $40 order
Fifteen (15) with each $50 order…etc
Lowes Foods:
To ensure product availability for all customers, we limit redemption to 4 coupons for 4 of the same item. For example, if you have five coupons for a specific cereal and have purchased five of the item, we will honor the coupon for up to four of the boxes of cereal
With the purchase of two like manufacturer’s products, we accept two internet coupons per day
“our prevailing guideline is that Lowes Foods reserves the right to limit quantities in coupon usage and product purchases”
Kroger:
will not accept Printable Coupons for more than 75% of a product’s value.
Coupons for $.50 or less will be doubled. Any coupons between $.50 and $1 will be redeemed at $1. Coupons over $1 are redeemed at face value. Some stores only double coupons $.50 or less. Some regions double $.75 coupons to $1.50-this varies.
Price Chopper:
The total of all double coupons cannot exceed 50% of the order after AdvantEdge discounts. Single value will be deducted there after For instance, $100 order – coupons scanned after total deducted by coupons reaches $50 will only deduct face value (not double)
Stop & Shop:
You may double a maximum of 4 identical manufacturers’ coupons. For example: if a customer purchased five boxes of Cheerios and presented 5 manufacturers’ coupons for 50¢, the first four coupons would be doubled to $1. The fifth coupon would only be redeemed for 50¢
Up to an additional 12 identical manufacturers’ coupons/items will be redeemed at face value for a total of 16 identical manufacturers’ coupons
Wegmans:
Only 4 manufacturers’ coupons can be doubled on 4 of the Same Brand product per day
I decided not to continue the list with statements that cover most all other stores like this that haven’t specified a limit:
Meijer:
“We reserve the right to limit quantities”
Shop Rite:
“To help ensure product availability and an efficient checkout experience for all customers, the use of excessive amounts of coupons or multiple identical coupons may be limited at the store manager’s discretion”
I tell my kids all the time not to believe everything they see on TV. And now I’m here to tell all of you. TLC’s Extreme Couponing show is a production that was created-it is NOT the Reality for couponers.
New Couponers, Please don’t be deceived into thinking you’re gonna buy 100 Coupon Inserts (Part 2 of this series is going to tell you another reason that won’t work-as told to us by our local store managers!) and go to the store for a huge haul like you see on the show that you only pay sales tax on.
Friday
TLC EXTREME COUPONING SCENARIOS: WHY YOU CANT DO IT – PART 2
TLC EXTREME COUPONING SCENARIOS – WHY YOU CANT DO IT – PART 2
Ok, so by now, if you read PART 1 of this post series and if you actively keep a check on our facebook page posts, you know that I don’t just dislike the TLC Extreme Couponing Show, I LOATHE it to the depths of my soul! If I were to write a post just sharing my personal feelings and thoughts on the show, I’m sure I could fill pages. But I’ve chosen to stick to The FACTS on why this show aggrivates me.
We are receiving even more daily questions and complaints from New Couponers that are disappointed in their shopping trips with coupons. TLC Extreme Couponing is to blame without question. As I’ve said before, it’s a REALITY show that has NOTHING to do with the Reality of Smart Couponing to Shop for Free and to save money each week in the stores.
The #1 Reality Check – STORE COUPON POLICIES was posted HERE.
And now we’re on to #2…
The #2 Reality Check – GANG CUTTTING & BUYING COUPONS
Huh? What did I just say ? GANG CUT COUPONS Yes, it’s a foreign term to most. I’m going to try to make this couponing rule as simple as possible to understand.
What you saw on the show: Consumers buying coupons from clipping services, ebay., etc. to score 20, 40, 100 + of the same item for Free or extremely discounted.
Why you can’t do it: This also points back to REALITY CHECK #1 – Store Coupon Policies won’t allow this many identical coupons Reality Check #2 – GANG CUT COUPONS NOT ALLOWED and NOT Reimbursed by Manufacturers to the stores.
For instance: There is a $1.00 off X brand product coupon, which goes on sale for $1 so I can get it free. I order 100 of those coupons from a clipping service.
Here are the facts, as explained to me by my local Rite Aid Store Manager. This is an issue that stores and brand manufacturers are very aware of and are now cracking down on even more so.
Those 100 Coupons were cut with a “Paper Cutter” or even scissors or other device so that you have a nice neat stack of perfectly shaped coupons.
X Brand Manufacturer will not reimburse the store for these. If there are more than 5 coupons with the exact same “Cut” ( GANG CUT ) they are not allowed, not reimbursed. For this reason, the stores won’t allow it-even if you did find one that didn’t have a number limit set on identical coupons.
Can you still stockpile and use a larger quantity of the same coupon? Most grocery stores disallow identical coupons beyond a few- most drug stores however do not have limits currently.
Many of you remember my “Dumpster Dive” where I scored 48 of the $1 off Purex Laundry Detergent Coupons. So, how did I do this?
I called my store manager the week they had it on sale and told her I had 48 of those coupons and that I wanted to make sure they had enough InStock for me to stock up. She told me NOT to cut them-to tear them out or to at least cut them individually so they did not match. I wanted to make sure the store would get reimbursed for all 48 coupons. I made my trip and they tool all 48 of my coupons so I was able to stock up on detergent for less than $1 per bottle.
That’s a score and I didn’t have to break any rules or cause the store a LOSS for it.
She also informed me that the “In-Ad Coupons” in the circulars are at risk by couponers that are redeeming/attempting to redeem Gang Cut coupons.
If the store tries to submit a large number of gang cut coupons which are disallowed-that manufacturer/brand will be less likely to sponsor an in ad promotion or will reduce the coupon value of amount of future in ad coupons.
We all suffer for those that try to cheat the system. And there is NO NEED ! You CAN Coupon wisely and within the boundaries set to stockpile, shop for free and/or save your family a large amount of money each week.
If you’re new to couponing, don’t try to learn from the Reality show. It hurts us all in the end.
Print your store Coupon Policy, Have it with you when you shop and know it well
Learn the rules and educate yourself on Coupon Fraud – YES, using a coupon incorrectly IS Fraud
It’s really that simple! Yes, that’s the Real REALITY…you don’t have to break the rules to save just because you saw it on TV!
Sunday
TLC EXTREME COUPONING SCENARIOS-WHY YOU CAN'T DO IT - PART 1
I've tried to avoid posting about TLC's Extreme Couponing show because I get so aggrivated and worked up when I try to explain to people that it is a REALITY SHOW but it is NOT REALITY - what they are doing cannot be done 95% of the time.
I could write a huge lengthy post on all the reasons that I have come to loathe the Extreme Couponing TV Show, but rather than fill this post with my opinions, I decided to post a few FACTS for you.
This is POST #1 on Why You Can't Do It (Wow-I'm usually such an optimist!)
Forget the fact that the shopping trips viewed on the show are all prearranged, approved by stores in advance, edited, clipped and made to get a reaction from viewers.
Forget that I myself, and thousands of other readers of this blog do shop for Free on a regular basis, Legitimately, by stacking coupons and matching up to store sales.
The number one reason I loathe TLC's Extreme Couponing Show? Because it is deceiving viewers. Misleading the unknowing. People that have never couponed in their life and those that are new to couponing are not made aware of the REALITY that you face when couponing.
The #1 Reality Check - STORE COUPON POLICIES
Those Huge "Hauls" that you see acheived on the show are not the norm. Nor are they allowed in the majority of grocery stores. There are restrictions in most stores as to how many identical coupons are accepted and/or how many coupons or the dollar amount limit for doubling coupons. But don't take my word for it....Here's what the stores have to say. These are exerpts taken directly from each Stores Coupon Acceptance Policy
Food Lion:
redeemed in one shopping visit.
Harris Teeter:
Only allowed to purchase 1 of a BOGO sale
Ingles:
Six (6) with each $20 order
Nine (9) with each $30 order
Twelve (12) with each $40 order
Fifteen (15) with each $50 order...etc
Lowes Foods:
Kroger:
Price Chopper:
Stop & Shop:
Wegmans:
I decided not to continue the list with statements that cover most all other stores like this that haven't specified a limit:
Meijer:
Shop Rite:
I tell my kids all the time not to believe everything they see on TV. And now I'm here to tell all of you. TLC's Extreme Couponing show is a production that was created-it is NOT the Reality for couponers.
New Couponers, Please don't be deceived into thinking you're gonna buy 100 Coupon Inserts (Part 2 of this series is going to tell you another reason that won't work-as told to us by our local store managers!) and go to the store for a huge haul like you see on the show that you only pay sales tax on.
More to come...
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FrugalFabulousFinds.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn Little. As a full time Blogger, I do selectively accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.
Tuesday
DUMPSTER DIVING FOR COUPONS-YES I DID-CALL ME CRAZY-SEE MY SCORE!
It wasn't a typical "Dumpster Dive" per say....but I did map out a plan the minute I got my own mail today. I received the $10 off $10 Coupon for JCPenney and also a "SmartMarket" Coupon Insert that featured a $1.00 off any 1 Purex Laundry Detergent and a $1.00 off any 1 Soft Scrub Product.
The $10 off $10 at JCPenney Coupons are a no brainer-all you pay is sales tax for an item $10 or less.
The $1.00 off Purex Laundry Detergent is a rare coupon and this detergent goes on sale often. This week at Rite Aid it is on BOGO FREE Sale for $5.99. 2 of the Coupons in this mailer will make that 2 Purex Laundry Detergents for just $3.99 ($1.99 each). Combine those with any Transaction Coupons such as the $3 off $15 Survey or the Video Values $1 off Transaction Coupons and I'm at my rock bottom stockpile price when split into separate transactions.
So, I knew needed more! And knowing how most people throw out what they consider "junk mail", I knew that the trash cans at the post office would be overflowing with free money for me *SMILES*
There is also nothing but "junk mail" in these trash cans, but I gloved up anyways.
So here's my score....
Total of (11) eleven of the $10 off $10 Coupons for JCPenney = that's $110 FREE Items for me, I'll just pay sales tax.
Total of (45)Forty Five Coupon Inserts with the $1 off Purex and $1 off Soft Scrub Coupons.
Yippeeee!!! I can't wait to hit the stores tomorrow!
So, have you or would you ever consider "Dumpster Diving" for High Value or Rare Coupons ?
Please share with a comment below! Inquiring minds want to know!
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Many Freebies & Deals expire so quickly, we post them on Facebook - CLICK HERE to see what you've been missing!
FrugalFabulousFinds.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn Little. As a full time Blogger, I do selectively accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.
Sunday
COUPON FRAUD-FRAUDULENT COUPONS+USING COUPONS FRAUDULENTLY-EDUCATE YOURSELF!
There are so many fraudulent coupons floating around right now, as well as talks of using coupons Fraudulently , so I thought I'd repost this post to clarifly both of these situations! I feel very strongly that if you are couponer or even just beginning to use coupons, it is our duty to be educated about this.
If you are going to coupon, which is the equivalent of Making Extra Money for your family, then you should take it that seriously and "Be armed" with knowledge...in other words, KNOW YOUR TRADE ! It's like working a job and getting paid to do it, but not knowing the rules? That would be absurd!
So, here we go. If you are serious about couponing to save at least $50-100 per week, it's a MUST.
First up is to know that You CANNOT Copy coupons! It enrages me every time I see someone on Facebook posting that they got 10 coupons because they copied them (and those comments are daily across the blogosphere!). THIS IS FRAUD. Each individual coupon is verifiable through www.veri-fi.com for ONE TIME USE. The coupon format, barcode and scan numbers are coded with the information that tells the retailer, manufacturer and/or coupon verification software what I.P. address was used (your location) and is traceable directly back to you. So if you make copies, once they are used and then returned as invalid, it can be traced to you having made illegal copies. You can and will be prosecuted for Coupon Fraud. Penalties for those convicted of coupon fraud related crimes vary by each case and the number of laws violated.Here's the breakdown on that:
OK, that's for the obvious, that you should definately know is a "NO, NO" in the coupon rulebook. I hope that we don't have anyone here that is doing this. It is the reason behind all of the problems we have at the register and all of the suspicions behind internet printable coupons. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!!
Next big mistake/rule breaker is using a coupon for an item other than what the coupon states. We've seen this done lately on the TLC Extreme Couponing series. Sure, you might get away with it, but say I use a $1 off Tide 50oz on a Tide 30oz. The retailer/store WILL NOT get reimbursed for that coupon, which results in higher store prices for us, as well as even more in depth scrutiny over using coupons at the register.
Here are more examples of fraudulent misuse of coupons:
OK, next up and one of the next best things to know is that the P&G Brand Name, which consists of many brands we know & use, DOES NOT ever issue or authorize Internet Printable Coupons. So, if you receive a link to a coupon to print for a Proctor & Gamble Brand Product, it is fraudulent without a doubt. You can only receive their coupons via mail, product packaging, etc. NEVER INTERNET PRINTABLES. More info Here
Finally, visiting the online authority on COUPON FRAUD will give you a more in depth look at what retail stores are facing with Coupon Fraud. It is a shame and it makes it worse on all of us that are using coupons legitimately to save our families money. View THIS LIST for all the current Fraudulent Coupons that are floating around, and make sure you don't have any of these. There are rewards on some of them if you should find one, report it.
I hope these tidbits at least make you stop and think about the responsibility of using coupons legitimately. As you can see through my weekly (sometimes daily) posts here and on Facebook, using coupons the way they were intended can and does save serious money and result in many freebies...just make sure you know what you can/cannot do. Knowledge is power!
Never Miss a Deal! Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter
FrugalFabulousFinds.com is a personal blog written and edited by Wendy Kohn Little. As a full time Blogger, I do selectively accept various forms of compensations such as cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions and/or products and other forms of compensation and incentives from companies and organizations. Compensation will never influence the content or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. As the owner of this blog, I am sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I may receive compensation for posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own and will NEVER be influenced by any form of compensation.
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