I recently stumbled upon Coupon Information Center’s guidelines for considerate couponing. They take what we’ve talked about in times past, regarding ethical couponing, a step further. Their purpose is “to provide straightforward information from the coupon industry experts about some of the most controversial practices associated with coupons, as discussed on the “blogosphere” and in the media.” (CIC)
I plan to point new Pocket Your Dollars’ readers to these guidelines when questions arise about whether this behavior or that behavior is acceptable.
There are two particular guidelines I want to comment on:
Buying coupons. When I launched Pocket Your Dollars I did not realize that coupons are not to be bought or sold. As a result, I mentioned coupon clipping services and talked about buying multiple copies of coupons. I can’t remember when or how exactly, but at some point I realized that manufacturers don’t want their coupons bought and sold, per the fine print, and advocating that was advocating that people break the rules. Since then we have not promoted coupon clipping services and won’t again.
Multiple transactions. I often buy my groceries in two separate transactions at a local grocery store so that more of my coupons can be doubled (they have a per transaction limit to the number of coupons that can be doubled). I have a friend who refuses to do that as she feels like it is an attempt to game the system at this grocery store. She says that if they wanted me to double more coupons, then they’d extend the limit.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about her perspective, but have not changed my behavior for one reason. Long ago I spoke with the store manager at the particular store where I shop using multiple transactions. I asked the manager, point blank, if she approved of customers (me included) purchasing groceries in multiple orders to have more coupons doubled. She told me that it was fine. As a result, I have felt comfortable with my behavior. However, I know that the store has a new manager and I plan to have a similar conversation with him. If he expresses a preference that customers only buy groceries in one transaction, then I’ll oblige.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts and reactions to these guidelines. Our community welcomes every opinion, so please share whether you agree or disagree – please just be respectful as you do share your thoughts.
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The following is reprinted in full from Coupon Information Corporation:
The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC), manufacturers, retailers, and the more than 10,000 people employed by the coupon industry want you to use coupons.
Coupons save you money. They help manufacturers and retailers introduce you to new products and reacquaint you with your favorite brands. If used properly, everyone benefits from coupons.
The CIC also encourages smart shoppers to take advantage of every available, legitimate tool to maximize their savings. It’s a win-win situation for everyone when a consumer can purchase a product on sale, use a coupon and obtain even more savings by participating in a rebate/refund program.
It is important, however, that consumers follow the rules when enjoying the great savings available with coupons. Most of the time, there are clear rules for using coupons. However, there are a few gray areas where the rules are less than clear or false information on the Internet has caused confusion. What’s a couponer to do?
If you are reading this, you’re probably doing most things right already! Most people make an honest, reasonable effort to follow the rules. However, due to confusion and repeated consumer inquiries, CIC has compiled the following list of rules and suggested coupon etiquette.
The Basics
1. Store Acceptance. While most stores will gladly accept your coupons, they are under no legal obligation to do so. Indeed, when stores accept coupons, they are assuming the risk of the value of the coupons, plus their handling costs. Stores that have been victimized by coupon counterfeiters may be reluctant to accept certain kinds of coupons.
2. Knowledge. Knowledge is power. Please read the terms & conditions and check the expiration dates on your coupons before going to the store. Many stores publish their coupon acceptance policies on their websites. This small effort will reduce the chance of any delay at the checkout and will make you a more confident shopper.
3. Expiration Dates. Please don’t try to use expired coupons. No, you won’t be arrested if you do, but your store very well may not be paid when it accepts expired coupons. Cutting the expiration dates off to try to sneak them through is dishonest and will likely further decrease the chance the store will be paid for the coupons.
4. Overage. Overage occurs when the value of a coupon exceeds the retail price for the pertinent product at the store where you’re shopping. Policies on overage vary by retailer and manufacturer, but you should understand that the intent of most coupons is to cover up to only the actual price of the product. Coupons are for “cents off” the price of the product. Overage is an unusual situation and you should not expect to receive cash back on the purchase of a product.
Strictly prohibited
Please don’t do any of the following activities. The penalties, criminal or civil, can be severe.
1. Photocopies. Do not photocopy coupons. This is counterfeiting and is a criminal offense.
2. Coupon Decoding. Each coupon is a contract and should be used only for the item described in writing on the coupon itself. Using a coupon for any product other than the one intended is a type of fraud similar to shoplifting.
3. Buying coupons. When a person buys coupons, they may be inadvertently purchasing stolen property or counterfeit coupons. Even if there is not a direct criminal penalty involved, both coupon buyers and sellers open the door to potential litigation when they buy or sell coupons because they are in violation of the “nontransferability” clause printed on all coupons distributed within theUnited States. The transfer makes a coupon void. Coupon sellers often include legal disclaimers stating that they are selling their time, a service, or even envelopes that just happen to contain coupons instead of the coupons themselves. Such statements are invalid and do not offer any legal protection. Rather, such statements suggest that the sellers know that their coupon sales are inappropriate and wrong.
4. Stealing newspapers. This is theft, whether it is for personal use, resale, to supply an organized criminal enterprise, or any other reason, and can result in felony charges. In addition to the criminal penalties, the theft of newspapers often causes harm to hard working, small entrepreneurs who operate on very thin profit margins—usually a few pennies per newspaper. The theft of even a small number of papers may have a strong impact on their financial picture as consumers, no longer confident that they will receive the contents of their newspapers, will cancel their subscriptions or avoid certain newspaper boxes.
Buying “extra” coupons from your newspaper carrier or some other newspaper employee is probably a violation of the carrier’s employment agreement and/or contractual agreements with his/her supplier and can result in termination.
5. Reselling Stockpiles. Coupons are intended to give individual consumers a good deal, not provide a method for people to set up unauthorized grocery stores or flea markets in their garages, basements or backyards. Such sales usually violate the terms and conditions of the coupons themselves and may be in violation of local health codes. As a consumer, do you really want to buy a product that has been stored in a stranger’s basement for weeks, months or even years?
Controversial
1. Dumpster diving. If the dumpster is on private land, the “diver” can be arrested for trespassing. If the materials retrieved from the dumpster are meant for recycling, the “diver” can be arrested for theft. Dumpsters are not generally designed with “divers” in mind, and persons can fall in, get trapped, or suffer personal injuries if they venture into these containers. The CIC, for reasons of safety, strongly recommends that no one enter into dumpsters.
Etiquette
Please note that these are merely suggestions and are neither rules nor legal issues. They can, however, help make your couponing and shopping experiences more enjoyable.
1. Cashiers. Please be polite to your cashier and to other store employees. Imagine yourself in their shoes before getting overly critical. Yes, sometimes mistakes will happen. When they do, politely point out the error and help resolve the problem for yourself and for the shoppers who will follow you.
2. Shelf-Clearing. Coupons are intended to provide a large number of consumers with a discount. They are not intended to provide a few individuals with the opportunity to strip the shelves of more product than they will ever reasonably need. The number of stores placing limits on the number of coupons an individual can use in a shopping trip is increasing because of a small number of individuals who will clear a store of all their stock. You shouldn’t try to exceed these limitations.
Please be considerate when shopping at stores that don’t currently have any coupon related limitations. Buy what you need for your personal use, including enough for future use, but please leave product for other shoppers to buy.
3. Coupons in the store. Please do not take every on-pack, peelie, blinky, or tear pad coupon you find. Just take what is appropriate for your personal needs and leave the rest for other shoppers. Taking an entire tear pad is inconsiderate to other couponers. Do not take a peelie off a product unless you intend to purchase that product.
4. Multiple transactions. From time to time, some people may want to divide their purchases into multiple transactions. This is a courtesy that many stores provide and very helpful when picking up a few items for your friends or items needed for work or similar situations. However, buying a massive amount of product in one shopping trip, and then breaking up the “sale” into multiple transactions to use extra coupons or obtain extra discounts is simply bending the rules and is inappropriate.
5. Organization. Please be organized. Don’t keep the cashier or other customers waiting too long as you sort through your stack of coupons. This saves you time as well.
6. Off-peak hours. If you are a very heavy couponer, please consider shopping during off-peak hours. Again, you don’t have to do this, but it makes it easier for everyone.
7. Set an example. Most couponers are simply smart shoppers who know a great deal when they see it. Unfortunately, the inappropriate actions of a few extreme couponers inaccurately portray couponers in a bad light. Try to raise the bar by following the rules, and being a courteous shopper.
About Carrie Rocha
I agree with most of this. I have often held that buying a product, just because it makes you money or somehow benefits you even if you donate it is not being fair to other shoppers. There are many who can not go to that food shelf you donated to that can use that item. Just this week there was something on sale at CVS without limits. I asked before i bought six of them, just because it’s something we use often and at 6 I am only getting ahead by a month or two. However, when I did it I made sure they had more in hte back and I was not clearing their shelf.
I know what you mean. There was an newspaper article a couple years ago, about a woman who was going around buying all the winter coats she could find at garage sales, can’t remember where she planned to donate them. Well, I hoping to buy winter coats for my kids at garage sales. So it struck me, that the good she was doing, was possibly making it harder for me.
I have hit a phase in my level of couponing (and our household needs) that the ‘real’ deals are the ones we can use in our household. I still get the superdeals and donate them when appropriate. For me, its limited by the newspaper coupons.
I agree with Shannon. I do not consider buying Depends just because they can make me money (just as an example) and will not be able to use for my family. There might be another family that was planning on making money on something they actually will put to use. Donating does not justify taking away that opportunity for someone else to me.
Saw an instance last Saturday of considerable “inconsiderate” couponing. Rainbow Foods ran their $1.98 Gold N Plump Thighs and Drumsticks special. Combining the $1 ($2 doubled) coupon from an October insert brought the net price to $0. Given Double Double Daze promotion — a very small group managed to wipe out the entire inventory of that special within the first 30 minutes of that stores’ inventory when it opened early Saturday a.m.
I saw that as well (at the Lakeville location). There were several people stacking 10, 20, etc. in their carts. I managed to get one before they were all gone.
I got there late last Saturday and there were none left. We asked if there were anymore in the back and we were told by the meat department to go and get a rain check, which we did. I pick my “free” chicken up today while shopping. I am not saying what those other shoppers did was right by any means, but there is still a way to get the product that you need, at the sale price. Inconvenient, but still doable.
I had a rain check from last week too. Since this Saturday was double double too (10 coupons doubled) it really wasn’t a problem for me. I didn’t “need” the ckicken last week.
This is what bugs me the most about my fellow couponers…..
Coupons are intended to provide a large number of consumers with a discount. They are not intended to provide a few individuals with the opportunity to strip the shelves of more product than they will ever reasonably need. The number of stores placing limits on the number of coupons an individual can use in a shopping trip is increasing because of a small number of individuals who will clear a store of all their stock!
Wouldn’t it be nice than if stores would have a per person limit on coupons/items?
If Rainbow wants to prevent one person from getting 10 packs of free chicken they should institute a limit policy.
I agree Andy. That would be an easy fix. I see limits printed on some of their store Qs, but maybe they need to always set limits on all of the weekly ad specials.
maybe they don’t care I started trying to go to rainbow and all their deals were gone so I don’t go it isn’t worth my time, gas and effort. Vote with my dollar!
I usually end up with rein checks at my local grocery store & at times it is frustrating. I also understand everyone has different needs. I know grocery stores are frustrated by the clearing of shelves no matter how much they stock them.
One thing not mentioned but please if you use the drivable carts are the store beconsiderate of others that require the carts & plug in when done other help to recharge them for the next person. I know the first 3-4 hours they are used from time store opens & I wait to go in as I need one to do my shopping. I have one on loan at home from the MDA but don’t currently have a ramp. Please be considerate of others needing them.
Thanks Carrie
Sorry about the long post above.
I absolutely think multiple transactions are unethical. For example, why would Rainbow have a 5 coupon limit if that’s not want they meant? So now, other shoppers have to wait in line while a shopper goes through multiple transctions to scam the system. A policy that says you can double 5 coupons means that – 5 doubled coupons.
I agree with Carrie, if you manager is fine with it (like mine is, too), then it is fine. My Roundy’s store has set up a “multiple transactions only” lane before on double coupon day. That to me says they actually expect that people will do multiple transactions. The limit isn’t to double only 5 coupons, but to double only 5 per $25. So if I am going to spend $100 anyway, I can split it up into 4 transactions of $25 each to double more coupons. It is not scamming the system. If they wanted it to be a 5 coupon limit, they could say that they would only double 5 coupons per $25 PER DAY. Then I would definitely abide by that (though I may not shop there anymore if I saw a major difference in my savings!).
I always try to be considerate of other shoppers and have let others in front of me on countless occasions, even if my stuff is already unloaded on the belt.
I also agree with Carrie and I’ve talked with the manager at the Rainbow where I shop and I also check with the cashier before I start. I have had some comment that those of us doing multiple transactions are often more organized and take less time (even with the coupons) than others take with one large purchase.
I have also done it before where I make a purchase, take those items to my car and then come back in and do a second transaction. I do try very had to be sensitive to the cashier and other shoppers but I agree -if they wanted to limit it they would need to say that there was a limit per customer -and truthfully, that might be difficult to enforce.
I don’t think multiple transaction are ever ok. Even if your manager is ok with it. It’s a corporate policy. Not just for that paticular store in the first place. Just because the manager is willing to “ignore” a corporate policy that is in place for a REASON… doesn’t make him/her or the multiple transaction person right.
Corp. sets these rules for a reason. Him not following them could very well get him fired. Ive worked for fortune 500 places my whole life and so has my husband. Some of the rules we’d love to bend but usually there is a very good logical reason for it. If I bent something because I liked a customer I could quite possibly be putting my job in jepordy. Sure you may say that’s their decission to do it but you know the policy and you still violate it… and with his full knowledge. You would be just as at fault in my opinion if he lost his job.
That’s just my 2 cents though.
A comment on multiple transactions — I am about 40 miles east of Woodbury. I plan my shopping so I go once for the week. For me, Rainbow on double day, would be the only time I would do multiple trans. It hasn’t come up in a while, though.
I do go at an off-peak time, have my coupons ready, make my best guess with best check out lanes. I will do 2 transactions in a row, take the stuff to the car, and then do more, up to two at a time.
I have to weigh the cost of gas to get there, and the savings I’ll see.
I agree–and if you have to bring kids along, it’s much easier to do your shopping in one day than to spread it out over several weeks. When I plan on multiple transactions, I do it during non-peak hours and let people ahead of me between transactions. I also do not exceed 3 transactions at the absolute most (I do 2 at the most at Rainbow but then one is mine which I ring up and the other is a family member’s which they ring up). Some cashiers will suggest multiple transactions and if the store is okay with bending their own rules which the store sets, then I do not see anything wrong with it either.
On multp transactions: I do this often (not a rainbow & none of the stores I shop double/have coupon limits). I do multp. transactions because I have always driven anywhere from 25miles-1 1/2 hrs away to do my shopping. So ‘stopping by tomorrow’ to do a little more shopping isn’t even possible. Also, a lot of families track their spending differently, have a business, dependent care/taxes to account for that is much easier when certain items are seperated. Also, if I’m doing ‘deals’ that generate gift cards/RR/ECB etc I don’t want my oop high only to sit on a pile of those til next time. I have always asked the cashier if they’re ok with several transactions, allowed others to go ahead of me, gone at non-peak times (as much as possible), and have my coupons organized in order as well.
I have never “cleared” a shelf, but I do get many of the same item sometimes. I just want everyone to know that I’m not out there to “clear” a shelf because I can. I get many items because I am feeding 10 people and sometimes there are weeks when we have no money for shopping, so we eat off our supply.
I just wanted to let you all know that while some people get so much that it’s almost hoarding, I’m not trying to not leave anything for others, I’m just trying to feed my family.
I think the show Extremem Couponing has thrown people off when it comes to couponing. I enjoy the show b/c it encourages me to pay closer attention to sales and coupons. On the show, the people tend to buy a large amount of one item and sometimes they order the product in advance to keep from clearing the shelf. For show purposes, they try to get as much as possible when in reality, all of their shopping trips are not like that.
Coupon clipping services are not actuallly “selling” the coupons. They are paid for their services. It would be like paying someone to come into your home and clip the coupons out of your paper for you. If these companies were illegal, I would think someone would put a stop to it. I believe you should only buy what you need to last you until the next sale. These things should also only be things that you use all the time. Don’t buy 10 bottles of mustard when you know there is no way you are going to use it all before it goes on sale again or before it expires. Couponing for what you need is the way to go, not create a “stock pile” that takes over your home.
Sorry – have to disagree with “only use 5 coupons” at Rainbow. I have checked with their customer service several times just to be sure and every time they have said that it is perfectly okay to do multiple transactions (up to 7 of them – store policy). That is straight from Rainbow’s headquarters. Further more, they said that when there are store coupons for an item that say “limit 1″, you can put one of those items in each of your transactions. If this is their store policy, then why would anyone think it is “unethical” to do otherwise? We should ALL follow the rules, but not make up rules for others that simply do not exist. The ladies at customer service have said that it would be sooo much easier for us as customers and for them as employees, if they would change their computer system to allow 10 coupons for $50 spent, 15 coupons for $75 dollars spent, etc. rather than having to break it up into several transactions, but for now, that’s the way it is set up.
I agree with this. I think the reason for only doubling 5 coupons (or 10 on special days) is because of the $ amount limit (Rainbow wants to continue making money). I don’t think they care if you do more than 1 transaction because you’re still spending money.
I agree also. And I believe the limit of 7 is for fuel perks on your Rainbow card, as I have done more than 7 on the advice of the store manager when I called about a sale item we needed for a big event I was running. The store had a limit of 4 on that item and when I called and talked to him about it he said I could come in and get as many as I needed and they would just ring it up in separate transactions and the Customer Service person told me that the limit of 7 is for the fuel perks. From Rainbow’s perspective, I am sure they would rather have you come in and do 7 transactions at their store rather than do 1 at Rainbow and take the rest of your grocery shopping dollars elsewhere. So, unless the store manager has changed his mind since I talked to him in May, I believe Carrie is going to hear from him that multiple transactions are absolutely acceptable!
I just want to mention that most store coupons (in coupon books or in the weekly ad) usually say “one coupon per family”, so to use two or more store coupons, even if it’s in two transactions, I personally see as being wrong.
SHELF CLEARING…here’s my thought – It seems a little obtuse to think that all shelf clearing is bad or greedy. Now before you prejudge my comment please keep reading. Buying 5 (and we’ll say for agruments sake this is a food item AND 5 will get you through to the next sales cycle i.e. getting what you need and not what you don’t) of the same item isn’t so bad when there’s 30, 40 or more out. However, buying 5 when it’s the last 5 and someone sees you, garners the snarks and stares of begrudging other couponers. SOMEBODY HAS TO TAKE THE LAST ONES! I had this happen just this morning at Rainbow…I went in, the lady before me was going to take all of them, seen me, put some back, and I was left to take the rest (which wasn’t much), I took the remainders (which was less then what I needed) and wouldn’t you know it, someone came in right behind me and started ranting about me taking the rest. I guess my overall point is, you DONT know what someone before you did (or didn’t do) and you certainly have no idea as to what each persons needs are ; A family of ten has a much bigger need then a family of three. SO before you go huffing and puffing at someone in the grocery store, be mindful that you DONT KNOW EVERYTHING, and even if you see someones cart full of what you want, also be mindful that what is a lot to your family of 3, is very little to a family of 10! ~ my 2 cents
Amen Marie, I often hear comments like that as well. I not only feed my family but provide 2 meals and 1-2 snacks each day for my small daycare. When I go into the store and there is only 3 of an item and I put them in my cart, I am by no means “clearing the shelf”.
I second that Marie! My husband’s comment about shelf clearing actually put it into perspective for me. When they had a shelf clearer on the Extreme Couponing show and they were saying that people really dislike that “practice” he said “If there is only a few left of something is no one supposed to be allowed to take it?” I had to chuckle because that is what I have always thought when people rant and rave about shelf clearing. My thought on it has always been that you have to look at the fact that the store knows when their products are going on sale and if they are not prepared with enough stock, don’t blame the shoppers that are trying to feed their families for taking advantage of that sale. I just don’t know why everyone gets so bent out of shape about it when you can just get a raincheck and come back next week when the shelf is fully stocked!!!
Very well put, I agree. That would not be shelf clearing, I have taken the last two of a product before and I know the feeling.
Amen, we are a family of 6 and they are big eaters! so I buy quantity of everything.
yeah if you watch that show on TLC they no longer mention buying coupons from websites. there was a lady who had 260 tic tacs coupons and they never said how she got all those. the most i have ever bought is 7 star tribunes but it was that week last year when they had pampers wipes$1 off, $4 off gillette razors, and the free fruitista at taco bell no purchase necessary
I was at Rainbow early last week and when we went to get our free chicken it was empty. I simply asked if they had anymore and they said yeah a lot…they just dont put it all out at once. They bring it out as it empties. I did see a lady with a cart full of something in boxes that appeared to be frozen so its possible I guess that they ran out?!? Im not defending these people who take more than what is reasonable. Im just simply saying that asking instead of assuming that the store is out of something helps.
I also do multiple transactions but not more than 2, on occasion i’ve done 3 if its simple. Im torn about the 10 or 5 limit doubled coupons. If the store really wanted you to not double more than why would they even allow one person to do more than one transaction? They limit how many of something you can buy per family or per person with their store specific Rainbow coupons?! They could simply say no and they do. It’s stated on their coupon and the cashiers point it out. Anyway, I’d think they’d lose more than they’d gain. The more you spend at their store the more they make. They get reimbursed for the manufacturer coupons its not like the store takes a hit dollar-wise. And i’ve never cleared a shelf. If you choose to do it, so be it I guess. But im not comfortable wiping out the entire stock,,,,unless i take the last 2 or 3!
I have my husband go to Rainbow with me when I have more than 5 coupons that I want to use. I rarely have duplicate coupons, so we are simply breaking our long list and high value coupons into two transactions. I’m sure he would prefer not to go with – so if it is Rainbow policy to allow up to 7, then he’ll be happy to know this!
I have run into instances however, when I used my Roundy’s card on Wednesday with 5 coupons; again on Saturday with 5 coupons, and with my hubby on the same Saturday with 5 coupons and it would not allow doubling. I would love to know if folks doing multiples are also using the Roundy’s card.
My understanding is you have to use a Roundy’s card in order for your coupons to double (and to get the sale price, so I’m not sure why you wouldn’t use it). I have also been told by Roundy’s management that the limit per week is 7 transactions. Sometimes if a coupon doesn’t double, the cashier has to manually push it through (after she/he checks to make sure all is legit, of course).
I didn’t have a Roundy’s card for the first year I lived by Rainbow. My coupons always doubled. I got one over the summer though so maybe it’s changed?
I inadvertently forgot to use my Roundy’s card last week on my first transaction and all my coupons doubled, so I think the fuel perks are the only thing linked to the “7 transaction rule”. I have recently (within the last month) used my card for 7 transactions and done 2 or 3 more and had my coupons all double.
Jennifer – Correct, you do NOT need your Roundy’s card in order for your coupons to double. Fuel Perks IS tied to your card and there IS a limit to the number of transactions you can do in a day that will generate Fuel Perks for you.
“Unfortunately, the inappropriate actions of a few extreme couponers inaccurately portray couponers in a bad light. Try to raise the bar by following the rules, and being a courteous shopper.”
As with most things in life, if we all followed the Golden Rule, the world would be a much nicer place!
It’s amazing how far a smile can go :) Happy Couponing everyone! :D
:)
I have done 7 transactions several times – with my “Rainbow” card. It has always allowed me to do the 7 transactions. THAT IS THE STORE’S POLICY. I have never had a problem. I go when it is not busy and am VERY organized. Some stores ask that you not do more than 2 transactions at a time so I either do two and get in line again or have other family members with me and each person does 2 transactions. NEVER had a problem, am always polite and courteous and rarely take more than 2 of any item (unless my neighbor has given me coupons she does not want and then I may have opportunity to purchase 3 of something).
Thanks, Carrie, for these reminders. I do think you are most likely singing to the choir, though. I’m not confident that those who justify hoarding practices will change.
I agree that 7 transactions at Rainbow is fine, since their loyalty card allows benefits up to that number of transactions. I posted this on Facebook last week, but I have to add that I personally gave up doing Rainbow deals because of the low success to my time ratio. Instead I concentrate my efforts on buying high quality foods, making things as often as I can and focus on Target and Walgreen’s for consistent savings with sale prices, manufacturer’s coupon plus store coupon. Rainbow double couponing has been ruined for me by those who clear the shelves by buying unreasonable multiple items(varies by product, obviously). And it add insult to injury to justify hoarding with the “donation” excuse. I should add that I deal with a chronic condition that requires me to really think out where and when I shop, so a low success ratio means I just can’t be wasting my time at that store. Carrie, your blog really helps me with that. Thanks!!
Well said Theresa!
One thing we need to keep in mind when shopping for our families is not getting sucked into buying products simply because they are new or on a good sale and that are promoted heavily with coupons. It is important to also assess the quality of the foods that we feed our families. A great deal on a product that has a long list of unpronounceable ingredients may not be a very good deal at all in the long run. There are lots of low priced less processed foods that just take a bit more prep time or a bit more imagination to turn into a satisfying meal. If the nutritional quality of items were compared it might be surprising to see how little many popular food items are actually worth.
I too get frustrated shopping at Rainbow on double days- I try to get some of the deals, but those items with the best savings are often gone, but since Rainbow allows 7 transactions then I don’t see a problem with shoppers doing multiple transactions. I don’t have a lot of time to sort through coupons and store hop, so I do what I can and am (usually) satisfied with my purchases and am grateful for whatever I can save. And if I see someone with a cart full of what I wanted to buy I just feel good for their good fortune, (and make sure I remember to get my rain checks).
I had not been to Rainbow for several weeks and finally did a shop on a recent Saturday and had everything organized and lined up, but didn’t realize it was not a double double day (lol didn’t check this site or the flyer), and when I checked out and told the cashier I had 2 transactions he asked do you know this is not a double double day and did I still want to check out? I was stunned but I said go ahead as I’d already put in a lot of effort and needed those groceries (and unfortunately used up some valuable coupons), but I still saved 47% on my grocery bill. And, I always remind myself that there will be future good deals that come along.
This is about where I am at right now with my couponing. I am not shopping at Rainbow nearly as much as I used to. Coupons are rarely for the nonprocessed foods, and I would rather buy some things in bulk from Sam’s Club and not deal with stressing out over getting to Rainbow at 6 a.m. to make sure I get the deal or to chase rainchecks.
With that said, though, I do try to think the best of my fellow coupon shoppers. I think that a few people are ruining the experience of others. Life is too short for me to worry about it. I simply have chosen to save even more by putting the time into making my own food from scratch and to save even more money and health by doing so.
I really agree with everything said on here. I think the biggest focus should be the etiquette part which is what some people are really lacking. I’m fortunate in that I haven’t seen many problems at the stores I shop at.
I do want to add something though. I understand that it’s super hard to work with customers sometimes. Trust me, I know. All of my jobs have only ever dealt with people (bakery, fast food, babysitter, teacher).
I do wish that cashiers were a bit more patient and understanding of couponers. I understand that they have to double check coupons to make sure all rules are being followed (or they could get in trouble!), but please don’t treat me like I’m doing something wrong by using a coupon. There are many people who are struggling in this world right now, and coupons help us stretch our dollar. We (at least most of us) are just trying to make it and wouldn’t ever use a coupon improperly.
I think that being gracious and reasonable is important. I personally purchase two Sunday papers and so I generally have two of each coupon. I get a few of the super deals, but don’t clear the shelves. I also generally do only two transactions at most. I try to make one of those transactions very small and quick so as to not make the cashier work on that second order for a long time and make the customers behind me in line feel as though I am acting rudely. And I try to help with bagging to speed up the process. That’s my own “code”, and I imagine everyone’s is a little different.
I wish that the show Extreme Couponing was more reasonable and informative and less sensational.
I know Cub prefers customers to pre order if you need large amounts of an item. For a reunion I special ordered pasta as we expected 80 people so that I didn’t clear the shelf for other shoppers. Its one way to get a deal without taking all off the shelf & was a way to get the price we needed. Just an idea especially if you have a long commute.
I do think there are more & more coupons limiting people to 4 like items per shopping trip.
Great post! I wanted to add that at Rainbow this past week, there is a new sign on the customer service desk re: multiple transactions. It states that 3 transactions are allowed, but that after each one, you are required to go to the end of the line or another register… I think that is a great compromise!
I hope this is the case at all Rainbows. Many times I get in a line and think the person in front of me has just a few things left when they are doing multiple transactions. It is frustrating to me as I usually have my kids along and just want to check out as fast as I can. I do not mind if people do multiple transactions but it is frustrating for me to have to wait-especially if there is only one or two checkouts open. I wonder if opening a lane for people with multiple transactions would be helpful as well. Then at least everyone would know ahead of time that checkout would take longer in that lane; I am guessing that this might bring up other issues, however.
My store has opened a lane marked “multiple transactions only” before. I think it’s a great idea! Also, if there is someone behind me with only a few things, I will always let them go before me even if my items are already on the belt, or even between my transactions. Some people have actually said no, that they’d rather see how I do it and what I can save!
Ive been frustrated with shelf clearing too. It doesn’t bother me if someone takes the last two of something but when they come in and wipe out everything all at once it is a little annoying. RE buying coupons. Its not the same as paying someone to clip them from papers you bought because you didn’t buy the papers.
I think people spend way too much time worrying about the “ethics” of other people. I follow my personal fairly strict rules; what others do is their business.
If stores wanted to curb some practices they could. CVS does a nice job of limiting purchases by their membership cards.
Just a note about another practice that I feel raises ethical questions…when printing on-line coupons, entering another zip code to access a specific high dollar coupon. Some couponing blogs do post alternative zips to access these coupons. Seems if the manufacturers wanted them in my zip code they would be there.
Linda – That is our opinion at Pocket Your Dollars as well. We do not ever post alternate zip codes and if we notice reader-left comments with zip codes, then we delete them.
This article is great! I have been couponing for years but have just upped the anti the last year and a half. I try to play the game by the rules. I think that doing multiple transactions is not doing so. That being said: I try to follow the rules of the coupon expiration date, even though Cub does allows me to go three months beyond that date. If I am at home preplanning I toss the expired ones, but at Cub if I missed it and it is in my couponing file, I do use it. So I guess I have my own grey area, so I shouldn’t point fingers! Thanks for what you do, you are a great resource for me.
When I get to the store early and see the “free” item that has been listed in the paper has been “cleared,” I often wonder if its a single person or if it is the store. Last week, I went to Walgreens in FL on Sunday morning. There was one product left of an item that was free with RR. The person before me (righfully) took that product. I asked the manager if there were any left. He replied, “nope, all six are gone.” So they had stocked their shelf with six. Now, the rest of the week there would not be any more of that product. People may show up and assume that someone “cleared” the shelf.
Becareful to assume. I love this article and love that Carrie is reminding us to be ethical. But those same ethics apply to our judgement of others as well.
You know what bothers me is that the arguments against buying coupons are the same arguments that one can say for giving someone else a coupon. I mean, if the main argument is the no transferring ownership thing, isn’t that what you do everytime you give someone else a coupon? While I have never bought or sold a coupon, and for me, I won’t do it, I can understand others doing so. I also have no idea of the ethics. IE is it more ethical to sell a bunch of coupons for other coupons (trading), or for stamps, or for money? I really have no idea.
So what do people think about printing a certain coupon on a different computer so that you can get an extra one or two? Sorry if that was addressed on here – I just didn’t notice it. That has always struck me as “shady”, but I’m just not sure. Thanks for including this article and your thoughts on the site, Carrie. Good to hear the thoughts of others.
Thanks, Shelly, I had the same question. Every time I get a notice saying that the allotted number of a certain coupon has already been printed, I wonder how many copies went to one person!
I agree, it’s not nice to clear a shelf, but If 3 stores within a 10 mile radious are out of product within 2 hours of open, it’s probably an issue with preperation on the stores part.
If I want a descent quantity of one item, i pre-order. It’s easy enough on the stores part to elimiate shelf clearing and multipe transactions if they want to.
Maybe these department heads should pay more attention to the coupon chatter so they’re not blind sided the day of a sale because they weren’t aware their product was at stock-up price.
I have a wonderful relationship with most of the people at my Pick N Save now and often hear from them how much these ‘coupon days’ mean to the store’s bottom line…helping them. I haven’t ever worked that industry but I know there are a zillion factors playing into which items are on sale, what coupons are available and for how much, etc. It usually isn’t up to them at all either. They do double coupons because it helps sell things…which is the business!
Also, I’ve often been introduced to a new fav product simply because there was a great deal. I realize that the abuse of some may curb some good deals, but that is part of the game too. We are all CONSUMErs, being sought after to add something to our cart in the hope we will buy it again, even if it isn’t as great a deal. The whole process is part of what makes this country so great – freedom! We have choices and we have an influence on the types and quality of the products made and marketed.
Play by the rules (but don’t make up ones to follow yourself and then judge others by that), be considerate, COMMUNICATE (with your stores and brands) and enjoy the freedom to be a part of American life.
One more thing, I love having an opportunity to bless other who can’t get couponing down with products I only had to put some brain sweat into getting. I’ve been in a very wide range of financial situations in my life and not always able to bless others with money, but I often CAN now help meet their physical needs…but if I do that at the expense of another family or person in need it can be counterproductive in the grand view. I’ve often given away coupons to others in the store, allerted them to a good deal, and sometimes resulted in my loosing out on it. If you try to meet the needs of other while caring for your own family’s needs, I think you will go a long way to being a better, HAPPIER couponer. :-)
Still on the fence on the buying/selling coupons issue…I see valid points on both sides but do wonder why it is still so obviously allowed if it is actually not legal. It would be pretty easy to fight, I’d think. Does anyone know of any actual legal precedent in this area or is it still grey? It seems P&G, RedPlum, SmartSource, and the brands would be all over it making an issue if it was hurting their overall business plan. Anyone heard anything?
(My 2+ cents)
Wow! Didn’t realize that was so long!
Ok, with the couon buying thing, I know one site that sells them, and the lady brags how she gets 75-100 of EACH insert, more if theres high value (I guess she ordered 200 of the ones with the $8/2 covergirl) wouldn’t redplum, or smartsource catch on to it that she’d have to be selling when she gets them from them? Or maybe its ok with them, since she sells the inserts for 80 cents each, and isn’t making large amounts of money off of them.
For those that have opinions about buying coupons from clipping services or via auction on eBay, I think this article by Jill Cataldo might shed some light on why I’ve decided against endorsing or participating in that practice. It explains how coupons bought from those places may NOT get reimbursed by the manufacturer, which will ultimately cost us all more in the long run.
Link to article: http://jillcataldo.com/gang_cut_coupons
I agree with you Carrie. I don’t think of it so much as a matter of legality, but more as the fact that the stores may not get reimbursed for them. If people are doing this in large numbers, eventually stores could decide not to except coupons at all anymore, because they are losing money. I am just trying to make my ends meet, and I don’t want to do anything that may cause me to lose the ability to do so. That is why I won’t even consider buying coupons.
how do they lose money? they get paid via the coupon (plus handling) right? or am I missing something?
got it read the article! sorry:)
Someone I know cuts her coupons out in this manner, as she gets multiples of some of the inserts. Are you telling me the store may not get there money even if she only cuts out 12 identically cut coupons? That is just nuts.
Skirnir – That is exactly the point. Crazy as it may be, that’s the way it works.
Wow! I will have to pay more attention to how I clip my coupons, and I will have to make sure that I am “handling” them enough. YIKES!
This last summer I cleaned out my stockpile, watching expire dates and getting ride of items I thought I was going to use, but never did. I donated some, but I did sell a small amount of items at my garage sale, netting about $50 cash. By no means do I do this to make money, but my heart is very happy to see others take this passion and pay it forward by donating to schools, churches and food shelves. I don’t think you need to clear shelves to pay it forward, but using your coupons to help those in need should not be discouraged.
I have a couple family members that donate time at a few food shelves. What I find interesting is the amount of people that say they are donating to a food shelf yet those that work there say they get most of the donations from corporations. If so many people are clearing shelves and using the excuse of donating, shame on them, if you are really donating then thank you.
I wonder if they count churches as corporations? I ask because our church has a couple of shelves for collecting food drive items (for 360 Communities). I usually drop mine off there while we are there on Sunday anyway.
OK. So tell me if my purchase tonight was ethical. I went to Cub Foods in Mankato (by the way, here the ad runs Tuesday to Monday). I chose Monday night so as NOT to clear shelves and because this is the day and time of night that they are restocking. I also go later at night so as not to be there during peak hours. I bought 20 TGIF single meals, which were free after all of the deals. I asked the cashier in advance if he minded me doing multiple transactions and if he would prefer I go to the self checkout. He said he didn’t mind at all and that he loved seeing all of the “cool coupon deals.” He also said it was OK for me to use my $5 off of $25 and $5 off of $50 coupon in the same transaction.
I bought:
20 TGIF meals
10 bags of frozen vegetables
3 Dr. Pepper 10
Idahoian potatoes
2 french fried onions
4 dole pineapple
dozen eggs
all for $1.25 after money off on future transaction coupons!
There were no TGIF meals or Birds Eye frozen vegetables on the freezer shelf when I got there, but the guys restocking the frozen department gladly opened up the cases for me, they were going to do it anyway as the cases were in the aisle already.
Another customer came up behind me as I was finishing up my checkout. I apologized to him for taking so long. He said, “don’t worry! I am kind of impressed!”
I am in grad school and unemployed. I can’t say what a godsend this website is for me. I might be using the foodshelf if it weren’t for the advice I get from Carrie, Laura and all of you. I certainly don’t want to take away from anyone else and I try to be respectful. Does any one have any advice? How should I do things differently?
Thanks!
Sheila – in my opinion what you did was perfectly ok. Others might think otherwise, but I personally don’t see anything unethical to what you did – especially since you asked the store employees and they had no problem with it. Way to go! Keep up the great job you have already done.
Life is full of choices. What each person does is their own business. I coupon out of necessity. I mind my own business. I would like everyone else to do the same.
Amen!
Carrie et al–I have a question about doubling coupons that say “do not double”. If I go to a Roundy’s store on double coupon day with 4 coupons that double and 1 coupon that says “do not double” but the bar code starts with a 5, do I need to make sure I tell the cashier? Or see how it rings up? I have no problem doing that, but I haven’t yet. Do stores lose money off that? I never thought of it really before, input would be appreciated! Thanks!
While I think that these guidelines are a great start, I do not get the impression from cashiers and from management that I have interacted with, that there is an issue with doing multiple transactions at Rainbow, so much as their is an issue with it affecting other customers. Rainbow values ALL of their customers whether they use coupons or whether they pay shelf price. I liken it to the policy that many banks have in regards to their motor bank. My bank limits the number of transactions completed when using the motor bank so that it does not affect other bank customers. The bank is perfectly willing do accommodate you in all of your transactions, however, in an effort to assure a good banking experience for everyone, they ask that you either complete your banking inside, or drive around and get back in line for additional transactions.
In regards to the empty shelves, I have never seen anyone hoard items the way that shoppers do in the extreme couponing show. Maybe I am naive and maybe this is a chronic problem, but I just have not seen it. I see it more at ALDI, and there it seems that it is likely small businesses scooping up great deals on produce to reduce food costs, What family would devote such a huge percentage of their grocery budget towards the purchase of just grapes or cantaloupe, and what family could possibly go through so many pounds of that one item before it spoiled? I have been frustrated with both Rainbow and especially Walgreens, since I started couponing almost two years ago, for advertising a sale and then not properly stocking their stores to accommodate the increased demand for the product. It is almost as if it is done on purpose just to get shoppers into the store with the hopes that they will still make a purchase. For some reason, Cub has always done a far better job of stocking for sales. I cannot recall a time when I have gone into a Cub store to purchase a sale product and found myself needing a raincheck. As a general rule, Cub’s sales do not even come close to Rainbow’s, considering the different store policies regarding coupons, but when they have a spectacular sale, they are always well stocked.
Carrie and Laura,
I have a question about the “non-transferrable” phrase listed on some coupons. Does this mean that we cannot even share coupons with others? That if we won’t use the coupon we are supposed to recycle it? I am just wondering about it – it is really bothering me.
Thanks for all you do to help us save money and get out of debt!! Your efforts are appreciated more than you may realize.
Teresa
Teresa – Here’s what Jill Cataldo (a couponing expert and someone who is in regular contact with manufacturers) has to say about what is meant by “transferring” coupons: http://lacrossetribune.com/business/local/article_6af30488-bb8c-11df-84b2-001cc4c002e0.html
Here’s a portion (emphasis mine):
“One Vocalpoint mailing included five $10 coupons for a popular brand of skincare products. While the mailer’s printed instructions encouraged me to share the coupons with friends, each coupon contained the wording: “Void if transferred to any person, firm or group prior to store redemption.” Why would a manufacturer put this wording on coupons that it explicitly encouraged me to give away to other people?
“Transferring a coupon, from a legal standpoint, refers to much more than simply handing one to a friend. The transfer manufacturers seek to prevent involves three areas: duplication, distribution and compensation. If I photocopy a coupon or I scan a coupon into my computer and then print my scan of the original coupon, I am transferring that coupon from one medium to another. This duplication is prohibited. And, if I took my (now illegally transferred) copies of the original coupon and started using them or sharing copies with friends, I would be distributing an illegally transferred coupon. And if I went one step further and decided to sell those (illegally transferred) copies of coupons, I would be receiving compensation for transferring them.
“If you’re not doing any of these things (and you shouldn’t be!) you’re not illegally transferring coupons. Feel free to swap, trade and share your coupons with others. Manufacturers do not prohibit this and, in fact, many of them are delighted if you do.”
Thanks, Laura! The article really helps to clear things up. Now I know I am not breaking the law by sharing coupons with family and friends!
When coupons are doubled at Rainbow does Rainbow pay for the extra savings or does the company that supplied the coupon? Sometimes I see coupons that say do not double or triple and that tells me that they pay the difference. If the company pays the difference why doesnt more stores in the state have double coupons. I think their business would also double.