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The return of the coupon

SIRI AGRELL

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:15 AM EST 31/08/08

With food and gas prices on the rise, consumers are getting value-conscious - and discovering a love of the deal ...Read the full article

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  1. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: I hate coupons. Just put the product on sale and people will buy it. Coupons just add to aggravation waiting at the checkout for people with a mitt full of coupons.
  2. Rollo T from 8>), Belgium writes: Unfortunately my chosen supermarket issues coupons worth 5 euros whenever I reach 300 points, one point for each euro spent, and additional points for promoted products, which I ignore. This supermarket currency is accepted at other stores, much like Canadian Tyre money in Canada. I have the same deal with fuel only because it is electronically calculated, nothing to clip or lick or stash in some drawer.
  3. Hugh Draper from Vancouver, Canada writes: I don't think it's consumers becoming more value-conscious in general, but price conscious. And often, they lose value when price directs their purchasing decision.
  4. My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: Simple rule: if there is a coupon for it, you probably don't actually need it.

    There aren't any coupons for fresh produce, fresh meat, regular canned goods, vinegar or baking soda. Just for packaged snack foods, aerosol shaving cream, pudding cups, lunchables, air fresheners, pre-cooked frozen roast etc. Want to save money? Stay away from this stuff.
  5. Nicole Ladouceur from Canada writes: Are you kidding me?? You must not be looking in the right places because you can def. get coupons for canned goods such as soup, canned vegetables etc, etc and fresh meat. Are you telling me that you do not use toilet paper, or cleaners to clean your house/apartment? What about toothpaste or soap? Do you clean your clothes with laundry detergent? Unfortunate for you.... You could be saving a lot of money on things you use everyday. I myself have walked out of many stores with everyday products that everyone uses on a daily basis for little or no money at all and all thanks to coupons. I will continue to clip coupons and save especially with the rising cost of food and gas and I wish everyone the best of luck finding out how to do it for themselves.
    If anyone is interested you should check out this link it will teach you a lot of tricks on how to get the most out of your money and how to use and save with coupons!!!
    http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/index.php?referrerid=19290
  6. My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: Hi Nicole, I went to the site you suggested. Here are the featured coupons for the day on save.ca: Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel - save $2, Secret Deodorant - save $1.50, Crest Two-Part Whitening System - save $2, Breathe Right Nasal Strips - save $2, Iams Dog Food - save $2, Iams Cat Food - save $2, Iams PUPPY Food - save $5, Iams KITTEN Food - save $5, Tampax Pearl Feminine Hygiene - save $1, Ritz Crackers - save $1, Pantene Pro-V Hair Care - Buy 2 Save $2.50,Soft Scrub Bathroom Cleaner - save $1, Neilson Ultimate Chocolate Milk - save $1.50, Sunlight Laundry Detergent - save $1, Toblerone Chocolate - save $1, SCOPE Mouth Wash - save $1, NEILSON DAIRY OH! Milk with DHA Omega-3 - save 75¢, JERGENS Fine Liquid Hand Soap - save $1, EUKANUBA Dry Cat Food - save $5, EUKANUBA Dry Dog Food - save $5, KNORR Any Frozen Entree - save $1, Kraft LiveActive Cheddar Cheese with Probiotic Cultures - save $2, ENTEX LA Sinus Decongestant - save $1, Myoflex Pain Relief Rub - save $2, MR. CLEAN Magic Erasers - save $1, MR. CLEAN Wipes - save $1, MR. CLEAN MultiSurface Cleaner Liquid or Spray - save $1, GAVISCON Acid reflux & heartburn relief - save $1, McCain Thin Crust Multigrain Pizza - Any Variety - save $1, DURACELL 2 Regular Packs or 1 Econo Pack - save $1, ROYALE Bathroom Tissue - save $1, CREST WHITESTRIPS Daily Multi-Care Product - save $5) ...Of which, these are what I would call 'necessities' - Secret Deodorant - save $1.50, Soft Scrub Bathroom Cleaner - save $1, Sunlight Laundry Detergent - save $1, JERGENS Fine Liquid Hand Soap - save $1, MR. CLEAN MultiSurface Cleaner Liquid or Spray - save $1, GAVISCON Acid reflux & heartburn relief - save $1, DURACELL 2 Regular Packs or 1 Econo Pack - save $1, ROYALE Bathroom Tissue - save $1. ...And you could probably do better buying store brands.
  7. wakefor soul from Canada writes: Those are what you may consider "necessities"... Us females may consider Tampax a necessities and others on the list. If you cared enough to look through the site it would give you ways to save more money than the suggested coupon and if you cared to go through the forums you might have found other great coupons, even some FREE PRODUCT COUPONS... for items such as milk, splenda (Which diabetics can use) and cheese and the list goes on. If you use the coupons listed above on items that are on sale you are getting them for way below the price you would pay for no name brands and getting all the quality that no name brands don't provide. You only get what you pay for... UNLESS OF COURSE YOU USE COUPONS :D
  8. Samantha Cassels from Barrie, Canada writes: If you can tell me where I can get 24 rolls of toilet paper for less than 3.99 I'll gladly buy it without a coupon. Chances are you can't!

    Obviously most people who use coupons will weigh out store brand vs. an item that may or may not be on sale....that's the whole point of using coupons. A coupon is useless unless used the proper way. That's a no brainer.

    And whoever you are (my eyes are open are yours?), when my kid turns 4 or 5 and wants a pudding cup....I'd love for you to come over and explain why it's not a necessity and he doesn't need it! Because I'm sure that will fly so well. You're right in saying that these "products" may not be a necessity, but unfortunately I don't like to live my life on the "bare minimum". Everyone likes a treat once in a while, so if I have a coupon for it and it's a cheap price...why not!? What harm am I doing? You can get mr. clean magic erasers free, toblerone bars, razors (which in my husbands opinion are a necessity LOL), shampoos for next to nothing.

    If the world accepts women running around smelling like apes, with hairy legs, and bad breath.... Then maybe I'll stop using coupons
  9. Rachel Harper from London, Canada writes: "There aren't any coupons for fresh produce, fresh meat, regular canned goods, vinegar or baking soda."

    Really? Then why do I have coupons for bagged salad, canned and frozen fruit and vegetables, tea, cheese, milk, bread, soup, yogurt and baking soda sitting in front of me right now? Just because you don't want to spend the time finding them doesn't mean they aren't out there.
  10. Mean Machine from Bugtussle, Canada writes: First coupons then food stamps then the viaduct.
  11. On the Banks of the Grand from Canada writes: Wow, separatists passing on a handout, tabernac!!
  12. Greg K from United States writes: Coupons aren't just for food anymore. I've saved more than 30% of rental car rates and gotten free tank fill-ups using promos found on the sites of major rental agencies, gotten discounts to major attractions thanks to my corporate discount program and I've even saved on my gym membership.
  13. Rudy Wiebe from Winnipeg, Canada writes: I also recently moved. I went to UHaul and got a quote and also to Budget rent a truck. I ended up chosing Budget as they also had a coupon on their site for $20 off.

    Total Cost for UHAUL $19.95 (possibly only 8 hours) per day plus $.69 per kilometer (120 kms) = $82.80 plus $15 for insurance = $117.75

    Budget $49.95 per day (24 hrs) includes unlimited kilometer plus $15 insurance less $20 discount = $44.95

    Which one would you chose and would you use the coupon.
  14. Smokezz from Southern Ontario from Canada writes: Rudy: Budget... and you won't end up with a vehicle that you're risking your life in :)
  15. Scenic Sask! from Canada writes: I buy our main groceries every two months and spend $250 (2 of us & a cat). I always shop when the SS has $30 coupon for $250 purchase so I save 12% off the top. I purchase sale items and in bulk and usually opt for generic, their tomato soup is WAY better than Campbells.

    Between 'main' shopping trips we spend about $15/month (fruit & milk) so our grocery cost (cleaners/paper goods included) is $125/month. Off of this comes other coupons as they are found.

    Bread - home baked whole grain.
    Veggies - from the garden or freezer out of season.
  16. Rusty Waters from Canada writes: If there is a coupon for the product the product is 99% chance overpriced in the first place. Many people however are flocking to discount stores in droves. I went to a dollar store yesterday and it was packed. I bought socks to last me all year, work gloves, wine glasses...etc...Pottery that you would see in pottery store with artist on site at $350 a bowl going for a dollar...it looked the same. Bought a pack of fancy biscuits for a dollar on the way out and some jewelery and fresh pine jewelry box for my wife. Can't beat a dollar store. No need to throw away you money. Well, I met the doctor's wife in there and she was buying up Halloween costumes. She gave me a sexy, flirty smile...yes you could even get romance at the dollar store.
  17. Kay A from Canada writes: Coupons are used to entice people to try new brands.
    I bought life cereal for 50cents less/box for a whole year once...and that's all my kids were eating at the time....so I probably save upwards of $13 on something we were buying anyway and that's just one product.
    When you have kids you tend to buy repetitively.
    It's not hard to use coupons and we give some away as well: the "soy" ones to the neighbors, the fake egg ones to my friend whose mom had a heart attack, and so on.
    I get all kinds of coupons for medicine (headache/pain/children's) some up to $2 off and samples since signing up ten years ago....and they age with my children too!
    I just don't see the point in paying more for something I have to buy anyway....you can use coupons on sale items!
  18. Concerned Canadian from Pickering, Canada writes: coupons rock. Dollar stores rock. And, I'm sorry I don't agree with the concept that if there's a coupon for an item then it's overpriced already. Question is of need. If you need something and there's a coupon for it, USE IT. If it's overpriced item like laundry detergent, you have to buy it with or without the coupon.

    I read a survey once in the early 80's regarding the coupon use. It was always believed that coupon users were lower income and poor households. An extensive survey later, it was discovered that an overwhelming majority of Coupons users were WOMEN with household incomes of upper tier. I say no need to feel ashamed or that you're holding up the grocery line up. You're there for groceries and spending responsibly, not to please complete strangers waiting behind you.
  19. M. Gorky from Canada writes: Why should a manufacturer offer a $1 discount to every customer that is happily paying the current price, when it can offer a $2 incentive to the 20% of the population that uses coupons? With the coupon the manufacturer likely sells more product AND keeps more money.

    Same with post sale rebates. Close to half of customers never apply for the mail-in rebates offered.
  20. My eyes are open, Are yours? from Canada writes: wakefor, Tampax 'pearl' i.e. with the plastic applicator (sorry guys) are not a necessity. Some sort of product is, but compare this product to another brand, or even other Tampax lines, they're probably cheaper. If cheaper is what you want; if this is 'your' brand then yes, get the $1 off, I won't argue. Ever try the 'Diva cup'? Samantha, I have a 7 yo son, who has never had a pudding cup in his life. You can still make pudding from a mix in 30 seconds, and it's cheaper than buying the already mixed pudding, and way less plastic to throw away (but that's a soapbox for another day). So sure, I'll come over and explain to your child why a pudding cup is not a necessity, just like I explained to my son why he didn't need koolaid powder in his water. Rachel, I'll give you bagged salad, canned fruit, milk (if it's 'regular' milk and not super filtered, UHT 'pro-biotic', strawberry flavoured or some other jazzed up thing) and baking soda as necessities because I specifically cited it as an example. But I buy baking soda at the bulk store, so I really have no idea. And you're right, I can't be bothered clipping coupons, though I do cash in my air miles for $20 at the grocery store, though I often give those away to soup kitchens at Christmas time. I prefer to have my fun ranting on these fora.
  21. Ralph A. Emerson from Canada writes: Gimme a break...Just steal fifty or sixty bucks worth of merchandise per month. "All stealing is comparative. If you come to absolutes, pray who does not steal?"
  22. Robert Cameron from Calgary, Canada writes: My best deal recently was from Save.ca - $10 off a Gillette Fusion razor (which is not my usual brand). But it was $6.99 st Stupidstore and the coupon was for $10 off - not "up to" $10 off. When I took it to the check out, I got $10 off a $7 item - now THAT is a deal! I was not foolish enough to expect cash back, so I bought from produce at the same time and got a bag full of groceries for about $4 !!!! I have also had $7 off Iams dog food (only kind my dog can stomach, about 40% off) for the past number of months.

    In my experience people who do not use coupons usually fall into the "coupons are beneath me" category. Similarly, coupon fanatics can be "buy it just because it has a coupon". The key is know what you want, and if there is a coupon, use it. Why not?
  23. Kay Bee from GTA, Canada writes: I have been using coupons for years, and we are not talking little savings. Sure $1 might not sound like a lot but it quickly adds up.

    It is tax free money, if I save $1000 a years it would have costs me more before taxes to make that in order to spend it when I did not need too. I save several thousands a year with coupons, rebates, sales, deals, reward programs and free promotions. There are even alot of coupons that offer products for free.

    It does take a little time, but what other hobby actually puts money in your pocket?

    To learn & see this in action check out:
    www.frugalshopper.ca/phpbb2/
  24. wakefor soul from Canada writes: hahaha you have def. got to be a man... I WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER USING A DIVA CUP!!! But to each their own!
  25. wakefor soul from Canada writes: My eyes are open... Why would I buy no name brand tampons when I can get tampax ( which I prefer) cheaper?? The quality is a lot better than no name. I def. don't want to be fishing a tampon out because of a cheap string that broke. Here are some deals that I have gotten recently... PLEASE NOT THE TAMPONS

    2 containers of Silhoute yogurt Free with coupon should have been 6.58 for both, 2 BOXES OF TAMPAX (100ct) WITH BONUS PADS FOR $13.08 FOR BOTH BOXES (out of Blowout Cart used 2.50$ coupon) WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN $16.99 A BOX, Cascade Gel (2.3L) for $4.99 (onsale) used buy one get one coupon and received cascade action packs for free ($4.99 value on sale),4x 1L Neilson Chocolate milk for 2.49 used $1.50 coupon and got them for .99 a piece totaling $3.96, 2 boxes of Kahi granola bars for free with coupon ( value of (2) $7.98), a 10lb bag of potatoes for $3.49 and a 3lb bag of onions for $1.79 All at regular price. Total bill should have been $83.34 with tax and I paid $31.10 ...LESS THAN THE 2 BOXES OF TAMPONS SHOULD HAVE COST ME AT REGULAR PRICE!!!
    total savings of $52.24

    and before you say anything about me not needing glade... My son will not have a bowel movement anywhere else then home... so I buy him these to prevent medical problems (which he has had) so he will use the bathroom!!!
    2x Kushies bibs regular $4.49 on sale for $1.99 (I like the Brand)
    3x Glade ultra regular $1.99 on sale for .88
    2x Little tummy Drops (baby Gas) regular $6.99 on sale for .99
    2x Fusion Hydragel bonus pk regular over $10 on sale for $6.99 used 2 $10 coupons and got them free

    Total should have been $49 plus tax
    I paid $5.20 tax included.
    Savings of $43.80

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