Couponing Fundamentals
Page: 1 2
4. Does The Store Put Out A Weekly Ad?
Not every store puts out a weekly, or monthly, advertisement. And not every item listed on a sales flier is a sale. “Featured item” does not mean sale. Informing you of the price an item is selling for does not mean it’s been discounted. Be skeptical and know your prices.
This is one area the Internet ads and websites can help. Internet ads generally allow you to click on items from the online “circular”, and the details of the offer are displayed. Frequently the savings or actual discount from the “regular price” is also shown (i.e. “2/$5” in the circular may not mean much, but “members save $1 on one” allows you to evaluate your potential savings).
5. Do They Offer Rain Checks?
A rain check is a store voucher to receive the sale price on out of stock items at a future date. They are provided at the customer service desk, but only if you request it. Rain checks typically do not expire until one year after the issue date.
Rain checks are the trump card for great savings. The logic is simple. Prices may go up, coupons and rebates may become available, and the rain check provides you your own private super sale.
Consider this: A box of ice-cream bars sells for $4.69. A circular comes out announcing a sale of 10/$10. That’s a great price. The store sells out before you do your shopping. Request a rain check, and file it away in your coupon box. Make space in your freezer. Plan ahead. Three months later, the bars are in stock, and price is up to $5.69 a box and a coupon for a $1 discount has been issued which you’ve collected a number. You pull out the rain check and buy as many as you want at the 10/$10 price, using a $1 coupon on each box. While everyone else is still paying $4.69 for them using the coupon, you are getting them for free!
If your store is out of stock on a great sale item, take the time to get a rain check. Even if they are only out of one flavor, if it’s a great sale, get a rain check.
Once you know the games and rules at your local stores, you are ready to get into the game.
Winning with Coupons
The goal of the coupon game is to match weekly sales with your coupons to maximize your savings. Again, be proactive. Have a plan. Do away with ultimate convenience and brand loyalty. There are a number of considerations to address with your plan: time, gasoline costs, allergies, etc. But if you want to save the most money, be as flexible as possible.
Remember, the store offers sales, loss leaders, promotions to get you into the store. It is their goal for you to then do all of your purchasing there, so they can maximize their profits. It is your goal to maximize your savings. Don’t buy everything at one store just because it is more convenient. If you have to, prioritize the deals that will really make a difference. Saving ten cents on Rice-a-Roni, even if it comes out free after coupon, isn’t worth it if that’s the only savings in the store.
Also, be aware of the sales circular psychology. Circulars are designed to maximize sales. So, while the circular may say 2/$5, you only need to buy one to receive the sale price. If you have one coupon, purchasing only one gives the best deal. If you have two coupons, buying two may make sense. If the regular price of the item is $2, this may not even be a sale. Remember, this is your precious money you are spending, so only purchase what you need, not what the store wants you to buy.
Page: 1 2
