In our digital world of dynamic pricing, targeted online ads, and sophisticated retail apps, the humble coupon can seem like a relic from a bygone era. Why would major brands and retailers continue to print and distribute little slips of paper (or their digital equivalents) when they have so many other marketing tools? The answer…
Grocery coupons are seen as a wholesome, all-American way to save money. We associate them with careful budgeting and frugal housewives of a bygone era. However, behind this clean image lies a surprisingly “dirty” history of fraud, misuse, and organized criminal activity that has cost the industry billions of dollars. These problems didn’t end with…
Coupons are supposed to help you save money, but sometimes they do the exact opposite. If you’ve ever found yourself buying a product you never intended to purchase just because you had a coupon, you’re not alone. Marketers design certain coupons to encourage impulse buys, upsell you on unnecessary items, or get you to spend…
The grocery store clearance section is a magnet for bargain hunters. Bright red or yellow tags promise steep discounts, making us feel like we’ve uncovered a hidden treasure. We believe these tags are giving us the full, honest story about a product’s value. However, these clearance tags can sometimes be deceptive. They can “lie” by…
Using coupons is a popular and effective way to reduce your grocery bill and household expenses. When used mindfully, it’s a smart financial habit. However, for some, the pursuit of savings can become an obsession. This can lead to unintended negative consequences. This “over-saving” mentality, often inspired by extreme couponing, can have hidden costs that…
For frugal shoppers, “coupon stacking” is a celebrated strategy. It’s the art of combining multiple discounts—like a manufacturer’s coupon with a store’s coupon on a single item—to achieve maximum savings. For years, this practice was a key way to get deep discounts. However, many shoppers have noticed that stores are increasingly restricting this practice. While…
For most shoppers, the journey of a coupon ends at the checkout counter. You hand it over, the cashier scans it, and you receive your discount. But for the retailer and the manufacturer, this is just the beginning of a complex sorting, shipping, and settlement process. The life of a coupon after its use involves…
The reality TV show Extreme Couponing introduced millions to the world of massive savings through couponing. Viewers watched in awe as shoppers walked out of stores with overflowing carts, paying only a few dollars. While entertaining, these shows often presented a highly edited and sometimes unrealistic picture of how couponing works for the average person.…
For many frugal shoppers, coupons are an essential tool for cutting down the grocery bill. However, couponing is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. The effectiveness of using coupons can vary dramatically depending on the type of grocery store you frequent. Some retail models are built on principles that make traditional manufacturer coupons less useful or entirely…
Coupons are a popular tool for saving money on groceries and other goods. When used correctly and ethically, they benefit both consumers (with discounts) and businesses (by driving sales and product trials). However, coupon misuse and outright fraud are significant problems. These illicit activities cost retailers and manufacturers millions of dollars annually. These losses can…