Puzzled over Extreme Couponing

[mamajo]

Okay, this is driving me crazy and I need an answer (even if it doesn't make sense)-- Can someone explain to me how these extreme couponers can buy 100 of something using 100 coupons for the same something in the same transaction?? I just watched the show and this gal bought 100 vitamin waters at .99 cents each, then she gave the gal 100 coupons for $1.00 off each one.
In my entire life, I've ever been allowed to use one coupon/one item per transaction (and I've lived a long, long time). How do they do these mega transactions using 50 or more coupons for the same item, resulting in 50 tubes of toothpaste for free??? Could someone please explain it to me??
Is it larger markets don't have coupon limits? What??

 

[maggiew]

Almost all coupons are one coupon per purchase (not transaction). Procter and Gamble have recently starting putting "Four like coupons per transaction" on their coupons.

Some stores will limit number of coupons per transaction, but its usually more than one.

Most stores have their coupon policy on their websites. I think you need to look into your stores' policies more. You probably are able to use more than one coupon per transaction.

Maggie

 

[momoftwins]

I watched last night for the first time. I am lost as to how they do this. This morning I went through about 4 weeks worth of newspaper coupons. Usually there are two or three inserts for each Sunday paper.

For example, my inserts had toothpaste coupons, but they were for $.35 and said "Not to be Doubled.

A lot of them also had that you had to buy multiples of the product, or larger sizes of the product.

I did get some Zone bar coupons that were for $.55 each. I can see when they offer Zone's for $1.00 each this would work (as long as double coupons were offered). I guess when the stores offer 10 for $10's, doubled $.50's would work.

I cannot imagine how they got all of the paper products they showed. I did not have one coupon that could even get me close.

They did give me an idea to use coupons on trial sizes as long as it was not prohitited. I know one thing though, there is no way I would dumpster dive. I would be afraid of either falling in (I am only 5'1) or having something jump out at me!

 

[Marionnette]

Okay, this is driving me crazy and I need an answer (even if it doesn't make sense)-- Can someone explain to me how these extreme couponers can buy 100 of something using 100 coupons for the same something in the same transaction?? I just watched the show and this gal bought 100 vitamin waters at .99 cents each, then she gave the gal 100 coupons for $1.00 off each one.
In my entire life, I've ever been allowed to use one coupon/one item per transaction (and I've lived a long, long time). How do they do these mega transactions using 50 or more coupons for the same item, resulting in 50 tubes of toothpaste for free??? Could someone please explain it to me??
Is it larger markets don't have coupon limits? What??

Maggiew explained it pretty good.

Think of a "purchase" as a single item, such as a box of cereal. A "transaction" is all of your purchases together.

Almost all coupons are "one per purchase". Some stores limit the number of like coupons in a single transaction. Some stores will even limit the number of transactions that you can make in a single visit; making you go thru the checkout and get back in line or even leave the building and come back in. Others may limit the total number of discounted items you can purchase during the entire sale.

The best way to determine your store's rules is to check their policy online. And since some individual stores will impose further rules, you might also want to check with the store's manager if you plan to make huge purchases involving multiple coupons.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I watched part of this show last night. A bill of like 700. got down to under $5.
Honestly, I was a bit grossed out. I mean seriously, who needs that amount of "stuff" and so very much of it was all that Hi salt, much over processed, snack foods, heavy carb food items. Where were the fruits, veggies and the like??
Was I the only one that noticed this?
I mean as far as healthy choices, I did not see much of it. And who requires a billion toothpastes...I mean really, it was not impressive to me, it honestly grossed me out....I think if that particular woman used all that time/energy (she said like 60 hours to get it all together ) to buy healthy choices of fresh food, she'd have a healthier family and seriously, she could afford to eat healthier and be a better example to her family. Did you see all that soda, drinks..no wonder....that stuff is mostly all junk and expensive generally speaking! I get that she got a deal...but is the deal worth it if it not even fresh food??? Maybe its just me, who knows...just my opinion....and I must say I am sleep deprived so maybe I was missing something?? Okay, flame suit on.

 

[Marionnette]

I watched last night for the first time. I am lost as to how they do this. This morning I went through about 4 weeks worth of newspaper coupons. Usually there are two or three inserts for each Sunday paper.

For example, my inserts had toothpaste coupons, but they were for $.35 and said "Not to be Doubled.

A lot of them also had that you had to buy multiples of the product, or larger sizes of the product.

I did get some Zone bar coupons that were for $.55 each. I can see when they offer Zone's for $1.00 each this would work (as long as double coupons were offered). I guess when the stores offer 10 for $10's, doubled $.50's would work.

I cannot imagine how they got all of the paper products they showed. I did not have one coupon that could even get me close.

They did give me an idea to use coupons on trial sizes as long as it was not prohitited. I know one thing though, there is no way I would dumpster dive. I would be afraid of either falling in (I am only 5'1) or having something jump out at me!

Some stores will still double a coupon even if it state "DO NOT DOUBLE". If the coupon code begins with a '5' instead of a '9' it happens automatically in stores that double.

Around here, it's not unusual to get $1/2 coupons in our Sunday inserts instead of $0.50/1 coupons. I'd rather have the latter because each coupon will double up to $1 off while the former does not get doubled at any of the stores around here. The way to get around this would be to buy or trade for coupons from another part of the country where doubling isn't as common. To be honest, doubling does not do that much toward bringing my totals down. Using coupons in conjunction with the sales is what works for me.

And all those paper products were probably not free or just pennies. They used coupons with the sales and promotions called Catalinas to bring their totals down on those products.

 

[ilovejack02]

I watched part of this show last night. A bill of like 700. got down to under $5.
Honestly, I was a bit grossed out. I mean seriously, who needs that amount of "stuff" and so very much of it was all that Hi salt, much over processed, snack foods, heavy carb food items. Where were the fruits, veggies and the like??
Was I the only one that noticed this?
I mean as far as healthy choices, I did not see much of it. And who requires a billion toothpastes...I mean really, it was not impressive to me, it honestly grossed me out....I think if that particular woman used all that time/energy (she said like 60 hours to get it all together ) to buy healthy choices of fresh food, she'd have a healthier family and seriously, she could afford to eat healthier and be a better example to her family. Did you see all that soda, drinks..no wonder....that stuff is mostly all junk and expensive generally speaking! I get that she got a deal...but is the deal worth it if it not even fresh food??? Maybe its just me, who knows...just my opinion....and I must say I am sleep deprived so maybe I was missing something?? Okay, flame suit on.

All that is for TV .. just like all other reality shows , everything is exaggerated . NO ONE needs 500 toothbrushes and in real life they prob don't buy all of that. I only keep 10 or so toothbrushes at a time. Would it be fun to watch me buy 10 toothbrushes... NOPE. As far as quality of food, the people that buy all that junk are people that are ALWAYS going to buy junk , so good for them for finding coupons to make it cheaper if that is how they eat.

There are coupons out there for fresh fruits, meat and poultry and healthy stuff, just have to look harder to find it . I am happy just to save on all my paper goods, beauty products , and cleaning supplies, will use coupons for fresh fruits when I find them. I have two coupons waiting to be used on fresh pineapple as soon as I get to store. : ) all other produce I usually buy at farmers market , much cheaper ,but can't get pineapple at our market lol.

This has been discussed on here several times, most of us don't buy all of the junk food and most of us don't buy hundreds of items at a time. It is just stupid and only for tv .

 

[Marionnette]

I watched part of this show last night. A bill of like 700. got down to under $5.
Honestly, I was a bit grossed out. I mean seriously, who needs that amount of "stuff" and so very much of it was all that Hi salt, much over processed, snack foods, heavy carb food items. Where were the fruits, veggies and the like??
Was I the only one that noticed this?
I mean as far as healthy choices, I did not see much of it. And who requires a billion toothpastes...I mean really, it was not impressive to me, it honestly grossed me out....I think if that particular woman used all that time/energy (she said like 60 hours to get it all together ) to buy healthy choices of fresh food, she'd have a healthier family and seriously, she could afford to eat healthier and be a better example to her family. Did you see all that soda, drinks..no wonder....that stuff is mostly all junk and expensive generally speaking! I get that she got a deal...but is the deal worth it if it not even fresh food??? Maybe its just me, who knows...just my opinion....and I must say I am sleep deprived so maybe I was missing something?? Okay, flame suit on.

The producers actually encourage the shelf-clearing behavior and exaggerated numbers of single items. Apparently it doesn't make for good television if it's not unreal.

Almost every one of those couponers stated on camera that this particular trip was their most extreme savings ever. In real life, they aren't walking out with several carts of products and they aren't getting out of the store without paying a dime.

I know that not every shopping trip that I make includes fruits, vegetables and meat. That's because I might be concentrating on the cereal deals or the P&G products on that trip. If I know that those purchases are going to generate free milk or $-off Catalinas, I'll buy the fruits, veggies and meat on a later visit and use the Catalinas then.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Yeah so many will let you use more than one if you are purchasing more than one item.

I get many extra coupons here from the Wednesday Flyers we get with the grocery ads because we live ina community(check area apartments or trailer parks). Occasionally they have a coupon flyer and I will get them when people throw them in the recycle barrels which are placed by the grouped mailboxes. So if you have apartments near by check them out. They usually have a trash can or recycle can and its not "trash" just paper.


I'm also careful not to use them if its not something I wouldn't normally buy anyway. And I also don't see the need to purchase crazy amounts of toothpastes or other products that would expire long before use of them all would occur. Both these situations to me is NOT saving any money. I definitely wouldn't pay the price for additional Sunday papers for it.

 

[ceecee]

I saw one of those shows last nite....a lady bought like 100 boxes of coucous and says I hope we like this. WHY? Same with the 100 aspirins etc, you can't donate medications (I wouldn't want any that were) so what do they do with it all. Also I can't seem to ever find a coupon over $1 on toilet paper or paper towels, so I don't know how they do that.
In our area, there are no coupons on veggies and fruit or meat. I don't like to buy a lot of processed foods.

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

Just this week I got catalinas (the coupons that you get at the register) for the Summer pacs of fresh fruit. Generally I just buy the whole fruit and cut it myself, but the coupn was for $3 off of two and they were b1g1 free so I got 2 of them for free. Then at the register it gave me $3 off of one, but since they were B1G1 free I got 2 more for free. Then the register gave me $2 off of 1, and again b/c og the B1G1 free sale I paid $1 for 2. So that night I got 6 packs of mixed summer fruit for $1. We take fresh fruits and veggies as our main snack at the pool so with in 3 days all of that fruit was gone.

We buy fresh produce but also get frozen veggies and often combine coupons with sales for those. I have also noticed when I buy the organic meat at our grocery store I end up getting the catalinas for more $$$ off other cuts of meat from the same brand.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I watched part of this show last night. A bill of like 700. got down to under $5.
Honestly, I was a bit grossed out. I mean seriously, who needs that amount of "stuff" and so very much of it was all that Hi salt, much over processed, snack foods, heavy carb food items. Where were the fruits, veggies and the like??
Was I the only one that noticed this?
I mean as far as healthy choices, I did not see much of it. And who requires a billion toothpastes...I mean really, it was not impressive to me, it honestly grossed me out....I think if that particular woman used all that time/energy (she said like 60 hours to get it all together ) to buy healthy choices of fresh food, she'd have a healthier family and seriously, she could afford to eat healthier and be a better example to her family. Did you see all that soda, drinks..no wonder....that stuff is mostly all junk and expensive generally speaking! I get that she got a deal...but is the deal worth it if it not even fresh food??? Maybe its just me, who knows...just my opinion....and I must say I am sleep deprived so maybe I was missing something?? Okay, flame suit on.

One of the people on there last night addressed how SHE does it, one way was to take advantage of transferring a prescription to get a store gift card. Another way is to use overage from coupons and one more way is with catalinas. And they may not eat/drink all of that junk, they were probably encouraged to buy it because it was a deal and they wanted a higher total for the show.

 

[Theosus]

I saw one of those shows last nite....a lady bought like 100 boxes of coucous and says I hope we like this. WHY? Same with the 100 aspirins etc, you can't donate medications (I wouldn't want any that were) so what do they do with it all. Also I can't seem to ever find a coupon over $1 on toilet paper or paper towels, so I don't know how they do that.
In our area, there are no coupons on veggies and fruit or meat. I don't like to buy a lot of processed foods.

After Watching this crap a few times I can't any more. These people creating these giant stockpiles gross me out. Yeah I know they might donate it to charity (and of course get a tax write off for something they got for free...) and use some of it at home, but jeez. It seems like a never ending cycle, and a lot of work. Some of these people spend 60 hours a week couponing and shopping. I'd rather have a 9-5 job and just pay for my food, and be responsible with what I buy.
I think some of this is almost like gambling. Just watch their behavior...I think they are addicts, and it's sort of pathetic to watch.

 

[Disneyliscious]

I have couponed for years and can't say I have ever seen a coupon for "fresh" produce, fruit, or meat. I have seen store specials, but never a coupon for something like that in the Sunday paper.

 

[Marionnette]

I have couponed for years and can't say I have ever seen a coupon for "fresh" produce, fruit, or meat. I have seen store specials, but never a coupon for something like that in the Sunday paper.

Recent produce coupons I've had:

• Free cherry tomatoes WYB 2 bagged salads
• 50 cents off one bagged salad (includes baby spinach)
• $1.25 off 2 Dole pineapples
• 50 cents off any Driscoll's berries
• Store coupon for $1 off $5 worth of produce
• Store coupon for $2 off your next produce purchase of $2 or more
• Free bananas WYB 2 boxes of Nilla Wafers

Some were printable coupons. Some were "peelies". Only one was from the Sunday paper. That's why I follow the couponing blogs. If there are coupons for fresh meat, eggs, or produce, they know about it and share their sources.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

The producers actually encourage the shelf-clearing behavior and exaggerated numbers of single items. Apparently it doesn't make for good television if it's not unreal.

Almost every one of those couponers stated on camera that this particular trip was their most extreme savings ever. In real life, they aren't walking out with several carts of products and they aren't getting out of the store without paying a dime.

I know that not every shopping trip that I make includes fruits, vegetables and meat. That's because I might be concentrating on the cereal deals or the P&G products on that trip. If I know that those purchases are going to generate free milk or $-off Catalinas, I'll buy the fruits, veggies and meat on a later visit and use the Catalinas then.

I agree! Not every trip I make include the fruit/vegetables, BUT I do go to my local store once a week for those items. In our area, we have one chain that does four big sales a year, where I get tons and tons of items for free. During those times, I spend a TON of times in the store stocking up on the selection of items that are free/money makers. Those trips by NO MEANS define my regular weekly shopping trip. However, on those four big hauls a year, I get enough of those items (and there are MANY!) so that I NEVER have to buy them throughout the year. Therefore, my weekly shopping is very small.

Good luck to all the couponers that can make it work for their families. And if you prefer not to coupon, do whats best for you. As I always say to each their own!!!!!!

 

[ilovejack02]

I have couponed for years and can't say I have ever seen a coupon for "fresh" produce, fruit, or meat. I have seen store specials, but never a coupon for something like that in the Sunday paper.

Majority of mine come off the internet, just takes a few minutes to find, some are peelies as someone else said. I eat Raisin Bran, pulled a coupon off of a box of mine the other day for 1.00 off lb of produce . Target mails out in store coupons to me about once a month or so .. maybe once every two months. I got coupons last time for a few different produce items, held them until the items were on a decent sale.

I don't think I have ever gotten a coupon for fresh fruit in Sunday paper, heck the majority of my coupons don't come from the Sunday paper, only P&G coupons for the most part. Mine are in mail or internet coupons .

 

[a1tinkfans]

well thank you all for the clarifications I never even heard of a catalina, who knew!!.

I almost feel better about that lady if that was a "lark" rather than a regular trip for her
Meanwhile, I have to say I have never seen a coupon for meat, Except when its expiring that same day and sometimes the cashier will take a buck or so off with the sticky coupon attached to the meat. I actually buy that sometimes if I use it that day. I happen to be one of those that does not like many leftovers or re-heating. So, I generally buy and then serve exactky what we eat.
I am def not against couponing and Hey to save some money, I think its great. I just feel like the Xtra effort (which I thought was so much time) for me is just another thing that takes away from my downtime. I do not get newspapers delivered, read online only. I usually go to a veggie type/fresh market and buy my meat separately.
I usually buy the same items and have that list in an ipod that I check off as we need it. It seems to cut down on the impulse stuff and I plan better that way.
I guess that the show really just turned me off, but after hearing all your input here, it sounds much better! I am impressed with you all!
Happy Shopping and Keep On Saving!

 

[university]

Most coupons for meat, fresh fruits, and fresh veggies are a WYB (when you buy). The WYB item is usually something that is unhealthy, processed, filled with MSG/HFCS/nitrates etc. Your only really cheap option is growing it yourself.

 

[ilovejack02]

Most coupons for meat, fresh fruits, and fresh veggies are a WYB (when you buy). The WYB item is usually something that is unhealthy, processed, filled with MSG/HFCS/nitrates etc. Your only really cheap option is growing it yourself.

Absolutely not true for my area : ) if I find something attached it is a happy find but isn't the norm here . As I said majority come from net or a store coupon . yes growing is the best way for some and farmers market another good idea. I grow quite a bit which is a huge help.