With the new Extreme Couponing show that’s on tonight on TLC (10/5), I thought it would be a good time to bring back some posts I’ve done from the past for new coupon users!! I also want to remind you all to remember that this show is indeed “EXTREME” and couponing is so much better on a more sane level and easier too! Just start out slow, get the deals you LIKE and remember….you are trying to SAVE money, not spend it!
I want to hear your opinions of the show, extreme couponing, stockpiles, etc! I will tell you mine…
So, I believe in the “Only get what you need/use, or what you can donate” theory. I do not believe in clearing the shelves or taking away from others. In fact, I have a personal rule of mine that I go by, I never clear the shelves…..I always make sure I leave enough for others, even if I have a TON of coupons for the item. If I show up to a store and there are only 2 items left and I have 5 coupons for that item, guess what?! I only grab one and leave the other for another couponer.
I always think to myself, “what if the person that grabs that last item is a newbie coupon user”?? They will get to feel the thrill and rush of getting it for FREE! Rather than finding out that the empty shelf they are starring at is the Crest toothpaste they would have gotten for free if they didn’t have to haul along their 2 kiddos. Ok, I guess it’s just a pet peeve of mine to find empty shelves. 😉
(Definitely don’t want to be couponing and end up like the lady above….or leave anyone feeling that way!)
Something I always recommend is to only get what your family needs (that doesn’t mean you can’t have a stockpile, instead only stockpile 3-6 months worth of items). When I first started using coupons I would run out and grab ANY deal I could…free ear plugs “hey, why not, their free”…..free baby food, “um, my youngest is over 2 but it’s free”…..free prunes, “umm yuck but hey it’s free”….free bausch…huh, what is that, I DON’T CARE, it’s FREE!! Ok, so I admit, that was a bad way to start couponing but you know we all do it. Actually, it was probably a pretty good way because it taught me that I really could do this and save money.
I stopped doing that…I stopped being such an Extreme couponer! I hated getting home and not having anywhere to put my free bausch, prunes, and baby food! I had already filled my pantry with 20 boxes of free cereal and 10 jars of $0.50 pasta sauce!
I learned to only use coupons on the items my family uses!! When I did this, couponing was a lot less stressful. I enjoy using the items now and feel a whole lot more organized.
Those are my thoughts on Extreme couponing….what are yours?!
Very good view. I am a newbie to this and it is the most annoying thing in the world to find shelves cleared. This passed week there was a deal on toilet paper and guess what? My family didn’t get it because of the shelf clearers at 4 targets. It’s annoying. I just wanted a pack of toilet paper, I wasn’t even going for a bunch. We were low, I had coupons, I knew the deal and I was gonna test out one of my more “complicated” deals. (to me, complicated is anymore than just giving a coupon haha) I just can’t stand that there are people doing illegal things on this show but what bothers me more is the unethical stuff that is being done. It’s RUDE!!!!
should have gotten a “rain check” so you still could have gone back to get it for the Great Price! it may not have been just bad shoppers it may have been such a good deal every one wanted in on it! keep that in mind Plus don’t forget Wal-Mart usually always Price matches if you have Proof.. i live in a small community so it’s not Un known for the shelves to be cleared over the weekend i have to pick a day out of the week when i know there’s going to be plenty stock usually Wednesday are good for me and i still get the sale because there usually good about a week unless the sale ends on Sunday and you get a rain check you can still go back and get the sale price 😉
Yeah, but does Target raincheck for gift cards. It was a buy a certain amount get a $5 gift card thing. Plus, crabby 2 year old was NOT having shopping. I went to 3 walmarts to price match and THEY were out too. By that time, we were just DONE. It’s annoying. Whether the store needs to realize that they are going to get a lot on their Ad stuff and needs to stock more or people cleared the shelves, it is not fun for the rest of us.
Yes what ever the special is the store will Honor it or there suppose to any ways! you could get them for false advertisement if they didn’t comply 🙂
Nope, check the fine print! Many of them say “limited to supplies on hand”. That’s generally the case in my area ;_;
Target does not do raincheck for the gift card deals where you have to buy 2/3/whatever and get a $5 giftcard back.
A LOT of stores unfortunately don’t do rain checks, which makes it really frustrating…
I agree! And am the same way concerning clearing the shelves. The ONLY time I clear a shelf is if there is only ONE left and its something I really need or use a TON of and will need shortly. Otherwise, I leave at least one for another person because I live in a small town with limited stores (1 walgreens, 1 walmart, a local grocery and a family dollar & dollar general- that’s it!) have been that person staring at an empty shelf WAAAAYYYYY too many times when it was something I REALLY needed and some jerk cleared the shelf less than two hours after a new shipment was stocked.
I tried to get the toilet paper deal at Target too. I got to the store and there was 2 packs left on the shelf…only problem was both were ripped open and the coupons that were suppose to be inside them were missing. I don’t know about you but I am not going to buy an open package I don’t care if it is just a paper product! I only went to Target to get 3 things the toilet paper, the Purex crystals (which was a big empty shelf) and the John Freda hair color which was suppose to have a $5 hangtag coupon (wasn’t on there no biggie I can live without it). Made me sad though it was a waste of a trip and gas!
Yeah, people tear off peelies, hang tags, etc. and sell them on Ebay. Should be illegal because they are essentially stealing. Ridiculous!
i must also say i dis agree to the folks who clear the shelves…the twins on tonights show really P’d me off There are Younger generations “our kids” that need to floss there teeth and there are homeless shelters that have to go with out…and they seemed just as greedy as some one with a lot of money! good for them for getting their B-Day freebies but Really? you don’t need to be greedy about stuff 1,000 boxes of Tooth Paste really? why work when you have a stock pile as big as that? Uhhg i barley get by so ive decided to start couponing to see how that can help me…my shopping trip i bought 164.00 dollar worth of food Strictly food and i only brought my balance down to 152.00 so ive still got some learning to do…Im also learning just because you have a coupon for it don’t mean ya need it lol…
Watched the show a couple of times and these people need therapy – talk about obsessive compulsive hoarding issues. I have been couponing for 30 years and have had my share of great deals but this is definitely extreme. Just trying to think how long it would take my family of four to go through 77 bottles of mustard OR 54 bottles of maalox – WOW!!
I agree with you. The people they are showing seem to be “organized hoarders”. There’s no way one family will use 77 bottles of mustard in their entire lives, unless they eat NOTHING but hotdogs.
I just wonder “Are they really using all that stuff? Does any of it go bad/outdated?” One family had enough food, etc to last 3 years!!??! Who “needs” 35 bottles of Malox? OMG
I just buy what I use and do not buy things just because I have a coupon or it’s free! It does seem like hoarding to me and not leaving some for the next person just isn’t “doing the right thing”. I like and appreciate your standards. I just kept thinking while I was watching the TV show “the manufacturers/stores are going to see this and come up with some new rules for their coupons” which will be bad for everyone even those that don’t go to the “extreme”.
I do not believe in clearing the shelf. I think it is a terrible thing to do. I do believe that some of the extreme couponers on the show need help b/c they do have a little OCD or they are really shopaholics and this is how they get their fix. (hope that made sense.)
But I wonder are these people selling this stuff? I have seen people selling stuff at yard sales and flea markets.
I have read that Nathan (Mr. Coupon) resells his stash. However I do not know this first hand. I would never buy resold grocery items at a flea market. How do I know it is even the product in the bottle?
I like watching the show but only because it is very unrealistic, especially in upstate NY. First we don’t have any stores that would let you use more than 4 of 1 coupon, separate transactions or not. ( well except for walmart, but really they are so expensive when compared to Walgreens, rite aid and price chopper sales!)
I totally agree with not clearing the shelves! I hate that each of the four times I tried to buy the Purex crystals the shelves were cleared. Really people!?!? It was delivery day!! That ticked me off so bad that when I went to buy Renu contact solution the other day I had 6 coupons but only used 4 and left the other 2 there just in case someone else needed them. I thought to myself “do I really want to be that jerk that wiped the shelf clean when someone may only use Renu and no other brand.” Definitely not- it is such a smug jerk move to do so.
This show is kind of giving couponers a bad reputation. I feel like the more it is aired, the more stores are going to restrict their policies.
UNCALLED for! To me this is Greed! I have this issue where I live, I end up getting rainchecks
and having to go back.
I have never cleared a shelf and never intend to. I honestly do not even think this kind of couponing show should be aired, it gives the wrong impression to people.
People act like they will never have the items again. People that clear the shelves and HOG all the sale items to me, have no respect for anyone NOT even themselves.
I have been using coupons for years, and have run into several issues, and I don’t even get upset about it anymore. What bothers me the most is that the stores allow these people to clear the shelves off, because it is all about money now adays. I use coupons to save money, and to try to pay down some bills, it’s not easy work, it is time consuming, and to have greedy people clear a shelf off so I cannot even have one item is wrong.
There is a few ladies over in my area wher I live they stand at the Rite AId 30 minutes befroe they open to be the first in line, and they run in throw all the sale items in their cart that is on the shelf, then a week later I see them selling it at Yard Sales! NOW that is GREED, and being Self Centered, and only caring about MONEY!
Ok, those garage sale ladies would p**s me off! I’m afraid I’d have to accidentally spill my coffee on their sale table, lol. Seriously, do they have nothing better to do? What’s so frustrating about people like that is that it really is hurting others that just need to save a little money. The stores get a bad view about, and attitude towards couponers, and eventually change policies. Stores in my area (we have more “local” chains than national ones) already have really tough coupon policies, I sure don’t need them to be worse!
I think the show is sending mix messages about people who coupon, I think these people are beyond extreme. I think they are hoarders and compulsive, you can see the charge they get and the need to keep doing it and it isn’t coming across as providing for a family on a budget or helping others in need with the bargains they obtain, it is pure greed. When your food supply begins trickling out of the food storage area and into your family room and children’s bedrooms there are some issues in my opinion. I also read an article posted by Jill Cataldo about one of the ladies on the show “Jaime” and I guess she is well known among the dedicated coupon people, well she has been exposed as committing fraud in her coupon usage, it is explained how she does this deed which is in itself a crime if you break it down, it is stealing. I think this is just horrible and it bothers me because if this catches on then stores are going to begin posting such strict guidelines and limits that those of us who play by the rules & just try to catch the bargains and save a few dollars will be hurt by it in the long run.
I have to agree.. clearing shelves is rude and inconsiderate. I have been teh one staring at empty shelves way to many times too.. I won’t walk away if there are two left and I have two coupons, I consider myself lucky. I have bought extras of things that I know I won’t use with a specific purpose- donating to a friend who is having trouble or giving to a food bank (I help set up drives, and I wil be teh firstto give if I ask others to) BUT! I have been witness to people literally sweeping their arms across to empty a shelf of something on a great sale. That’s disappointing.. With the growing obsession with stuff in our society, shows like this that glorify spending less than regular price to get stockpiles so huge you have to devote whole rooms to them, even multiple rooms.. I know it’s supposed to profile extreme couponers, but it just seems like its encouraging hoarding. And then they turn around and do a show about people who hoard and how it’s bad. I wish they woudl show people using some restraint, or actually tabulating how much teh ink and paper and services and newspapers cost these people, and show people donating huge pallets of product to food bank and women’s shelters and so forth. Show the workers accepting it and maybe a few families who say thank you. THAT woudl be great TV!
i agree with you. I started couponing years ago and became better at it as time passed by. Then people started catching on with this method of buying, now I can’t find my deals anymore. I am glad CVS has a limit on what people can buy, at Rite Aid’s surveys I kept suggesting to put limits on the deals; now beacause of the limits I can find the deals I need. I noticed that by the time I run out of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. a good deal comes up to replace it. Theres no need to stockpile, just a supply of 6 six months. Keep in mind that if something may come out free, you still pay taxes on it and it adds up with the quantity of items you take.
I totally agree with you! I have to agree with maria also, even if it’s free, you still have to pay taxes on it, and that can add up if you are doing several a week, etc. I like to coupon for things my family will use as well.
I’ve watched 2 episodes. Why do you need 40 jars of mustard for a family of 4? And why take up all the space in the house including underneath your childs bed? It’s good to have stock of what you use and get the items on sale. Get enough items to last you until the item goes on sale again (usually every 3-4 weeks).
I was so excited to watch this show when it come on, but then as I was watching it, I found myself disgusted and wouldn’t you know–the show that comes on after it is “Hoarders”-coincidence, I think not. I totally agree that you should only get things you would normally use otherwise, it’s more of a waste than a savings unless you have someone specific in mind that you can gift the extra product to….Plus, literally, who was that much time every single week to do coupons (40+ hours or whatever they’re spending)? I hope these kind of people don’t ruin it for the average people who are just looking to help save their family some $$ each month.
I was at first excited to watch the show,thinking that I would learn something,but it made me very sad. I enjoy couponing and find it necessary and appreciate being able to save money. I do have a small stockpile and do get a kick out of getting items for free..but what concerns me is that this type of show is going to create problems for the Grocery chains and they are going to change their policies. We are already seeing this with some Kroger stores. Hording is just not necessary and I am very surprised how little is donated. To be buying (hording) diapers for your future children and not giving to those in need..well..just speaks for itself!!
After watching the show, I am even MORE angry. I am all for people saving, using coupons, etc. but the one twin said something along the lines of “I am clearing the shelf and I don’t feel bad about it at all” Then, they “found” another coupon and went back to get more and realized it was cleared because of them and they were bragging about how the store was out all because of them. REALLY? I am ONLY a fan of Nathan so far. He is giving back in each time we have seen him and I hope it stays that way.
The girl from STL (where I’m from) is hosting a “how-to” for $10 a person. Not only does she want to “help” us save money but now she wants to take OUR money. I get she is taking her time out- blah blah blah but she made money on the show, and now she wants to use her fame to make more money from those of us she wants to “help save money”. I will not be spending money to learn something I can read from RHC!
Im from STL as well…ya… don’t think I will be in attendance either….
She should use her skills for good, teach college students, or help the girls from Almost Home (a place for teenage mothers to go to learn life skills) I’ve been planning a trip there myself to help them out. Sometimes I just have to wonder…”What is wrong with some people.”
I am giving a coupon class tonight for battered and homeless women. I have taught many of my friends to coupon and would NEVER consider charging anyone! It is something to share not profit from! My family struggles and I do all I can to make things a little better, but would rather come home tonight feeling good about doing a good deed than having more money in my pocket! The first bullet on my notes for tonight is TLC’s Extreme Couponing is NOT realistic!!! I’ll hold my tongue on shelf clearers, don’t want my bad mood from that to carry over to tonight! lol
Thanks to one of the ladies featured on this show, Kroger stores in the Houston area are no longer doubling or tripling coupons.
This is my biggest concern, these extreme people cheating and ruining it for everyone else!
I dont think it’s just her fault they are no longer doubling/tripling in Houston area. Surely, they would not stop due to 1 person.
It’s not one person, it’s one person on a show being aired nationally, identifying their store as a place that potentially takes more coupons than manufacturers allow, or doubles coupons that say “do not double”, which puts them in danger of the manufacturer refusing to pay them for the coupons..
This I agree with
Target changed their coupon policy due to the show, also.
what did they change?
(different Shelly than the one above) That one person didn’t have anything to do with Houston not doubling/tripling! C’mon! I live in College Station and go to Houston alot. I spoke to the manager at our store here and ALL the Krogers stores in Texas stopped doubling/tripling, not just Houston area. They still double/triple here in College Station because if they didn’t, HEB would make Krogers go out of business. He admitted that. I believe it. They ran everyone out of town in Austin. One person doesn’t have that power. It was simply a corporate decision that actually started before the show came on the air…just has taken a while to get to every store. Houston is a huge city with many choices to shop…they don’t HAVE to double/triple to get business. Smaller towns have much more competition.
I live in Houston, so obviously shop a lot in Houston. Yes, that one person on this ridiculous show brought doubling and tripling coupons to a halt in this area. And no, not all the Kroger stores in Texas have stopped doubling/tripling. And you’re exactly right, one person doesn’t have the power! That’s why corporate is made up of more than one person.
Smaller towns have much more competition? No, that would be larger cities with many more places to shop. The more stores there are, the greater the competition. It’s the smaller towns that don’t HAVE to double/triple to get business, because there are less options! Pretty simple mathematics.
Karen is exactly right. A city like Houston has MUCH MORE competition than a small town like College Station. The more stores, the more the competition!
Although many of you will probably disagree with me I would like to give my opinion. I know how frustrating it is to go to a store for a deal and find the the shelves empty. However, I believe “frist come first serve.” I personally have never emptied shelves but if I did i wouldn’t feel bad at all. Why should anyone think about other people? Every man on its own. feed your family and provide for them. There is no need to be conserned with others when others have no concern for you. I am so tired of listening to some couponers complain about the same thing over and over. If you cleared ou the shelves and your family will really use and need the item, well good for you. remember rain checks and ask the store when they will restock again.
“like”
Sad…….whatever happen to the golden rule? Then again, I’m guessing many have never heard of it.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I truly believe if the world would go back to caring more about others we would all be better off, and it does have to start somewhere.
and you and people like you are exactly the reason why stores are limiting doubling coupons now and there will be more in the future I’m sure!
I agree with each and every one of you. The show is UNREALISTIC to me. Manufacturers coupons clearly state maximum of 4 like coupons. I also agree we should be considerate for one another as we all need it. People who abuse it will burn it for all of us who use them properly. Lets hope “hoarders” open their eyes and realize its wrong!!!
Did you ladies realize that Target has already changed their coupon policy because of this show? It may just be a local decision, but they apparently will no longer take a coupon that is for more than the item – so if you have a clearance item for 1.99 and a $2 off coupon, they won’t accept the coupon. I’m personally really peeved about this, and wish TLC would pull the show before it causes more issues.
My Target will take the coupons, but they go down in value so if the item is $1.97 and the coupon is $2 off it will take $1.97 off instead of $2. I don’t know if this is for store coupons only or both store & manufacture’s.
I have never seen Target allow for overage on a coupon. The cashier is supposed to correct the amount on the coupon to reflect the lower sale price, but I often don’t see them do that, so the store is then being reimbursed more by the manufacturer for a coupon that they did not issue full value on.
I think the show is ridculous. One of the twins said who cares if you don’t have heartburn buy it anyway. Why would you want 50 bottles of antacids if you don’t even use them? and the man with all the toothpaste, body wash and deodorant, I know he was donating some, but why would you need enough to last way after you’re gone? It said in his first episode that he had enough deodorant to last an average person 100 something years! I think alot of stores and manufactures are going to start changing things if this keeps going on.
People like the ones who’ve been “showcased” on EC definitely make me angry. WHY buy something you don’t use? Why buy so much you can’t possibly get rid of it all before expiry?
I mean, what about the woman in FL who has all the cat treats, but no cat? Or the twins with diapers but no baby? I mean come on. There are Mother’s Resource Centers that could distribute those diapers to young or otherwise underprivileged mothers and all those cat treats would be HUGELY appreciated at the area’s humane society.
It’s sad that these people are being showed as being HAPPY and PROUD when they are dealing with obvious GREED and the very real possibility of some serious mental problems. Seeing situations where it goes too far makes me so so so sad.
As for clearing the shelves, I have found myself in that situation FAR too often to be okay with taking more than 6-ish months worth of ANYTHING. Even when I do have more than enough coupons for all the items, I don’t do it. I’ll occasionally take a raincheck for a couple of the item (if there’s less than two items) and just leave the coupon I had for the LAST one. I hate being the one stuck looking at the empty shelf, and won’t do it to someone else.
As for the women who buy it all on sale/with coupons and resell it- that is so NASTY a habit. Eventually the bad karma will catch up with them though.
and around here coupon policies have gotten super strict about not allowing ANY doubling. Some stores won’t even allow stacking anymore.
Ok all of you who is on that woman for charging to teach a class needs to get in the real world.When have you took time out of your schedule to prepare and teach others? You don’t know her out of pocket expense.It’s easy for you to seat in judgement of others.What is your time worth? Wouldn’t she rather be home with her family clipping coupons to save her some money.
I know around my area some shoppers make nasty comments when they see the coupon binder. Others ask questions and look interested. I have never watched the show (got rid of cable). I don’t think greed or unethical practices should be celebrated IMHO.
I get the same comments/looks from other customers in the store. Usually the cashiers want to know more about it though.
Echo what many said about the “leave at least one on the shelf” piece of etiquette. Yes, as in all other areas of life, there should be coupon etiquette, and yes, as in all other areas of life, there are some people who have none. I also have seen people who cleared the aforementioned shelves stare at me, who is looking at the empty shelf, knowing I wanted one of the item, their own buggies FULL of said item, and not offer to give me even one. Folks, that’s just rude.
I still haven’t gotten brave enough to take my binder into the store. Guy thing I guess. But I’ll put a stack of coupons in my shirt pocket.
LOL! Well that’s okay, whatever you feel comfortable doing whether it’s an envelope, binder, box, shirt pocket…..you’re still saving money and getting things for free! =)
I also will NOT clear a shelf
You have a very good outlook on couponing. That is how I coupon, and it is nice to know from someone else that it is the right way. I am also fairly new to the couponing I guess I’ve been doing the about 9 mos. I am trying to keep getting better and better.
I personally do not think there is anything wrong with taking the last of an item IF you will need it within the next 6 months. Of course, I am also a conservative couponer and I would argue that there are very few products that you should buy more than 4 of at a time.. So these ladies clearing shelves by the armful… That’s just wrong. It makes it embarrassing to coupon.
I don’t mind occasionally picking up free things I won’t use. I can always donate them to the local women’s shelter/homeless shelter, or I can help out friend who are in a bind financially. I don’t ever buy enough to clear the shelves (50 boxes of Cheerios, or 40 bottles of shampoo). I split the shopping – I have 2 Walmarts in town, so I hit one one day, and the other the next. If 2 stores have the item for the same price (ex: Walmart and Walgreens, or CVS and Walmart), I split the purchase between the 2 stores.
i think the Extreme Couponing show gives people a false idea about using coupons. The few shows I’ve seen, they failed to mention that they spent a bunch of money purchasing coupons. I consider that digging into the bottom line of savings.
I agree about giving a false hope. When the show first came out, i was so excited to start couponing again because I could get my groceries all for free…not the case. I have realized I can get some stuff I need for free, but groceries I still am paying almost full price for because only 1 store in my area doubles coupons and it is the most expensive store around.
I held a coupon “class” for everyone in my town. Instead of charging, I bought buckets for everyone and filled them up with lots of the free goodies that I had been stocking up for that month. The look on their face when I gave them the buckets were priceless! I then showed them how to get cheap or free items in combination with the regular groceries that they needed for the week. I understand that everyone would like to make money, but how about a little shared knowledge for FREE?!
I enjoy the show as pure entertainment. It takes weeks to prepare for a show like this. I think some of the attitudes some of the shoppers show is very rude. I live 40 miles from the nearest town and go into to shop about once a week, if I can find some great deals on things that last awhile on the shelf, I will stockpile because you never know if you are going to be able to get back into town. I also feel that the stores should order more product as you know that they know what will fly off the shelf. I think it is a ploy to get you into the store. They know you will buy something. I always take my binder in ’cause you never know, but I stick to my list and 9 times out of 10, if they don’t have it I will get a raincheck and wait till the next trip.
I do like watching the show but I do know that its not realistic. You cant get 100 boxes of pasta, our stores limit on how many you can get and thats just a ridiculous amount of coupons. I usually buy 3-6 papers depending on what the coupons are. Like today, I took my grandma and mother in law and was able to get a lot of P&G for free with ecoupons and man. coupons plus other good deals. We did clear the shelf on the potatoes but we only took 4 boxes. Thats all that was left, and I know for a fact the store had a TON… So I didnt feel bad (And the sale ends today). But I will get something for free even if i dont need it, because someone I know does and I donate my freebies.. Why not make someone elses day with free toothpaste. 🙂
I love your site! Also, I agree that you shouldn’t clear a shelf. I have 7 grandkids, but i wont clear a shelf. I love getting deals just like the next person, so why not leave some for the next person. I can already tell that tonight show is going to make me upset. The lady that says she clears shelves needs to see your web page!!!
I just got shut out today when I stopped by Target with my ONE coupon for toothpaste that would have made the trial size free. Found the trial size aisle and there were baskets filled to the brim with other brands of trial sized toothpaste and one lonely empty basket with a price sticker stating that this was indeed the basket meant to hold my ONE free toothpaste. Seriously? That was going to be my first freebie. I just wanted one.
Snooze You Lose!!!!!!
really John? That is a very selfish attitude! I presume you are a shelf clearer?
i agree!!! that was really a mean thing 2 say, so next time he goes 2 the store & someone b4 him cleared the shelf of a product he wanted, let someone tell him, SORRY U SNOOZE U LOSE!!! i bet ya he sure wouldnt like hearing that being said 2 him!!!
I love your theory and I agree with it very much so. I have actually cleared a shelf if there were 2 items and I had to buy 2 if the coupon called for it. One time I had coupons for 15 items of scotch products but I only bought 12 so I left 3 for others. I then gave 4 to my mom, 4 to my sister and left 4 for me. I love being able to share my stuff with family because they all work full time and it’s a way to bless them in a financial way when I dont’ work and can get stuff free. Rarely do I ever pull every stock off the shelf, it is nice to share with other couponers.
Personally I think it can only take each person taking 2-4 of an item to clear shelves. In the area I live there is a high cost of living, (Southern California) and there are a few groups of couponers, I belive that there are around 115 of them who all look at the same websites and all get the same deals and share information, and honestly if each person just in the couponing group gets 2-4 items, I may not get mine, never mind the regular shoppers who like good deals! Especially when it comes to free or really cheap items, people will go and get 5-10 of an item they don’t need, want or will use. They take it simply because its free, whereas I need the item and its a staple in my household and I cannot get the item period. There has been a coupon I have been trying to use for 3 weeks now @ Walmart b/c it gives an overage so I can buy chicken on the cheap side, but I cant ever seem to catch even one of the item and its a 24 hour WalMart that stocks daily! I mean honestly I don’t know if the show has done anything but hurt couponers and create a false identity to how you should coupon. Hasnt anyone ever heard… sharing is caring 🙂
I make up to 4 trips to the stores throughout the week depending what’s on sale and it works out great with my class schedule because all the stores are on the way to school. The first trip is on Sunday (Wednesday for grocery stores) and I get 2-4 depending on what the item is and how stocked the shelves are. The second trip is on Wednesday (Saturday for grocery stores) where I’ll check out the stock again. If there’s still a lot, I’ll grab 2-4 more. If not, I won’t grab any. My last trip of the week for non-grocery stores is Saturday evenings where I will clear the shelves if it’s something that I or a friend/neighbor will use. It’s the last day of the sale and people have had all week to get what they wanted so I figure it’s fair game by then. The same goes for grocery stores, but that’s on Tuesday evenings.