Being able to get discounts is more than enough reason to start using coupons, but it is difficult to see big differences until you start couponing in earnest. However, couponing on a large scale is not the same as using coupons here and there. Do not let the strangeness of the situation deter you.
Instead, read these three steps to couponing in earnest:
Choosing the Products
Remember that the existence of coupons should not exert undue influence over your purchasing decisions. You should use your coupons to support your shopping patterns, rather than changing your shopping patterns based on the coupons that you have on hand. Certain substitutes and a degree of influence are acceptable, but basing your shopping patterns around your coupons is not. For example, if you have a coupon for Post cereal, then it makes sense for you to purchase Post cereal rather than cereal from some other manufacturer, unless your usual cereal manufacturer is so important to you that making a change causes you actual detriment. However, the same is not true if you have a coupon for canned peaches but you either hate peaches or dislike canned products to the point where you don’t even have a can opener. Do not purchase items based on available coupons and do not succumb to the temptation of purchasing too much because you have coupons that provide you with a sizable discount. Instead, choose a selection of products and then focus your coupon-finding efforts on those products.
Finding Coupons
Your next step is to find useful sources of coupons for the products that you use rather than products in general. Common sources include but are not limited to in-store advertisements, mailed advertisements, online coupon sites, and printed publications such as magazines and newspapers. For specific products, you can also check their manufacturers’ sites plus more general sites that present printable coupons for your perusal. One powerful resource for coupon-hunting that has sprung up in recent times are online communities built around the concept. The Internet abounds with forums and social media groups dedicated to finding coupons and sharing tips for picking up discounts using coupons.
Using Organizers For Coupons
One final item to keep in mind is the need to organize your coupons, something that becomes all the more important as you escalate the rate at which you collect and use coupons. Good, sensible organization helps to ensure that you can find the coupons that you are looking for in the shortest time possible and with the greatest convenience. In general, you want a holder big enough to hold a great number of coupons but still small enough that you can bring it with you in public. Something like a purse or a handbag make for excellent choices provided that they have sufficient divisions. Organization methods depend on your needs and personal habits. One method is to organize on the basis of expiration dates because it lets the user know when certain coupons are going to expire. Another popular method is to organize by the kind of product that can be discounted using the coupon.
Conclusion
Remember that the best couponing methods are those that are best suited to you, not the ones that are best suited to people in general.
About the Author:
Kara Fielder is a personal shopping assistant for busy executives and high profile clients. She enjoys hunting down bargains and sharing her insights on shopping blogs. Find out more about Hotel Club coupons before planning your next trip.
I must start couponing again. I used to do it all the time and then I got overwhelmed with the cutting and filing and stopped but I realize I need to save money and this is a good saving.