Some Ways to Maximize Coupon Benefits

Not a long back posted how online coupons increased our spending. Since then we have learnt to use coupon in correct way. One example, every Friday night we go out for dinner, sometimes just two of us, sometimes with our friends. We like to try different cuisines and restaurants. Today we combined saving money and experimentation by having an account with restaurant.com, where we search for great deals on great restaurants, every Friday.

Also, recently I had to go for car servicing, regular price in our area for that model was $40+. Upon searching in our mail box I found a 10% off coupon which reduced my servicing expense.

The cost of groceries has sky rocketed lately. In fact it’s estimated that the price of food will rise incrementally by 25% over the next 3 years. Stores have held price wars now for years but how much are you really saving? But coupons are your secret weapon. The reason coupons work so well is simple. Not many people bother with them.

You may do better at couponing if you start looking for coupons on items you genuinely need. We have friends for whom demand arises after finding a related coupon. Like, if you get a “buy one coffee get one free” offer, you’ll buy that one cup of coffee which you could have avoided in the first place.

To me the entire coupon economy runs on this principle, coupons are distributed to people to encourage buying, to profit from it we must learn to control impulsive buying urge.

Other issues with couponing is for some they are too much hassle. Or that they don’t save you very much. Now this might seem bad but actually it works in your favour. If everyone used every coupon the stores wouldn’t print so many of them. Neither would the product manufacturers. So the fact that only a few people use them actually helps you out.

So you’ve decided to do the smart thing and use coupons. How do you do it?

Ways To Save Money With Coupons

As obvious as it sounds, coupons mark down original price, hence you save on purchasing at a discount, we know that. What many don’t know is how to maximize the benefit of couponing (Also read – How to effectively use vouchers and coupons).

Find and Seek

The first thing you need to do is find those little coupons. You need to know where they hide and hunt them down. The first port of call is the internet. Various coupon sites are available on net, waiting to be searched.

But don’t neglect offline sources too. Sunday papers are always full with supplements and likewise, coupons. Also look out for flyers and brochures from your local stores.

Get Organized

The further you plan a head and the better organized you are about it, the more you will save. This is a simple fact. It’s fine to start off with a brown envelope tucked into your bag. But as you collect coupons more frequently you will need a better system. A baseball card folder off ebay for a couple of dollars will suffice. It will give you a nice ring binder with a few cellophane sheet and holders. The bigger coupons can go in the back somewhere.

(Related – The Advantages of Coupons You Never Knew)

Bulk Buy

Your coupons are always better used when they are used with other offers. For things like consumable, shampoo, diaper etc. You should buy in bulk when you have enough of the same coupon. If the items are on sale even better, Buying items that don’t perish or at least have a long shelf life is a great tactic when you have coupons.

Sale Sale Sale

Using coupons is a good way of saving money. Using coupons combined with a sale is a great way. Stores almost always have sales on a 6 week cycle. So let’s say Nescafe Latte sachets are $2.30. You might find a $1 coupon online or in the Sunday paper. Now that’s a good saving.

But what if your store has a 6 week cycle and has them on sale for $1.30. I you buy a few boxes every 6 weeks with coupons; you are getting them for 30c per box. Now that’s a bargain.

Any other tips you’d like to share with us today?