Super-Couponing: People for the Ethical Treatment of Coupons

Super-Couponing: People for the Ethical Treatment of Coupons

For those of you still with me after reading that title: naw, it isn't a real group, and PETA probably wouldn't heartily or readily approve. All fun aside, however, there is such a thing as using coupons ethically or, in other words, ethical couponing.

In short, ethical couponing is the art of using coupons as they're intended to be used within the guidelines and rules of stores' coupon policies. What it is not is using coupons however you see fit to try to maximize your savings (you can use coupons legally and still save bunches of money). Without further adieu, here is a list on how not to use coupons when shopping.

  1. Don't knowingly use expired coupons on a product – Okay, so we all can make mistakes from time to time. We're human, after all, so mistakenly using or trying to use that dollar-off-sour-cream coupon that expired two days ago doesn't make you an unethical couponer. But knowing that the expiration date has come and gone and still attempting to use it anyway; that's a couponing no no. Use up those coupons before they expire! (Stay tuned for more in the future on just what you can do with those expired coupons.)
  2. Don't use the coupon on a product other than what's listed on it – In other words, if you have a coupon for Acme detergent (and only Acme detergent), don't try to use that coupon on Acme fabric softener, dryer sheets or anything other than the Acme detergent. If you really want a coupon for those other products, write to the company; chances are, they'll be more than happy to send you some.
  3. Don't try to use two manufacturer's coupons for one item – Sometimes, if it's within a store's policy, you can stack a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon for one item; generally, though, that's it. Which brings me to . . .
  4. Don't try to force the part-time teenage cashier to accept/override/push through any of the above kind of coupons – If a coupon is expired, doesn't match the product, or if you're trying to use two manufacturer's coupons for one item, don't throw a fit until the store accepts it. The well-being and harmony of the universe is not going to depend on you getting an extra $0.50 off that bagged lettuce; plus, it might just flag you in that store as "the crazy coupon lady" – and not in a good way.

I've said it before, but it bears repeating: know your store's specific policy before heading out with binder or envelope in tow. If you know what your store's stance is on coupons, then you can happily play by their rules, use your own common sense and moral compass, and still save money.

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Jana's picture

Jana wrote:

Tue, 01/10/2012 - 14:15 Comment #: 1

I love this post (and People for the Ethical Treatment of Coupons is a great name!). Extreme Couponing has definitely done serious damage with regards to people's ethics around their coupon use. Thanks for pointing out what not to do.

Andrea's picture

Andrea wrote:

Tue, 01/10/2012 - 22:56 Comment #: 2

Amen, to this post! It's really disappointing that people knowingly try to deceive stores when they use coupons. I once saw a woman peel off all of the "peelie" coupons from items on a large display. Unethical behavior like that is really disappointing for those of us who use coupons properly.

Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | Yes, I Am Cheap's picture

Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | Yes, I Am Cheap wrote:

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 14:17 Comment #: 3

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Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | My Blog's picture

Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | My Blog wrote:

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 19:49 Comment #: 4

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Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | My Blog's picture

Best In Personal Finance 01/15 | My Blog wrote:

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 23:22 Comment #: 5

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