Overall I think the show has had a negative impact on coupon users. The show gives the impression that anybody can get these huge savings if they try. In the message boards of various couponing sites people are irritated with the show. Many say it’s nothing more than “organized hoarding”. I’d have to agree based on some of the people featured in the show. They have more food than a family could eat before it expires. Yes, some of these people donate a large amount of food to local food banks, but by clearing the store shelves of great deals they are hurting struggling families who just want to get a couple of items at a great price.
Stores are getting wise to this extreme couponing phenomenon. When a customer redeems a manufacturer coupon the store is reimbursed from the manufacturer. But stores that allow double coupons are footing the bill for the amount that is doubled. In April, Kroger chains in the Houston, Texas are stopped doubling and tripling coupons. Other stores have begun to limit the number of doublers used, or the number of like coupons used per transaction. Wal-Mart has also revised its coupon policy to be more specific about what the store will and will not accept. They now require manager approval for more than 40 coupons in one transaction or over $50 in coupons in one transaction. It seems that rising food prices and extreme couponing may mean fewer deals to be had by regular folks.
Article comments
1 - Things
I've always searched for deals and used coupons sporadically through my life.
After following some websites, and putting together "plans of attack" I began to dabble in what I consider "Practical Couponing."
I, too live in California, and reduce my overall budget by shopping at Target and the drugstores and using their "reward dollars" and store coupons stacked with mfr coupons. Mostly for household and personal care items.
Then I try to get the lowest price I can for meat/produce (usually at Sprouts Farmers Market)
This week Albertsons had a fantastic deal on gift cards. Buy $100 in Gift Cards (I chose Gas Cards) and get a $20 coupon for your next grocery purchase.
Using that, along with the mfr coupons, and Albertson's "mix and match" sales, I was able to get meat (Oscar Mayer), vegetables, dairy and juice for a 94% savings.
Its more difficult in California, we just have to think harder!
2 - Kevin
I just learned about this show today.
Years ago, to learn how domaining worked, I purchased a website that simply has useful coupon ads on it. It never saw any traffic. All of a sudden in early April, the traffic exploded and I was making $400 a month in people clicking on coupon ads. I have been scratching my head for weeks trying to figure out what changed. A friend today told me about this show. I can tell you that people's behavior changed dramatically since the show debuted.
It is scary to see how much time and energy people are spending on this. I spend about $500 a month on groceries for a family of three. At 30 hours a week, this is 120 hours of work a month, which amounts to less than $4.16 an hour. Getting a job would be more profitable. In fact, given that minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, if you are spending more than 68 hours a month couponing for $500 in groceries, you are losing money. Moderation seems wisest to me.
An analogy would be the guy who drives his car around my neighborhood picking up recyclables. At $4.00+ a gallon... it certainly isn't wise for him to let the car idle with the AC on (as he is prone to do).
3 - Kerry D
@Kevin: I totally agree that moderation is best. I have two small kids so shopping more than once a week is too much stress! I have cut my grocery bill down to about half, and I'm pleased with that.
4 - Richard Gustafson
These extreme couponers have ruined the double and triple couponing for regular shoppers that do not work the system. The show will last only one more season, about the time all the stores have implemented new restricted coupon policies.
5 - Tara
Great thoughts. I believe that the show on TLC portrays a very fictional account of couponing and set viewers up for disappointment because they can't replicate those shopping trips. There is also a point where it isn't fun anymore and it's a hobby, not a job so it should be fun! I think 50-60% savings average is great and if I do better sometimes I'm psyched but I don't expect to save 90% on every shopping trip. That is unrealistic. Another free site you may want to check out is Hot Coupon World where I am a mod. There is a great article over there about this "Extreme Couponing" hoopla also.
6 - tommiebarker
Take yogurt for example: you can find so many yogurt coupons, and when combined with sale prices, it can make something a great value. Since I enjoy all yogurt equally (for the most part), I pick my yogurt based on the sales/coupons that I have.
7 - Terri
Tried to use $5 off coupon if you purchase 12 at Publix and was told no that they do not go over 10 on any of their sale items.
We have used this coupon before with no problems the month before. It comes from SmartOnes website. Was told that they have a very liberal coupon policy and if they let everyone use this coupon they would have no product.
8 - Bill
I think most people can't do what those people do, but some stores have changed policies. I go to Acme/Albertsons. I rarely use coupons. I think most guys are that way. I recently did use a coupon and was surprised to see I got double the coupon. I had no idea they did that. I may use coupons more now..... I have seen the show and think it is ridiculous for people to hoard food like that. Especially in this economy. I like the shows where people actually go on shopping sprees for food banks. If you know how to get discounts like that. You should do at least one shopping spree for food banks or like one person did. Make gift bags for our troops. The rest for the most part are greedy people who care about themselves. They obviously don't care about the register they take up for an hour or more.