Talk and Act
Did you know that more than 70% of people in America claim to use coupon discounts to save money and around 85 percent use coupons to buy grocery and consumer goods? Quite amazing statistics I think you would have to agree. That means that if you’re reading this article and don’t use coupons regularly, you are in the minority! The good thing is that anyone and I mean anyone can begin and use coupons to save themselves money at anytime with no skill required. In this difficult economic situation, it becomes even more important to understand the use of coupons and how they can save you serious coin.
Apparently the concept of coupons being used as a promotional tool was conceived by C. W. Post. He initially offered a coupon worth one cent to his patrons on every purchase of Grape-Nut. Since then, the term couponing has become a global phenomenon for both businesses and consumers alike. Over the past decade as developing countries have become greater users of the Internet we have seen an explosion in popularity of the use and release of coupons. Traditionally, coupons were distributed through magazines, newspapers, and more in the 90’s and early 2000s via email. Whilst these mediums are still in play, the most common form of distributing coupons is via the Internet. This is due to the fact that hundreds of millions of people access the Internet on a daily basis and it also helps companies save their money as the Internet is relatively inexpensive. As we move into the deeper understanding of web 2.0, social networking has also increased the popularity of using the Net as the sole medium to distribute and promote coupons. Just think about Facebook and Twitter. These 2 sites alone generate such buzz around topics and products that businesses are able to judge quickly if their new product line will be successful or not.
Even within the coupon sector, there are different “product” lines. Here are 2 types:
Manufacturer Coupons: manufacturer coupons are created by the product manufacturing company to boost sales and increase brand awareness. These coupons are often distributed via online surveys, email newsletters or straight from the manufacturer’s website. Simply the consumer takes the coupon to the store and gets a discount or in some cases free product and the manufacturer pays face value of the coupon to the store owner.
Printable coupons are also available on websites offering coupon deals online, such as www.FreeStuff4Free.com. On such websites, users will not only have access to coupons offering discounts, but often coupons that give the user freebies and free samples. These sites are a great way to access hundreds of discount coupons in a variety of consumer products categories.
Understanding these 2 product lines will put you in good frame of mind to begin to save on groceries and many other shopping categories. If you’re still in doubt, go to Google and type in key phrases like free stuff, coupons, discount coupons and observe what search results you will find. You will be well on the way to saving you and your family thousands of dollars annually!
Tags: cheabies, Coupons, Free Samples, Free Stuff, Freebies
Posted in Uncategorized · March 8th, 2010 · Comments (0)
What you may not know is that grocery shopping is the number one cause of disagreements within families and for good reason. The amount we spend on groceries is the greatest weekly cost outside a mortgage or paying of rent. Given the rebuilding period of the market to become the global powerhouse once again, everyday American’s are now re-learning the concept of saving in the conventional sense. A re-learning that if expenditure exceeds income means that debt increases, possible bankruptcy and re-possession of the family home. Therefore it would be wise for people to take notice of articles on how to save money especially when it comes to saving on groceries. I have compiled a short list of tips that may help guide you in saving significant amounts of money and hopefully providing some financial relief if you are currently suffering stressful times. Try one, a few or all in conjunction with each other and see how much you can save.
Seek out stores that will double or triple your coupons. I have become an believer of couponing and for good reason. This is where the power of couponing really gives great value. Combine a coupon with a sale when the store doubles or triples your coupon can bring you prices down to well under a dollar. You may have pre-conceptions that stores that double, and sometimes triple coupons, are stores to be avoided because their overall prices might be marked up. So it is advisable to find stores that are close and who compete with each other in order to get the best savings.
Don’t buy non-groceries at the grocery store. Most personal care items are less expensive at discount stores or chain pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS and RiteAid. Hardware, lightbulbs, extensions cords, office supplies, greeting cards and non essential items are usually all sold at the retail price because that is not what they specialize in and therefore do not purchase in massive bulk to pass on those savings. However you will find exceptions to this rule. With double or triple coupons many cleaning supplies and personal care items can be purchased at fantastic rates at the grocery store.
Eat less meat. Consider eating less fresh meat with you family. Meat is expensive and not necessary to be eaten regularly. Set aside a day that you will not eat meat. I guarantee that your family will not notice. Make something simple and easy like a soup. This will save you a lot of time and money.
Take advantage of free samples offered by companies trying to win your business. With the tight rein on advertising budgets, companies are forced to look to other ways to promote their wares. Offering freebies has become the norm amongst many companies with big names like Walmart offering free stuff for consumers to trial.
Using the above advice, you will be guaranteed to save hundreds if not thousands per year. Have a go at a couple of tips and see how you go.
Tags: cheabies, Coupons, Free Samples, Free Stuff, Freebies
Posted in Uncategorized · March 8th, 2010 · Comments (0)