How to Get Started ...
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 2:22 pmYou may be asking yourself, "Where do I start?"
Getting started with the coupon game may seem a little daunting initially, but before you know it, you’ll be on your way to savings while grocery shopping!
Everyone has their preferences in how they organize their coupons for shopping. Many “couponers” use binders with plastic, pocket sleeves which can be purchased to hold all your coupons. I’m not sure, but I think these sleeves are also used for baseball cards. Some ladies prefer to have a sectioned purse or wallet to carry their coupons while they shop.
I had a few small photo albums around the house, so chose one that I thought might work and now find it really convenient for displaying the coupons. My album can be opened to remove or add pages, which I find helps in organizing into categories (especially once you start getting more coupons!).
I found the many local groups on Facebook extremely helpful for picking up tips & sharing info (see drop down menu of links on main page of forum). In searching the net, I stumbled across a blog that contained more information that I could have hoped for! There are a number of excellent blogs or websites, originating out of Canada, that you'll discover when you search online. I became more aware of coupons in grocery stores, magazines, newspaper flyer inserts, as well as online. Once I had a few gathered, I ventured to my first Coupon Swap that some of the local “couponers” had arranged. It’s a great way to chat with others and learn more, while trading coupons. Also, many manufacturers will send coupons to you via the mail - all you have to do is contact them to share your satisfaction with their product and ask if they have any coupons available.
Price Matching is just that - you can price match one store's sales against another. If the store participates in price matching, it may also accept store flyers from across Canada too. Inquire at the store customer service counter for information about their policies. It can be a great way to save some of those shopping $$$. Visit the Price Matching section here on the forums to learn more about this method of saving while shopping locally.
Stacking was “all the rage” last year, however, the only store I’m aware of that now accepts stacks is London Drugs. I’m told that they are very particular on the wording of the coupons, rightfully so. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there will always be people that take advantage of a situation and abuse the opportunity. Visit the Stacks section of the forums for further information on the do’s and don’ts while stacking.
Many of the coupon sites or FB groups that I'm connected to try to share info about fair conduct while using coupons or price matching in stores. A few basic rules that considerate couponers adhere to: Don't take all the tear pad coupons, don't remove peelies from products you don't intend to purchase and don't clear the shelves of product!! Apparently sales on products tend to regenerate approximately every 3 months, so no need to all but hoard at the sight of an incredible deal!
DO NOT, under any circumstances, photocopy coupons ... this constitutes fraud! I'm sure you'll learn more while reading other member's contributions about what's acceptable and what is frowned on.
I haven’t been couponing as long as some of the veterans out there & welcome your knowledge! Feel free to add your tips.
Getting started with the coupon game may seem a little daunting initially, but before you know it, you’ll be on your way to savings while grocery shopping!
Everyone has their preferences in how they organize their coupons for shopping. Many “couponers” use binders with plastic, pocket sleeves which can be purchased to hold all your coupons. I’m not sure, but I think these sleeves are also used for baseball cards. Some ladies prefer to have a sectioned purse or wallet to carry their coupons while they shop.
I had a few small photo albums around the house, so chose one that I thought might work and now find it really convenient for displaying the coupons. My album can be opened to remove or add pages, which I find helps in organizing into categories (especially once you start getting more coupons!).
I found the many local groups on Facebook extremely helpful for picking up tips & sharing info (see drop down menu of links on main page of forum). In searching the net, I stumbled across a blog that contained more information that I could have hoped for! There are a number of excellent blogs or websites, originating out of Canada, that you'll discover when you search online. I became more aware of coupons in grocery stores, magazines, newspaper flyer inserts, as well as online. Once I had a few gathered, I ventured to my first Coupon Swap that some of the local “couponers” had arranged. It’s a great way to chat with others and learn more, while trading coupons. Also, many manufacturers will send coupons to you via the mail - all you have to do is contact them to share your satisfaction with their product and ask if they have any coupons available.
Price Matching is just that - you can price match one store's sales against another. If the store participates in price matching, it may also accept store flyers from across Canada too. Inquire at the store customer service counter for information about their policies. It can be a great way to save some of those shopping $$$. Visit the Price Matching section here on the forums to learn more about this method of saving while shopping locally.
Stacking was “all the rage” last year, however, the only store I’m aware of that now accepts stacks is London Drugs. I’m told that they are very particular on the wording of the coupons, rightfully so. Unfortunately, in my opinion, there will always be people that take advantage of a situation and abuse the opportunity. Visit the Stacks section of the forums for further information on the do’s and don’ts while stacking.
Many of the coupon sites or FB groups that I'm connected to try to share info about fair conduct while using coupons or price matching in stores. A few basic rules that considerate couponers adhere to: Don't take all the tear pad coupons, don't remove peelies from products you don't intend to purchase and don't clear the shelves of product!! Apparently sales on products tend to regenerate approximately every 3 months, so no need to all but hoard at the sight of an incredible deal!
DO NOT, under any circumstances, photocopy coupons ... this constitutes fraud! I'm sure you'll learn more while reading other member's contributions about what's acceptable and what is frowned on. I haven’t been couponing as long as some of the veterans out there & welcome your knowledge! Feel free to add your tips.