While there are several ways to save on your groceries without coupons, many of us have had great success reducing our family budgets by couponing. When you first get started, it may seem like the time and effort of cutting, organizing and using coupons at isn’t worth it. Some of this will get better with practice; you’ll be able to hone your skills to find a method that works for you. I hope you’ll find the tips below helpful as you’ll be able to track down more high-value coupons to aid your shopping:
1) Compliment a company/brand you like. Whenever I have received coupons directly from a manufacturer, they have been much higher value than those in the newspaper inserts. Think of the products your family likes most and what feedback you can provide the company. Couponing to Disney has a list of all the companies she has emailed with compliments and what they’ve sent her.
2) Sign up for rewards programs like Huggies, Pampers and Luvs. All three of those companies send high-value coupons ($2.00 or higher) through regular mail, and Luvs provides printable coupons (sometimes as high as $5.00 off) on their website. Formula companies like Enfamil* also mail out high-value coupons.
3) Join review panels such as Vocalpoint, Pssst, and House Party. You’ll receive free samples, high value coupons and sometimes full-sized samples through the regular mail. I regularly get $1.00 or more off coupons from Vocalpoint as well as FREE full-sized box coupons for items such as cereal, crackers, and granola bars. Usually, you’re expected to complete a quick survey online to review the products or you’re asked to share the coupons/products with your friends.
4) Look in magazines like Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping and All You. I often see higher-value coupons inside than those for the same products in the Sunday paper inserts. All You, in particular, has exclusive coupons that can net you very inexpensive or FREE products. Nicole’s Nickels has a post each month highlighting upcoming coupons in your favorite magazines.
5) Keep an eye on manufacturer’s coupons. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the economy, but I’m seeing higher-value coupons each month on sites like Coupons.com. This month, the coupons range from $1.00-$3.00 off grocery items to $5.00-10.00 off toys. Even the newspaper coupon inserts have had some high-value coupons recently: the $1.50 off Kraft Dressing coupon stocked many a pantry with free dressing, and the many $2.00 off shampoo coupons pair well with drugstore sales and promos for free or low-cost toiletries.
It’s true that you can lose a lot of time couponing when you’re a beginner, but if you focus your efforts on high returns (like when I submit rebates worth $5.00 or more), you may be more happy with your results. Whether you’re new or a veteran couponer, it still feels great to get full-sized products for FREE or close to it.
*Disclosure: The Enfamil link is served by MySavings, of which I am an affiliate.
Thanks for the great info!!