Couponing No-No's

Couponing No-No’s

There are more and more restrictions being put on coupons every day, so we all have to make sure that 1) we are up to date with what is considered illegal and 2) what is considered inconsiderate. Now, illegal and inconsiderate are one in the same and, at the same time, completely opposite. We are going to go over them right now!

Illegal No-No’s

1.      Copying, reproducing, altering, decoding or selling coupons. (Decoding a coupon means “decoding” the barcode with the intention of using the coupon on an item the manufacturer did not intend you to.)

2.      Using a coupon you know is altered, copied or otherwise fake.

3.      Ignoring the fine print on coupons; heed the per transaction limits, size and quantity rules and the expiration date.

4.      Using more than one manufacturer coupon per item. i.e., you cannot use four $0.50 off coupons on one $2.00 jar of pasta sauce to make it free.

5.      Accepting a bigger discount than you should because the cashier or the computer messed up.

Inconsiderate No-No’s

1.      Clearing shelves! In my opinion, taking all of a “highly prized” couponing item, be it a sale item or a regular priced item, is inconsiderate to other couponers (and the “muggles” of couponing, everyday shoppers). How would you feel if, after all your research and clipping you got to the store to find it all gone? The exceptions to my rule are 1) if I get to the store and the majority of the item is wiped out and there are three or four left or 2) if the item is on clearance and no one else seems interested in it.

2.      Taking items from another shoppers’ cart or arms. (I mean, we are mature adults here.) And on a side note; Black Friday does NOT bend this rule.

3.      Pushing people out of your way to get to that highly prized item.

4.      Stealing coupons from your neighbors’ newspaper, or any other newspaper for that matter.

5.      Belittling your cashier because they don’t know their stores coupon policy. You wouldn’t either unless you couponed, so cut them some slack.

If anyone finds anything I have neglected to mention feel free to shoot me a message or post a comment!