It's probably not a phrase you will hear often, but I definitely stand by couponing with integrity. I wanted to encourage my readers to coupon with integrity by providing some tips on how to utilize coupons properly.
How to coupon with integrity:
Pay attention to format: Anyone can create a coupon, especially in a PDF format. Be weary of coupons in a PDF format that you get from an unorignal source (meaning it doesn't come from the brand's website/facebook/email etc). Coupons that print from a brand website or a well known site such as coupons.com, bricks or smartsource.com are a-ok!
Find the source: If you have found a coupon that is awesome, track it down. You should be able to go to the original source meaning if your favorite brand of toothpaste is offering a coupon for $2/1 coupon, you should be able to find where this coupon was released from. If you can't find where this coupon is coming from, it could be fraudulent. Not saying it is, just always suspect it could be!
If it looks too good to be true: You've heard this before, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. About a year ago there was a circulation of a "Free Snuggie" on the internet which turns out, it was an untrue offer. If you are seeing a coupon for a FREE item going around, check the source.
Is it meant for you: Internet coupons are awesome and easy to come by. The thing is, sometimes these coupons are meant for a specific person or purpose. Meaning maybe there is a mailing list and that mailing list receives a coupon. Someone decides to share it, it's leaked and all over. Unfortunately, these are one offer per specified person meaning now thousands of people have this one time, one person use coupon. This goes back to checking the source.
Read the fine print: I'm no perfect couponer, I've often thought I have read the coupon one way and it turns out it was a completely different thing. Look for details such as specific stores, products, limits, expiration dates etc. Do your best to read the fine print on the coupon to ensure you are using it correctly!
Policies and limits: All stores are different, check with their specfic coupon policy to ensure you are using your coupons correctly. For example, did you know when stores double they often have a limit of 3 like coupons? Also, if you do plan on buying a large amount of items, please be respectful of other couponers. Try to leave some items for others, if you can go to multiple stores.
Please try and use coupons what they are purposed for, saving money!
The reasons for couponing with integrity are simple and benefits the users, stores and brands! If consumers use coupons the way they are meant to be used, we will have more success on seeing awesome coupons. Stores are happy because when you use the coupons correctly, they don't lose money and often make money on manufacturer coupons being redeemed. Brands are happy because they feel confident releasing coupons without the system being abused. Bad couponers often give good couponers a bad name, try to be on that good list!
I do my best to bring you the best deals and no, I don't post every offer on the internet. There are a lot of scams out there, and scam doesn't mean having to scam you. Often times when it comes to couponing scams, the victim is the brand or store. I will always do my best to bring you the most authentic deals out there!
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