I’ll start off by saying that I’m not a coupon clipper. Yes I know I’m offending like 50% of the population especially those people that claim to spend $10 a week on food that retails for hundreds. I simply have better things to do (that I personally consider better) like spending time with my kids, reading a good magazine and so on.
However I will admin I do use a coupon from time to time — for free things. For example, a free appetizer at Texas Roadhouse, a free $25 giftcard with the purchase of $100 in merchandise and things like that.
Here are four ways to NOT use coupons:
- Don’t send the same coupon month after month. For example, Bed Bath and Beyond sends me 2-4 20% off coupons a month. I won’t shop there unless I have a damn coupon now as I expect the discount. I actually prefer the places that have a policy of NEVER sending coupons as they believe they have superior products and service that don’t warrant discounting.
- Don’t put expiration dates. You mean I can only use this on the first full moon on a leap year? If I walk into a store with a coupon, I better be able to use it regardless of date.
- Inability to be tracked. You need to know where I got the coupon from to see if the marketing method is effective.
- A coupon that could COST you money. For example I recently got a coupon for $10 in free goods. What if I only want a pack of gum? Will you pay me the other $9.75 for the balance? Always use fine print!
There are some businesses that rock out coupons, I simply urge you to make sure your business uses them in the right ways (or not at all)
Happy discounting!