Couponing Etiquette: Zip Code Couponing

Check out this post by In Good Cents about the Ethics of Zip Code Couponing.

Zip Code Couponing is simply entering a zip code on a printable coupon site that is not in your area for the purpose of printing a different or higher value coupon.

I have gone back and forth on this issue for a while now and Beth at In Good Cents has done a great job of explaining all the issues involved.

Be sure to read through her post, Zip Code Couponing: Is It Right or Is It Wrong?, and let me know your thoughts.

Coupon Etiquette: Don't try using an expired coupon!

If a coupon is expired, don't try to use it.  In rare cases, stores will allow expired coupons to be used, but that is up to the store.  You can check their coupon policy or ask a store manager.  However, this is very rare!

I have heard some say that the self checkout lanes at some stores will accept expired coupons.  Just because the register accepts the coupon, doesn't mean it's legal to use it.

Here is what happens when you try to do this...

• Expired coupon "sneaks" by and gets scanned.
• The store goes to send manufacturer coupons in for reimbursement.
• The manufacturer sees that the coupon was expired when used and refuses money back to the store.
• The more often this happens, the more strict the store will become in their coupon policy.

Please be aware of the implications of using an expired coupon.  Be sure you look over your coupon expiration dates before you checkout just to make sure that none of them are expired.

Coupon Etiquette: Clearing the Shelves

Have you ever been excited about a great deal or free deal and you get to the store and find that the shelf is completely empty?  Grrrr!

I have been there as I'm sure you have.  Now, I'm not saying that everytime you see this, another couponer came by and bought up everything.  That isn't always the case.  Sometimes, stores just didn't have much in stock for a variety of reasons or someone simply needed a large quantity for a specific reason (party, etc...).

On a side note, if you have this experience, be sure to check with the cashier and try to get a raincheck.  Don't just get frustrated and leave.  Who knows, you may be able to get a better deal in the future with a raincheck.

Now, there are times where I've "cleared the shelves" simply because there were only a few products left.  That is not what I'm talking about.

Shelf Clearing is NOT...

• Buying up the last of the product when there isn't much left.
• Buying a large amount of product and there is still a lot left on the shelf.

Shelf Clearing IS...

• When the shelves are full and you buy everything that's there
• It's the first day of the sale and you buy all or most of the products on the shelf.

All right, you know who you are!  :)

If you would like to purchase a large quantity that you know would clear the shelves, request a special order from the order.  Many times they can place an order for you and you won't have to clear the shelves for everyone else.

Also, the purpose of buying a larger number of products at one time is stockpiling.  Stockpiling is simply buying enough product to last you until the next great deal....usually 3 months.  I don't know about you, but I don't go through 100 tubes of toothpaste in that time.  :)

All I'm saying is, be considerate of other couponers out there when you shop.  Leave some deals for everyone else. :)

Check out more Couponing Etiquette Tips here.

Coupon Etiquette: Couponer/Cashier Relationship

Have you ever been in the checkout lane and your cashier refuses to take one or more of your coupons and you are convinced they should?  I've been there and I'm sure many of you have.  How do you handle it?

Here are some of my thoughts on the subject...

• Remember, the cashier is simply trying to do their job.  They are not out to get you. :)  Think about how much there is to know about couponing/store coupon policies...it can get confusing.

• Relax, and first make sure you are right.
• Believe it or not, it is possible that the mistake is yours.  :)

A couple times come to mind when I tried using a Pop Secret Popcorn coupon that the cashier wouldn't take.  I was sure I was right, but when I looked at the product I actually bought, I realized I grabbed a brand of popcorn that looked so similar, but wasn't the right brand.  For some reason, every time I went to use that coupon, I did the same thing.  :)

• With all the coupons we go through, it is easy to overlook some small print that states, "one per transaction", "one per customer" or something like that.

• If you are wrong, be sure to apologize and decide whether you still want the product or not and move on.

If the value of the coupon I wanted to use wasn't real high (i.e. 25 cents), I usually just eat the cost so the cashier doesn't have to find the product and void it.

• If you are right, explain yourself politely.
• If the coupon states "one coupon per purchase", and you are using 2 of those coupons on 2 products, simply say, "Yes, I am purchasing 2 of them."  Some cashiers dont' understand the difference between a "purchase" and a "transaction".

• Have your copy of the store coupon policy with you.  This can be very helpful if a cashier just isn't aware of a specific store policy.

• If your explanation to the cashier didn't help, ask yourself if it's worth it to ask for a manager.

If the coupon is for a low amount such as $.35, is it really worth it?  Now, if the coupon is for $5 off, that might be a different story.

• Ask for a Manager
• The manager should be more knowledgeable on the store's policies so they should be able to help.

• Be sure to kindly explain the situation to them and be respectful of the cashier.

• Call Customer Service
• If you are right according to the store's policies and the store still didn't allow it, you can always call their customer service line and they may be able to help straighten it out.

• Sometimes nothing helps....and it's okay.
• Sometimes no matter what you do, you still dont' get to use the coupon you wanted to use and that's okay.  Life does go on, believe it or not.  :)

• If this happens frequently with a specific store, you may want to consider changing the store you shop at.

• If there is a specific cashier that seems to always give you trouble, try to avoid that register.  Don't set yourself up for frustration.

Other Tips....

• Follow the rules and be knowledgeable
• Be sure to double check your expiration dates before you check out.
• Read the fine print on the coupons you plan to use.
• Know your store's coupon policy well so you are sure you're following their rules.
• Be organized
• Make sure that when you are shopping, you only grab coupons for products you are using.
• It is not uncommon for me to bring a stack of coupons to the store and end up not using some of them.  Be sure you don't accidentally put a coupon in the stack that you are not purchasing.
• Always be friendly
• If you are always friendly and get to know your cashiers, they will become more familiar and comfortable with you.
• When they know that you aren't trying to break the rules, they will trust you more.

Coupon Etiquette: Spotting a Fraudulent Coupon

For a while now, I've been thinking about doing a series on Couponing Etiquette.  I'm finally going to do it. :)  I have so many thoughts on this topic, I can't wait to get started.

The first topic I want to cover is "How to Spot a Fraudulent Coupon".  Have you ever received an e-mail from a friend or a link on Facebook to a coupon that seems way too good to be true?  Well, it usually is.

A coupon is a contract between you and the manufacturer.  If you end up using a fraudulent coupon, even if you were unaware of it and the store accepts it, the store will not get their money back from the manufacturer.  If the store has numerous coupons like this, they will lose a lot of money and will be more leary of accepting coupons in the future.

It is so important for those of us who love using coupons to be educated and aware of how the process works so we don't use a coupon incorrectly or fraudulently.  The better we are at this, the less "coupon shy" the stores will be.

Here are some ways you can tell if a coupon is fraudulent or not....

• Check out the CIC's Coupon Fraud list to see if it is listed.
• Is the coupon a PDF, JPG, GIF, or other image document?
• If so, it is probably fraudulent.  Sometimes stores/manufacturers will release a coupon in this format, but it is very rare.  Most are now using the various coupon printer formats so they can control the number of coupons being printed.
• Does it look legitimate?  If it has the following items included, you should be safe.
• Expiration Date
• Bar Code that can be scanned
• Legitimate Remit to Address
• Copy Detection /Anti Copy Technology
• Product Image
• Watermark
• NonStandard Text
• Pattern Text Behind Expiration Date
• Encrypted Unique Serial Number
• Unique Coupon Printed Time Stamp Repeated
• If you see the following items, you should be concerned.
• Changes in font size, type, or weight
• Blurry photos, barcodes, or text
• Spelling or date errrors
• Did you make it fraudulent?
• It is illegal to copy/change/alter coupons.
• Where did you get your coupon?
• If you printed it from a reputable site such as coupons.com, redplum, smartsource, or coupon network, you should be fine.
• If you received it via e-mail directly from the manufacturer or store, that should be fine as well.
• If a friend forward a coupon to you via e-mail, it is likely a fraud.  When manufacturers and stores e-mail coupons, they usually state that the coupon cannot be forwarded.
• Did you pay for the coupon on Ebay or Craigslist?  Be very wary of buying coupons on these sites as there have been many fraudulent coupons found on these sites.
• Did you get the coupon from a Coupon Clipping Site?
• The CIC has posted a statement about these sites in their FAQ section on their site.
• Individuals selling or auctioning coupons often know that such sales and auctions are in violation of the terms and conditions of the coupons. As such, they may include an invalid disclaimer, such as, "I'm selling my time to clip the coupons, not the coupons themselves. Such disclaimers are invalid and do not provide any legal protection to either party. Such obviously invalid disclaimers merely serve to prove that the seller/auctioneer knows that their illicit coupon sales are inappropriate, wrong, and subject to civil and/or criminal penalties, depending on the situation.
• This is an area that I have struggled with somewhat.  I don't understand how these Coupon Clipping Sites can still be in business if this really is the case.  Doesn't that seem strange?
• When you purchase from legitimate sites, such as Coupons Things By Dede or The Coupon Clippers,you are probably safe.  However, when you purchase coupons from these sites, realize that you are purchasing at your own risk.

Possible Consequences of Fraud

• Average:  3-5 Years Jail Sentence
• Longest: 17 Years
• Financial Penalties Vary:  Seen in Excess of $200,000
• Highest: $5 Million

This information is not meant to scare you, but I hope it motivates you to be sure you are using a legitimate coupon.

Have any questions or comments on the subject?  Please leave a comment below.

Thank you to In Good Cents for help with some of the above information.