5 Ways You’re Couponing All Wrong (and How to Coupon Correctly)

Buying things You Don’t Need

Our number one is probably the most frequent error you make when couponing. You see an item you don’t need and you’ll most likely never use, but you’ve got a coupon for it, and you think why not. No, don’t fall into that trap, because that way you are really wasting your hard-earned money by buying items that you won’t use.

• How to Avoid Doing This?

In order to avoid buying things you don’t need, you need to have a plan. Making a plan of the items you need is an excellent way to make sure you are getting the most out of coupons. You buy only the exact items you need with your coupons.

Not Using a Coupon for Sale Items

Coupons from newspaper are ok, but it’s 21st century and there are these things called websites and also, apps. For example, there’re apps that let you access in-store coupons and apply them at the store checkout. There are also, apps designed to send coupons to your loyalty cards, and if you create your grocery list on certain sites, it will look for coupons for the items on your list.

• How to Avoid Doing This?

A 50 % off on a certain item is a great deal and if by using a coupon you can knock off an extra 10-15 % – using coupons makes it that much more of a bargain. So, don’t rush to use your coupons, bind your time, be patient and a great sale will come!

Not using websites and apps

Some unwritten rule that all couponers blindly follow is using coupons on smallest size of an item and thinking that the coupon allows will save you more than using the coupon on the largest size. However, there are times when the opposite is more accurate. Also, even if you’re buying a product offered for the full price, make sure that this coupon is a bargain – this is why you should investigate other comparable brand that may be on sale and cheaper than coupon.

• How to Avoid Doing This?

You can start by checking out certain sites that provide coupons. Search for websites that focus on your particular region or area. Nowadays, there are so many couponing sites.

Not Doing the Coupon Math

Some unwritten rule that all couponers blindly follow is using coupons on smallest size of an item and thinking that the coupon allows will save you more than using the coupon on the largest size. However, there are times when the opposite is more accurate. Also, even if you’re buying a product offered for the full price, make sure that this coupon is a bargain – this is why you should investigate other comparable brand that may be on sale and cheaper than coupon.

• How to Avoid Doing This?

Well, first of all, you can start by shopping with a calculator so that you can figure out what the best price will be after applying your coupon.

Example of When Buying Smaller is Cheaper:

• Without Coupon
• Certain smaller product
• 33.90 oz, $15.75 or $0.46 per oz
• 11.30 oz, $5.65 or $0.50 per oz
• After a $2 off coupon
• 33.90 oz, $13.75 or $0.41 per oz
• 11.30 oz, $3.65 or $0.32 per oz

Example of When Buying Bigger is Cheaper:

• Without Coupon
• 33.9 oz, $8.58 or $0.25 per oz
• 11.3 oz, $4.58 or $0.41 per oz.
• After a $2 off coupon
• 33.9 oz, $6.58 or $0.19 per oz
• 11.3 oz, $2.58 or $0.23 per oz.

You will mostly always save more money by using coupons on the smallest size, but sometimes it pays to take the time to do the math.

Not Reading the Coupon Requirements

Coupons usually have usage policies printed on them. While coupons are typically offered for a single item, some specify that you have to buy multiple quantities in order to save, specific colors, specific flavors, and even regional coupons with zip code limits.

• How to Avoid Doing This?

Take time to read the coupon and follow the rules. Of course, mistakes can happen, we are all human, coupons can mistakenly be redeemed by the cashier. But doing this on purpose is not ethical nor it’s honest. Additionally, if you have a coupon for something that requires you purchase two or more of the same things, consider whether you’ll actually use them before you spend your money.

It is true that couponing can help you save a lot. These five ways that we chose to describe in this article are merely top 5 common mistakes made by couponers. There are many more mistakes out there that you could be making. However, by keeping in mind, at least these 5, you can save a big amount of money and save yourself a headache.

• Don’t buy things that you don’t need and won’t ever use
• Use coupons on sale items, it will save you a bunch of money
• Use websites and apps, not just newspapers
• Do the math before purchasing anything
• Always read your coupons before ever using it

By organizing coupons in the way that best suits you, you can keep track of your coupons at all times.

• You can organize your coupons by grocery category – vegetables, dairy, deli, etc.
• Or you can use a different system that works better for you – by aisle, by expiration date, or something else, only then put that plan into action.
• Use a box, a container, a coupon binder, a coupon wallet or a recipe box. What you choose isn’t as important as having a place to store all those coupons.
• You should file your coupons the same day you get them if possible, if not do it as soon as you can. Doing this prevents the coupons from getting lost, and saves you the trouble of having to sort through a big mess of coupons all at once.
• Get rid of the expired coupons, this way your coupon space will be purged of unnecessary mess.

And if you’re using digital coupons, your greatest tool might be your smartphone. There are many free apps that can help you organize your coupons – some of them include Cartwheel, Favado, Berrycart and Snap, among others.

You can always save more with coupons if you simply shop at stores that double coupons and keep your coupons with you at all times. You never know when a deal might pop up. Also, always match coupons to sales. Learn each store’s coupon policy, so you know what you can and can’t do. It should be available on their website. These couponing strategies will help you save even more.