Coupon clipping used to be a hobby for harried housewives. Living on a strict budget that was the mainstay of a daily schedule led many to search newspapers for coupons for their favorite products.
But now more than ever before, millions of people world-wide use coupons to buy everything from ale to zircon. If you're wondering where to find these valuable shopping tools, here are a few hints:
1. Search the daily and weekly newspapers. Experienced shoppers know where to find their usual coupons. Some stores post their savings in the same section of the newspaper on a routine basis. Some folks won't even leave the house until they check out the morning delivery for cost-saving clippings. Even if you get only a weekly newspaper rather than a daily edition, or if you buy a copy from the local convenience store, you can still learn where and when your favorite vendors are likely to post their best coupons. If you don't soon identify a publishing pattern, contact your stores to ask about newspaper coupons.
2. Check out your magazine subscriptions. If you receive a regular magazine, search for the usual coupons for products you typically buy. From hair color to coffee, you may be able to rake in the savings from taking a few minutes to pull out a few coupons. Some magazines include coupon inserts on paper that feels harder than the glossy magazine pages. Others tuck in loose coupons that tumble out of the magazine when you open it for browsing. Learn the best spots in your favorite subscription for finding cool coupons that can make shopping fun.
3. Visit your preferred retailers' Web sites. Many feature new products, product samples, and redeemable coupons for new or older products. Visit the sites often to check for the latest postings. If you don't see a coupon you want, email the site to ask for one. Chances are there may be one somewhere within the organization that they will happily send you. Most companies enjoy catering to an established customer this way, since it's easier and cheaper to hold on to existing customers rather than attract new ones.
4. Browse the coupon and sales sites. Entire Web sites are devoted to organizing coupons for a host of products. Subscribe to these sites and register to receive their free newsletters or ezines that often feature free samples or discount coupons. Once you get on their mailing list and create a customer profile, you may be offered specialized lists of product information tailored to your interests or purchasing patterns. These can help you get the discounts you want more quickly if you don't mind receiving additional email.
5. Drive by your local vendors. It doesn't hurt to walk, drive, or jog past the store windows of places you prefer to frequent. Many stores, shops, and restaurants feature specials and reductions in their windows, so check out your favorites on a regular basis to see if coupons or discounts are available on the products you need to shop for. You can also call the store to ask if there are on site coupons or discounts available.
6. Swap coupons with family and friends. If you know someone who collects coupons, arrange to meet periodically and exchange to suit your interests. Once you know what the other likes, you can look for those coupons in addition to your own to facilitate better swaps in the future.
Coupons can make shopping a whole lot faster, easier, and fun. Start stuffing your best cutouts in an envelope or change purse so you can start saving money the next time you head for the store.
