I've been calling and writing companies since I was little to tell them how much I love their products. I must admit, it started out as curiosity to see what the whole Questions? Comments? thing was on the back of many products. I was surprised when I started getting Free or High Value coupons in return. So I started writing more companies, and I kept getting more coupons! It was amazing. These coupons can really help you save--especially when you combine them with weekly sales or rebates.
Here are a few tips on how to get these coupons. (Thanks to Coupoing to Disney who brought up the idea of 5-a-day)
1) Make a list of the products you use every day and those that you just love.
2) Why do you love these products? Is it a smell that reminds you of childhood? Does on brand of chocolate chips make your mouth water? Love a certain soda or drink after a hard day? Write these ideas down.
3) Search for company websites and find the "Contact us" links. (usually at the bottom of the page)
4) Tell the companies what you wrote down earlier.
5) Hopefully receive coupons in the mail. Even though you might rave about a product, some companies don't send out coupons.
6) Remember, you can also use this method when you are dissatisfied with a product or a service. Please remember to not abuse this. Only write a company you are dissatisfied with when it really happens because floods of emails about a less than favorable product might raise red flags and no coupons will be sent out--even for those who really had issues with the product.
Here are a few examples of what I've received:
Free pack of crackers from Austin
Free beef jerky from Jack's Links
Numerous samples, try-me packs, and other items.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Coupons
Coupons are THE most important thing in saving money. Seriously, it's like companies send you money almost every week (whether it be in the Sunday paper, mailers, online, or in stores). Some people have certain reservations about coupons, but there shouldn't be any with the right education about coupons.
Truth: This is where you have to do your research. For example, National Brand X laundry detergent sent out a coupon for $2.00 off any 20oz. box of detergent. When you get to the store, National Brand X is 7.99 for a 20oz. box - making it $5.00 after coupon. Good deal, you think. Well, then you peer down and see National Brand Y 20oz. is $4.00, regular price. It is up to you to make sure you are getting the best deal out there. Sure, some people are brand specific for Brand X, so it is a good deal. BUT, if you just want to get your laundry done and are strapped for cash, Brand Y is your best bet. That's the thing about coupons. Sometimes you have to put aside brand loyalties to save the most money. I'm a loyalist in some areas, but 9 times out of 10, I buy what's on sale because I can't justify spending extra money. It's up to you, but coupons are not out there to trick you if you know what you are doing.
Well, you're right-- coupons aren't going to make the part time coupon-er rich... I know I'm not sitting on a gold mine; however, couponing can save you a nice chunk of change for things you thought you couldn't afford in the first place. Take for example the groceries. Say your bill for a month of groceries is $300. If you used just 10% in coupons, that's $30 bucks extra a month you've got in your pocket. Take that throughout the year... you have $360 left at the end of the year. Now, I know that 's not going to buy that gold plated coffee mug you wanted, but that can go towards other things like: a vacation fund, savings account, home improvement, mental health days for when your job or school gets the best of you, etc. The possibilities are endless, but it is going to take some dedication from you to start with.
Myth: "Coupons are for little old ladies or soccer moms."
Truth: Coupons are for EVERYBODY. I spent my college years toting around my little orange coupon organizer, gaining jokes from everybody about how I was so silly for wanting to coupon. Well, people started to quiet down when they saw I was getting freebies and they were paying retail. The only people who shouldn't be couponing are those who WANT to pay full retail.
Myth: "Well, you end up losing money on coupons because you're buying things you don't need."
Truth: This is where you have to do your research. For example, National Brand X laundry detergent sent out a coupon for $2.00 off any 20oz. box of detergent. When you get to the store, National Brand X is 7.99 for a 20oz. box - making it $5.00 after coupon. Good deal, you think. Well, then you peer down and see National Brand Y 20oz. is $4.00, regular price. It is up to you to make sure you are getting the best deal out there. Sure, some people are brand specific for Brand X, so it is a good deal. BUT, if you just want to get your laundry done and are strapped for cash, Brand Y is your best bet. That's the thing about coupons. Sometimes you have to put aside brand loyalties to save the most money. I'm a loyalist in some areas, but 9 times out of 10, I buy what's on sale because I can't justify spending extra money. It's up to you, but coupons are not out there to trick you if you know what you are doing.
Myth: "Coupons aren't going to add up to the time finding them."
Well, you're right-- coupons aren't going to make the part time coupon-er rich... I know I'm not sitting on a gold mine; however, couponing can save you a nice chunk of change for things you thought you couldn't afford in the first place. Take for example the groceries. Say your bill for a month of groceries is $300. If you used just 10% in coupons, that's $30 bucks extra a month you've got in your pocket. Take that throughout the year... you have $360 left at the end of the year. Now, I know that 's not going to buy that gold plated coffee mug you wanted, but that can go towards other things like: a vacation fund, savings account, home improvement, mental health days for when your job or school gets the best of you, etc. The possibilities are endless, but it is going to take some dedication from you to start with.
Myth: "Coupons are for little old ladies or soccer moms."
Truth: Coupons are for EVERYBODY. I spent my college years toting around my little orange coupon organizer, gaining jokes from everybody about how I was so silly for wanting to coupon. Well, people started to quiet down when they saw I was getting freebies and they were paying retail. The only people who shouldn't be couponing are those who WANT to pay full retail.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Welcome!
Alright, so I've had a lot of my friends ask me: Colleen! How do you get all these awesome products for so cheap? So, I decided to start a blog to teach others how to save/coupon! I get a lot of my information from other blogs and sites, so I will be relaying the most relevant information to you all, along with my own finds.
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