Coupon Myth Bustin’

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about coupons and those of us who use them.  I’d like to dispel some of those myths this week so that you can sleep easy knowing the truth about couponing!

Myth #1: Stores lose money when you use a coupon

• Stores actually make money when you use coupons.  Plus, their inventories are showing products moving off their shelves…a huge benefit to the store AND to the manufacturer!
• Stores are reimbursed the face value of the coupon PLUS receive an 8 cent handling fee.
• Stores do lose money if you redeem coupons which are not valid or expired.  Unethical couponing behavior is unacceptable.  As couponers, we should be ethical, honest and classy!

Myth #2: Only Poor People Use Coupons

• Consumers who print online coupons have an estimated average household income of $96,000.  This proves the theory that people who use coupons are in charge of their finances and are getting the most value of their money!
• People who print coupons online have a 14% higher income level than the average American.
• If you have a college degree, then you are almost twice as likely to have used coupons in the past six months as those who didn’t graduate from high school.

Myth #3: Couponing takes too much time.

• I spend 30-60 minutes each week searching the ads, clipping coupons and putting my list together. If you factor in how much I save ($30-50 or more per trip) then I am making a great hourly wage for the time invested in saving money.
• I view my couponing as a job.  Sure I’m not getting a paycheck per se, but the money which is staying in our bank account completely makes up for that monthly paycheck!

Myth #4: All the coupons are for processed junk food.

• There are coupons for all kinds of healthy products including: milk, eggs, salad, orange juice, bread, bagels, organic foods, toilet paper, paper towels, yogurt, and so much more.
• Using coupons for everyday things like toilet paper, toothpaste, paper towels, deodorant and Ziploc bags saves you money so you have extra cash for those awesome farm fresh, organic eggs that are $4 per dozen at Turner Farms!  It’s all about choosing where you want to spend your money!
• I find coupons for organic foods all the time online.  Plus, the Good Food Store usually has coupons in the monthly Val-U-Pak which comes in everyone’s mail.
• If you’re looking for specific coupons check the manufacturer’s websites, Facebook or the various coupon databases on the web. You’ll be surprised at the coupons available!

Myth #5: You end up buying products you don’t need or use.

• I have discovered some great products which my family loves because of coupons.  But I never, never stockpile an item before I have tried it first!
• You need to evaluate each coupon and whether you will use it or not.  Using coupons just to use coupons is a money sucker.  You need to refrain from doing this!
• Serious couponers end up to be some of the most generous donaters of our community!  Because they are getting items at rock bottom prices, they can donate big-heartedly.  So, don’t judge those of us who stockpile a little more than our household needs…we are ‘sharing the love’ with the less fortunate in our community!

Okay, hopefully I’ve helped bust some of the myths around couponing!  I think these coupon myths have created a stigma and people have avoided couponing because of the falsehoods.  But it’s time to break free of the stereotypes and begin saving like a queen!

What coupon myths do you know about?  Leave it in the comments and I’ll try to bust it!

Click here to see the Coupon Queen’s “Save It” archive.

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Erin Eisenman-Turner is proud to be a native Missoulian.  Along with her husband and three sons, they raise chickens, pigs, rabbits, and vegetables at Turner Family Farms in the Orchard Homes area. When the farm chores are done, the coupons clipped and the blog written, you can find Erin exploring Montana, collecting antiques and trying to maintain a well-run, happy and organized home for her family.