Economy and Couponing

[Alice Chalmers]

Do you think the current downturn in the economy will affect the availability and usability of coupons?

Discuss.

[hotcouponmama]

Nope - I think manufacturers will continue to put them out and the bulk of the world will continue to not understand how to use them, so we'll wind up with the same mix of people who will and won't use coupons.

[Alice Chalmers]

I agree. I think coupons are just a tiny portion of marketing costs. I think they're far more likely to cut back on other things.

That said, if the downturn progresses to an actual recession or worse, that may change.

[joshmamabear]

I don't think it will lessen the availability but I see a trend of lower value coupons for basic household items. Just take a look at our PG inserts, there are more .25 cents coupons for items now compared to years ago :(

as to coupon usage, I think those who know how to use it and maximize the deals will continue to do so while those who have no idea may NOT even start if they see more of the low value coupons.

bottomline I sense it may be better for veteran couponers because there will be lesser people using them.

and let us NOT forget the most important factor:continuously rising gas prices. this is the killer of deals because people try to use their gazillion coupons in one store and that is where most, if not all problems start.

[TheWoman]

and let us NOT forget the most important factor:continuously rising gas prices. this is the killer of deals because people try to use their gazillion coupons in one store and that is where most, if not all problems start.

This is already affecting me. I am not driving to Walgreens this week to do the suave deal because it is too much gas for the chance they will have any in stock. If I were going to be on that side of town anyway I would stop in, but that probably won't happen.

[Alice Chalmers]

I walk to my CVS, but if I had to drive I would definitely be limiting my trips.

[berlinsmommy]

Just my opinion: yes and no

I think that if the economy continues to slow, we will see far fewer new products and varieties, so less of the high dollar and free coupons on new stuff.

I think manufacturers will have a "back to basics" marketing push and we'll see more coupons and deals on standard, established products with clear competition where manufacturers are trying to win marketshare on products like laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, toothpaste, TP, cleaning supplies, soda, etc. I think we'll see a lot more from Coca-Cola companies, PepsiCo, P&G, Kimberly Clark, Kraft Foods, Unilever, etc. and may see some of the little guys pushed out of the market by these giants.

[Jiji]

I believe that some companies will increase their coupon printing if only to keep their market share through this possible downturn in the economy. The values may or may not change depending on the base price at the store, but I don't see companies wanting to see their sales decline.

[hotcouponmama]

I believe that some companies will increase their coupon printing if only to keep their market share through this possible downturn in the economy. The values may or may not change depending on the base price at the store, but I don't see companies wanting to see their sales decline.

Yep - I believe that too!

[MaryMary]

I believe that some companies will increase their coupon printing if only to keep their market share through this possible downturn in the economy. The values may or may not change depending on the base price at the store, but I don't see companies wanting to see their sales decline.

I do not see much of a connection between issued coupons value and prices in a given store. Or are you talking about final price received by the customer after the coupons? If so, a true couponer knows value when she/he sees one, because of stockpile able to wait for a good one to release coupons..
There is a possibility that number of coupons printed will increase. Redplum co. is new and delivered free of charge to peoples houses, at least in my area.
But values and quality of coupons went down. I'd suppose marketing depts have their budgets cut: delivery and basic food commodities costs, as well as competition didn't leave much cushions for margins.
I live relatively far from areas where winetags can be found, but when I happened to get there I see less and less NWPN tags.
Very good point about rising gas prices. With tighened up policies and limits for coupons acceptance in stores and gas becoming a major expence many beginners may be discouraged to cruise the stores for deals.

Out of major grocery stores in the area I know only 1 not accepting any coupons. But this store is at least twice as busy as other much nicer but pricier markets.

I do not see a huge boost for major couponing due to above factors, unless economy will be down for a LONG period. But I consider it not likely.