~~** Lots of GREAT couponing tips from the HCW mods!** ~~

[tacatcon]

Wow! This is super nice of you to offer! I am in awe of my co-mods and all the Admins here every day so I don't know how much I can add!

My #1 tip would be to have confidence when you go into the store to do your deal. As long as you are following the policies of the store and the language of the coupon, you are not doing anything wrong. I think many of us often feel a little timid and maybe back down when the store cashier or manager says no even though we know we are right. Don't be afraid to ask "why not". So be armed with knowledge and hold your head high! And smile! You catch more flies with honey right?

[cuzisaidso]

• If there is a deal that creates overage buy it even if you don't use the product. You can use the overage on items you do use and you can give away the product you don't use to someone who does.
• When you do have overage try to use it on items you don't normally get coupons for.
• When buying online always, always do a search for a coupon code for that store. I brought the price of a Garmin GPS down from $185 to $110.

[Mikki 316]

Okay. Basics are covered. Here's one that's really helped me:

Figure out the SALES CYCLES for your area's stores and stockpile enough to last until the next big deal. This works especially well with stockpiling food items and grocery items.

Thanks for the very thoughtful RAOK ideal, OP. You Rock!

[heyaheather]

TY for this RAOK! So sweet of you!

In addition to what everyone else said, one piece of advise would be to know the coupon policies at the stores you shop. Then follow those policies. You can keep a print out of some stores policies with you to show store personnel when something is questionable.

[mcscheatzle]

I was just thinking of this the other day! Three store in my area have been tripling. I find it very hard to keep all three policies in my head! I also find my self asking here, "so, its three like Qs or is it 4 for a total of 20 or ummm is it unlimited here??!"

Originally Posted by heyaheather TY for this RAOK! So sweet of you! In addition to what everyone else said, one piece of advise would be to know the coupon policies at the stores you shop. Then follow those policies. You can keep a print out of some stores policies with you to show store personnel when something is questionable.

[bugface711]

Very cool RAOK. Congrats to our winner! Also a TNT coach!!

So, there are some GREAT tips in this thread. OP, I am going to move this to our trading rules & guidelines area in a few days so all members can benefit from it for a long time!

[Shadowchasy]

Thank you...I really enjoy helping others learn. This site has been a life saver for me in more ways that I can express.

This site ROCKS and I Am PROUD to be a part of it.

[mcscheatzle]

Originally Posted by tacatcon My #1 tip would be to have confidence when you go into the store to do your deal. As long as you are following the policies of the store and the language of the coupon, you are not doing anything wrong. I think many of us often feel a little timid and maybe back down when the store cashier or manager says no even though we know we are right. Don't be afraid to ask "why not". So be armed with knowledge and hold your head high! And smile! You catch more flies with honey right?

I Used this today at Safeway!!! TY The manager was not so great, I knew I was right.

[Whispered]

I admit, i got burned out for awhile, on the coupons.. but.. what I have learned, is , what everyone else has said:
STOCKPILING!!

KNOW YOUR PRICES~ (don't be fooled by the groceries, "Sales Specials", sometimes, i really laugh at those, when they've actually upped the price, like our 12 packs of cokes, for some bizzare reason.. went up to ... 7.79
ONE 12 pack... faint..
I try and pay no more then 2.50 or under, for 12 cans.. so I waited and i always keep stocked.. the next wk, they were back for 2.79.. still more then i normally pay.. but wasn't taking any chances!! lol

Keep a notebook, of your lowest prices, you've ever gotten for an item .. and when!
I use a small photograph album, for my coupons, and even keep slots just for Cvs (also store my ECB's, in that pocket) and other stores. I keep a price list, in the back, too.

I know that i can get swansons broth (for my cats , lol) the cheapest is at 49 cents , then i grab 10-20 of them.

Do your homework, before you leave the house!
Check out this site and others that give you the % of how much you save.

Q Trains, can be really wonderful assests!!

I'm just just starting to dip my toe, into the water of trading here and seeing how it goes.. it will be fun~

p ps: there is nothing like that feeling, of having a very full larder!
knowing you have 6-12 months stock, on almost free toothpaste, shampoos, lotions.. is Bliss!!~

Plan Well~ and theres always more to learn.. i still feel like i need a mentor at times!! lol.. just to tweek my sytem.

most of all.. have fun~

[bugface711]

bumping this up for new members