How do couponers get by without the internet?

[neesie03]

I would be so lost without the internet. I can't imagine trying to figure out what coupons came out which week without the coupon database. Of course, I would also miss out on the GDAs that other ppl spot.

Anyone coupon now and also did before the internet? Do you think it would be easy to go back to doing it without the internet if need be?

[wannabefree]

I'm mentoring a lady right now that does not use a computer. She was so cute though when I first met with her, before I even mentioned it she said...."and I'm willing to learn how to use a computer b/c I know that would help me!"

Right now she's just starting but I think if you get really into it you would be so out of touch without it!

[tmotley]

Originally Posted by neesie03 I would be so lost without the internet. I can't imagine trying to figure out what coupons came out which week without the coupon database. Of course, I would also miss out on the GDAs that other ppl spot. Anyone coupon now and also did before the internet? Do you think it would be easy to go back to doing it without the internet if need be?

I was couponing before computers were a regular thing in every household. We got our first computer in 1995 and I found a trading board on aol, but it was nothing like the boards are today.
Before the internet, I put the deals together myself and had a few couponing friends I would get together with to trade and look at deals with. We worked together on figuring out the deals. I also subscribed to refunding magazines which had ads in them for traders and also had a list of people who were looking for other couponers locally or groups. I think with groups or just friends, we still did pretty good. I did a lot more refunding then too as it was easier to find forms and the mags came out only once a month-so they were focused on refunding and only a little of couponing. I had boxes and boxes of upcs and pops!
Now, it is so much easier with the internet and being able to trade online much faster. I am more focused on couponing deals and not as much refunding. Also, I get so many more deals with all the people online looking for deals than I ever did on my own or even with a few friends. It has definitely made couponing easier, but in another sense, it takes me a lot more time now to go through all the deals and keep up with the boards!

[TheWoman]

I consider my high-speed internet access a cost of couponing. It saves me more money than it costs. I never could do what I do without HCW.

[neesie03]

Originally Posted by TheWoman I consider my high-speed internet access a cost of couponing. It saves me more money than it costs.

Me too!

[chunkygal]

I started in 1979 when my first dtr was born. I used to get the ads and just use my newspaper. I never heard of buying more than one unless I bought more papers. The local library had a coupon swap box that i used to go to. I had three stores in a 5 mile radius and I would go to each one. I also subsribed to refund magazine and did lots of that. I think people overlook that today cause 45c stamp seems like alot unless you get 2-3 dollars back. This is much better!!!

[puakinikini]

I remember my grandmother couponing as a child (way before computers or the internet). She saved money, but not like I am able to now. She is always impressed by my savings and she sends me all her coupons.