Doing the Math on Coupons

[gctattoo]

I think this is the comment that is most offensive to me: Coupons, as bonus cards, are a tax on those who don't understand economics.

The mindless blathering that preceded this comment basically said that by offering coupons on larger sizes of items, the manufacturers are tricking couponers into spending more money. Umm...no. Maybe if you're an amateur and you have a single coupon to use! Who shops like that when you're a hardcore couponer? What's the point unless you can get the most stuff for the cheapest price or free? Yeah, we understand economics. And we understand that we're all getting really cheap stuff that isn't cheap for everyone. And laughing all the way to the bank over people like that poster who pays full price. It's a shame that he would get fooled by a manufacturer in that way. I guess he doesn't understand economics.


Another thing that really irritates me about the coupon issue and it comes up every single time: coupons are only for processed unhealthy foods. There are lovely things called nonfood coupons! And they can be used on things that aren't food! Baffles the mind, doesn't it? Food is only one aspect of couponing. Funny how the fact that you can use coupons on hygiene, cleaning, baby items, OTC meds, etc. is never mentioned by these naysayers. Maybe that's because it would make them look stupid without a snarky comeback?

Phew! Rant over.

[BARGINSHOPS]

Originally Posted by chicana He is obviously smart enough to be a journalist, but not smart enough to know the right way to use coupons. I tried to email him to let him know that, but I can't send e-mail in microsoft outlook.

You don't have to send it from outlook you can just copy his email that appears in that window that pops up.....and then paste it to your hotmail, yahoo or what ever email service you use.
I hate when that stupid MS Outlook pops up!

[cbms]

If coupons save consumers money on average, why would manufacturers offer them? The article ought to at least acknowledge the possibility that coupons merely disguise a markup. I consider them a tax on people who don't get economics.

Shucks. I guess the manufacturer is going to make a killing on the .25/bag cat food I'm getting this week at Publix.

And they'll make TONS on the Schick razor I'm getting an 8.99 rebate for, even though I only paid 5.99 after the reward.

And all those free toothbrushes and toothpastes I have... those money mongers.

[everprincess]

Gosh I didn't realize we are all idiots for doing what we are doing!
I'm glad everyone doesn't coupon like me. There would be less stock at the stores and maybe not as many deals to grab. When I first started hard core couponing I tried to tell people about deals but I quickly realized that they just didn't get "it" :shrug7:. I even gave some rebates to family members to use and they looked at me like I was crazy. These people can pay full price and throw their receipts away. I'll be couponing and rebating until the end of time.

[res030ei]

Oh well, that's just more coupons and deals for us with sense!

amanda

[CSchunk]

Are we reading the same article... that seemed very pro coupon.

[new_mom]

Originally Posted by CSchunk Are we reading the same article... that seemed very pro coupon.

lol, I read the article too. And it seemed all pro coupon to me. Im confused.

[thorrocks1]

great article

I got a years worth of cat food at Petsmart this week 40 bags x $12.99 each .. you do the math!!

[clippyclippy]

Originally Posted by brandasa Thanks for posting it. I learned a lot, like, that couponing is totally not economical....haha! We are all so dumb here, wasting our money to "save" with a coupon! LOVE IT! Thanks for the laugh!

Something isn't making sense - the article linked to is very favorable to couponing.

Introductory comment:
"They're back in fashion, with good reason: An hour spent cutting and clipping can yield about $100 in savings. Time well spent"

So what is everyone talking about, that the writer doesn't understand couponing? - Sounded to me like the person has a very smart take on couponing.....:shrug7:

[gctattoo]

I have no problem with the article or the writer. He does make a good argument for coupons by comparing it to an actual job. It's the majority of the comments that are ridiculous and uninformed opinions and that's irritating.