I wanted to post some information about this again, because the popularity of couponing is on the rise. If you are new to the world of couponing, this is for you:) If you are an oldie, this is for you too, LOL! Everybody, need to make sure they are using coupons properly!
(1) NEVER make copies of coupons! Most printable websites will allow (2) prints per computer. Manufacturers set a limit on how many coupons can be printed globally. If they allow for 100,000 coupons to be printed & 105,000 coupons come back, that means 5,000 coupons will not be reimbursed to the stores they were used at. Each coupon printed has a unique number on it somewhere. If a copy is used the store will not get paid for the coupon. This is really no different from stealing. Maybe you can live with that………….BUT…..it will eventually catch up with you. How?? Coupons from printable websites are also printed with your “IP” address. The ip address from the computer they were printed from is all the way around the coupon and teeny tiny, under the date of the coupon. Just about every class I teach, somebody says, “oh no, I have copied coupons, I didn’t know it was wrong”. It okay…just don’t ever do it again! I would hate for our stores to stop taking internet printables!
(2) Always use coupons for the exact product they were intended. If a coupon says “Trix cereal 17.5 oz box” this does not mean it is okay to use on a 12 oz box. Or if a coupon says “Honey Nut Cheerios” and we use it on “Cheerios Yellow box”, this is ALSO wrong. Some store registers may not catch this, but we know it is wrong.
(3) Never use fraudulent coupons! If it sounds to good to be true…It probably is a fraudulent coupon! Be cautious of coupons that are for a FREE item when no purchase is necessary. Also, if a printable coupon is missing an expiration date there is a good chance it is fraudulent. The Coupon Information Corporation does an excellent job keeping us informed about fraudulent coupons. You can go HERE to see the list of fraudulent coupons.
If you have any questions about coupon usage, please feel free to email me: theqtippingmom@gmail.com
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