MSE Blog: Couponing: my new MoneySaving obsession

miss_scrooge

PRINCESSX87 wrote: »

Yesterday when I was visiting family, the conversation started on couponing. I was asked if I was ashamed and embarrassed that I was using coupons to do my shopping. This question shocked me because A) Even though I’m new to it, I don’t see it as shameful & My financial background with my partner means we just CANT afford to stick our noses up at any savings,even if it is just a few pounds here or there.



I also got asked if anyone was ever rude because I’m holdingup them paying whilst scanning my coupons. < This I’ve had no experience with as yet, But, Again I don’t think I would even bother commenting.



Do your families have any negative comments about couponing?

My family don't have negative comments about using coupons they are happy for me.It's strangers that usually have a problem with couponing especially years ago before the credit crunch used to get dirty looks even when I had alot of reduced and own brand products on conveyer belt.Not so much anymore got a look of disgust from shop assistant in asda last week because my shopping came to 75p with coupons day before shopping came to 3 pound in tesco with coupons and shop assistant was smiling and happy glad I don't shop in asda much.

Norfolk_Jim

On the American TV show it always strikes me how positive and happy the shop are to get an extreme couponer in their store, they almost roll out the red carpet. Here I often feel trepidation using coupons as if I'm doing something wrong, the scrutiny I come under. Thats to say nothing of the dirty looks for holding up the person behind me while I argue the toss over why I can't have 5p of margarine with Coupon X after all, or why coupon Y wont scan

MrsB2100

I'm almost always asked in Mr T's whether I'd actually bought the items that I'm using a coupon for! Honestly, if they were that bothered, they could check the receipt, but 9 times out of 10, they accept it when I say I have.

miss_scrooge

Norfolk_Jim wrote: »

On the American TV show it always strikes me how positive and happy the shop are to get an extreme couponer in their store, they almost roll out the red carpet. Here I often feel trepidation using coupons as if I'm doing something wrong, the scrutiny I come under. Thats to say nothing of the dirty looks for holding up the person behind me while I argue the toss over why I can't have 5p of margarine with Coupon X after all, or why coupon Y wont scan

What channel is the programme on never seen it would be interesting to watch.

I get scrutinised for having a black and white coupon they always think it's photocopied even though you tell them it isn't found it easier to have ones from magazines etc.

Tenyearstogo

It's on TLC. Full of trashy reality documentaries. I love it.

PRINCESSX87

I get scrutinised for having a black and white coupon they always think it's photocopied even though you tell them it isn't found it easier to have ones from magazines etc.[/QUOTE]

I'm lucky that i havent been caught with this one yet, I normally print and run, (Just double checking that the barcode is clear)

Have you ever been stopped for using any coupons because of this?

miss_scrooge

PRINCESSX87 wrote: »

I get scrutinised for having a black and white coupon they always think it's photocopied even though you tell them it isn't found it easier to have ones from magazines etc.

I'm lucky that i havent been caught with this one yet, I normally print and run, (Just double checking that the barcode is clear)

Have you ever been stopped for using any coupons because of this?[/QUOTE]

Yes in Morrisons told me mine was photocopied said it wasn't he said why didn't you print it in colour said I'm not wasting my ink.I said why don't you scan it he didn't bother.He said do you want me to get someone he shouldn't of gave me a choice I said no.Had been there for 10 mins the person behind me was fed up also was embarrased next time will go to customer services was in a rush that day.He was surprised when I gave bread back wasn't going to pay full price.He told me they don't accept black and white coupons.Gave him a dirty look when went past window.

miss_scrooge

Tenyearstogo wrote: »

It's on TLC. Full of trashy reality documentaries. I love it.

Sounds like a good channel must be on sky I only have freeview.

AngelsMadv

I think it's just a British attitude of not wanting someone else to get something they don't have.

You really do have to pick your SA when using coupons - that in itself should shock shops into training but it just doesn't. Many of the managers themselves deliberately don't honour store and coupon policies.

ScarletRaven

Got a lovely surprise in the post yesterday of 5 x £1 Muller coupons.

Going to be keeping an eye out for the best offers to use them on (they have a year before they go out of date so plenty of time )