Save-ology 101: Coupon Ethics

The Facebook group that I help out with, Coupon Coach, is a true blessing to not only people in the Mid-Ohio Valley, but also people all around the country.  You can imagine that with over 3,000 people, most of which are concentrated in this area, things can get crazy in the coupon world.  So I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the ethical way to coupon for a couple of reasons:

(1) first and foremost, there are possible legal ramifications for misuse of coupons;
(2) secondly, improper couponing costs stores and manufacturers money, which means that they may raise prices, or worse, stop issuing/taking coupons;
(3) showing respect for other shoppers/couponers is morally the right thing to do.

LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

Counterfeiting coupons is, of course, illegal and will result in jail time and/or large fines.  Photocopying coupons is also illegal.  Now I know that most of you are probably saying "I would never do that!", but it happens.  Also, never buy high-value or free coupons from others, particularly people that you don't know.  It's just not worth the risk.  By the way, removing coupon inserts from papers that you have not purchased is the equivalent of stealing and can result in arrest.

IMPROPER COUPONING

Coupons should always be used for the size and variety of the product listed, not pictured.  There's a frowned-upon practice called decoding, whereby those people familiar with how the barcodes work, figure out unintended items that can be purchased to allow the coupon to scan.  Even though the coupons may scan and be accepted by the retailer, this ultimately can create non-compliance issues for the retailer and have coupons disallowed for reimbursement by the manufacturer.  And when the retailer loses out, prices go up!

RESPECT OTHERS

There are coupon opportunities in-store with blinkies (those little machines affixed to the shelves that spit out coupons) and tearpads (booklets of coupons usually located on standalone aisle displays).  They're available to shoppers on the "honor system" to take one or a couple for use on that shopping trip or save for a later trip.  There are also "peelies", little coupon stickers on products, which most of the time, are meant for immediate redemption with the purchase of the product.  It is a frowned upon practice to remove peelies from products in the store without any intention to purchase that product.

If you're planning to purchase an unusually large quantity of an item, rather than clear the shelves, check with customer service to see if they can pull your order from the stockroom or better yet, pre-order.  Many stores allow this.  Also, be considerate of other shoppers by having your coupons ready to hand to the cashier, when it's your turn in the checkout line.  It makes things go smoother and will keep you on the "good side" of those shoppers behind you!

ABOVE ALL, HAVE FUN COUPONING AND DON'T GET TOO EXCITED IF THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED!  STAY CALM AND RESPECTFUL.  (Remember, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar!)  Enjoy!!