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A store coupon policy handed out in the checkout line in response to recent coupon misuse and fraud. |
TIP - Why Follow Coupon Policies?
Find out why is this so important!
In the wake of the TLC show "Extreme Couponing", it's a great time to continue looking at best practices surrounding coupon usage. Recently the Coupon Information Corporation (CIC), a not-for-profit association of consumer product manufacturers who fight coupon misredemption and fraud issued a statement about this show. Basically, they are calling a spade a spade and pointing out what is legally wrong with this show and offering to help make it right. The show producers have in my opinion "stepped on a hornets nest" and may need to consider the consequences of showing consumers how to break the rules. Did you know that according to the CIC, issues stemming from obtaining and using fraudulent coupons costs product manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars every year? So there will be a crack down and recently "The Coupon Guy" was found to be breaking the law has been arrested and charged with crimes, click here to see this story.
Coupons are a very successful promotion marketing tool that will not be abandon anytime soon, however there have been and will be more changes as a result of the few who openly break and ignore the rules. These rules are in the coupon policy and these policies have been in place since the first coupon was ever published. Why? To establish and clearly communicate the boundaries for usage so everyone wins. It's just that simple. Afterall, the origin of the word policy comes from police! Remember coupons are optional so if consumers choose to use a coupon, then it's the consumer's responsibility to follow the rules. There are 2 coupon policies to pay attention to, first is the store policy that accepts the coupon and next is the policy from where the coupon originates; the manufacturer.
Stores these days they are reaching out to educate consumers by posting more prominently their coupon policies (see above ) and also educating their cashiers to enforce the rules. This will prevent and catch fraud and misuse from occurring which will prevent the cost of it from being passed along to consumers.
Manufacturers on the other hand publish their policy on every single coupon, it's in fine print. In response to the increase in coupon redemption, manufacturers are becoming more attuned to just how powerful coupons are in today's economy. They are quickly learning to harness this power and adapt as advances in technology have created new opportunities and challenges. As this happens, business can grow and create options for consumers and we will continue to see valuable, creative and targeted savings in the form of coupons and everybody wins!
So why follow coupon policies? Because in the long run it keeps things in check, fosters healthy business and makes coupons more available. Oh and it's the right thing to do! |
TOOL - All You   | |
Click the image to order from Amazon.com |
Coupons included in your subscription!
If you are searching for another source of coupons then look no further! All You magazine published manufacturer cents off coupons in each issue along with lots of other great money saving ideas, advice and recipes. A 1 year monthly subscription is $19.95 ($1.66/issue) and is delivered straight to you in the mail. If you want to try before you buy, then head out to the magazine stand in the grocery/drug store and pick up an issue. |
Angie Sperry - Fenton, MO
I have been an avid coupon user and have yet to find the perfect take along (Not bulky) coupon system to carry with me to the store(s). I recently reviewed the Couponizer and have fell absolute head over heals in LOVE with it - it's not bulky and does exactly what I need. I highly recommend it to any new or old couponer.
Visit Angie's Blog Short on Cents to see more of Angie's great work! Thanks Angie! |
RECIPE from Amy
Lamb Pitas w/ Tzatziki Sauce
When ground lamb goes on sale this is great dinner that will leave your family hungry for more!
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground lamb
2 tsp Italian seasonings
1 cup Greek style yogurt plain
1 cup sour cream
1 small cucumber, seeds removed & chopped
1 tsp lemon juice
1 TB fresh dill chopped
salt and pepper
6 pita pockets, cut in half
6 slices provolone cheese (or feta cheese crumbles)
shredded Lettuce
diced tomatoes
Directions:
Brown lamb meat in skillet and add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Drain and season more if needed. Set aside. To make the sauce, combine yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Chill.
To assemble sandwiches, stuff a pita pocket with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and Tzatziki sauce.
Coupon Alert! sour cream, yogurt, cheese, pitas, seasonings |
Congratulations to all the graduates of the Class of 2011! We wish you much success in your future endeavors. With graduation celebrations and Memorial Day coming soon, watch for lots of savings this weekend and days leading up to this extended weekend holiday. Remember there are no or a very limited supply of coupons in the Sunday paper over Memorial Day weekend. This Sunday, May 22nd is the time to look for lots of coupons!!
