Assignment3 stechecl

couponing for college students

cara stecher

objectives After this presentation you should be able to:1. Understand the basic principles of coupons including

expiration dates, correct usage, and organizational methods2. Understand and weigh the benefits and negatives of using

coupons3. Be more informed about the coupon process and how you

can potentially use coupons as a college student

why coupon?

extreme couponing

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/extreme-couponing/videos

this is not real couponing!

where coupons can be found

1. Sunday Newspaper Inserts:• P&G Brand Saver• SmartSource• Redplum

2. Online Sources:• Coupons.com• CouponNetwork.com• TheKrazyCouponLady.com

3. Manufacturers/Store websites

coupon basics • Coupons can be redeemed at:– Grocery stores like Martin’s and Kroger’s– Superstores like Wal-Mart and Target– Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens

• Coupons do expire and usually cannot be used after they are expired.

• There must be a coupon for each item sold.– Meaning 1 coupon can not be redeemed for more than 1

item.

dissection of a couponSavings and stipulations of coupon

Expiration date

Barcode that scans for savings at the end of your purchase

Customer and Retailer directions

couponing terms

• BOGO – Buy One Get One free• Double Coupons- coupons that grocery stores double up to

face value• P&G-Proctor and Gamble• Catalina- Coupons given at the register at the time of

purchase

coupon organization• Coupons can be organized in many

different ways• Depends on whether you are a

beginner, intermediate, or veteran “couponer”

• Organization is essential because it allows for less of a headache at the store and allows you to see exactly what coupons you have

different organizational methods• Folders

• Binders

• Portfolios

looking for the best sale• The way to maximize coupons is to purchase items when they

are at their lowest sale in stores.• For example:

– You have a coupon for toothpaste worth $0.75. Toothpaste is currently being sold at $3.00. Even if your store doubles your coupon, you would still pay $1.50

– Let’s pretend that you skip that deal and wait another week. Now, that same toothpaste is on sale for $2.00. With doubling and the sale, you would end up paying only $0.50. Not only did you save $1.00 from the week before, but you also paid only a fourth of the price!

once you’re in the store…• Keep an open section in your

folder/binder/portfolioCoupon(s) being used

Empty section of binder• Use multiple coupons for multiple

items– You can use several “like” coupons at

the register for like items– You MUST have the same amount of

coupons for items that you wish to use that coupon on

at the register • Once you are at the register,

1. Put all items in onto the checkout conveyer2. Allow cashier to scan each item and then give any

coupon you may have3. Keep careful count to make sure that none are missing or

misplaced4. Give the cashier a store discount card if you have one5. Pay your bill and check over it to make sure you have the

proper savings!

pros & cons of couponing

pros cons 1. Can save a lot of money over a long

period of time2. Allows you to stock up on items that

you need regularly without going to the store every week

3. Saves money for other things such as rent, bills, social events, books, etc

4. It is fun! Couponing can be a way to relieve stress and can be a hobby for some people

5. You can develop life long habits that can help you later in life

1. Time consuming- college students are already always so busy and couponing can take many hours a week

2. It can be overwhelming and confusing at first

3. You may not use everything you buy with a coupon-but you can always DONATE!

4. Couponers have a tendency to buy items that they do not need; just for the shear fact that they have a coupon

questions to ask yourself• Some questions to use when weighing out pros and

cons:1. Do I really need this item?2. Do I have the time to coupon?3. What portion of my monthly budget do I spend on these items?

What portion of my monthly budget would I like to spend on these items?

4. How often will I use these items?5. How much of an item will I use in a months period?

tips of the trade• Items go on sale about every 6 weeks; so do not worry if you

do not use a coupon right away or it expires• Just because a sale may say “10 for $10!” does not mean you

have to buy 10. Only buy 10 if you need to or the ad says MUST BUY 10

• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be an “extreme couponer.”

• Couponing is a process that takes time; so take time to understand the steps and lingo!

in review • Coupons can save you a considerable amount money.

However, couponing can be time consuming.• There is a process in which coupons should be used in order

to maximize savings• Coupons can be helpful to college students who are often on

a very limited budget

start saving!

$$$$

picture sources:• http://www.hostgatordiscountcoupon.com/• http://www.jmu.edu/identity/duke_dog.shtml• http://www. Thekrazycouponlady.com• http://couponsavvymom.blogspot.com/2009/06/storing-and-organizing-

coupons.html