When does couponing equal greed?

Like other bloggers who use coupons, I enjoy looking at different coupon blog sites to see the great deals and savings that other savvy coupon shoppers were able to score. It can be inspiring, informative, and a way to discover a deal that you may have missed.

Today I stumbled upon a blog where the shopper bought over twenty tubes of toothpaste and was able to purchase them all for free due to coupons. While I think that's amazing, I wonder about the need for twenty tubes of toothpaste. I understand the reasoning behind stockpiling, and in these tough economic times, the need to pinch every penny in the family budget but does one family truly need over twenty tubes of toothpaste even if it will last over a year?

How long does a tube of toothpaste actually last? Well, according to the World Wide Web, a 4 oz. tube will last the average person, who brushes twice a day, about one month. Based upon that estimate, a family of two would go through 24 tubes a year; a family of four would need 48 tubes, and so on. I can't help but think that calculation is just slightly over inflated since one tube of toothpaste lasts our family of three at least two months.

The shopper on the site I visited also encouraged other shoppers to get in on the same deal and to not miss out on the free toothpaste as long as they were in possession of the correct coupons. If the store received 400 boxes of toothpaste for the sale and every coupon shopper purchased over twenty tubes only 16 shoppers would be able to take advantage of the savings. If the store should receive 800 boxes for the sale and other couponers' were to follow a similar shopping scenario only 33 would get in on the deal. If the store were to limit the quantity to only four boxes of toothpaste, to each shopper, the number of shoppers who are able to get in on the deal jumps to 100-200, depending on the shipment the store received.

Such an excessive quantity of product made me wonder, at what point does couponing equal greed? Should just a few couponers' get in on the deal to add to their stockpile or should there be quantity limits on items to allow a larger capacity of shoppers to have access to sale items?

Our local store, Publix, also had toothpaste on sale this week for $1 a box and while I wasn't able to get it for free, I was able to purchase four boxes for $1.25 or. $0.31 cents a box. I actually had enough coupons that I could have purchased several more, but four boxes of toothpaste will last our family over six months and I couldn't imagine buying more than that. Also, we get tired of the same old flavor and like to switch to a different taste and/or brand. Moreover, I think it's important that other savoir-faire bargain hunters have the ability to find the special sales and purchase a few of the sale items for themselves. We all love the thrill of the hunt, and how finding that "sweet deal" makes us feel. Happiness is contagious and I think more customers need to be able to share in the "coupon euphoria" experience.

Many couponers', who purchase in bulk or stockpile, might object stating that a majority of their purchase was going to a food bank, shelter, or safe haven. While I agree, a donation of personal hygiene items or any item for that matter are much needed and is very commendable, I also think that it would be better to allow twenty people to be philanthropic by donating one box each to their local shelter than one person donating twenty boxes. Am I asking too much from my fellow man? Maybe I am. I'd like to think though, that if given the chance, more people might give a "free" box of toothpaste or food item to their local shelter if they were able to find it at their local supermarket.

So tell me what you think. When does couponing equal greed? When is too much, too much or when is it just right? Should stores enforce quantity limits on sale items? Should coupon shoppers consider the other customers when purchasing large quantities of sale items?  Does couponing lead to or encourage hoarding?

I look forward to hearing what other shoppers who use coupons think and all opinions are welcome.

This Weeks Savings at Publix

It may sound silly but coupons make me happy.  Today I picked up half a gallon of milk for $0.50, four boxes of Crest toothpaste for $1.25, a toothbrush for $0.50, a pizza that could feed a family of four for $0.75, and that's just a few of the great deals I was able to get all because of coupons. 
 
On today's shopping trip, I only paid $31.86 (before tax) on food that normally retails for over $111.00.  That's a savings of almost $80!  All by just spending an hour or so last night making my shopping list from the current Publix sale, and pulling my coupons together to match those items on sale.  I had a coupon for every single item that I purchased except for one splurge item requested by my daughter. 
 
While I admit coupons can be work, I can honestly say that it's work that pays you back.  I personally don't make $80 an hour for my normal hourly rate of pay so by just spending an hour, and doing a little organizing,  I was able to save $80 that my family can use on other items in our budget. All that for just an hours worth of work last night.  Don't need four boxes of toothpaste you say?  Well buy it anyway, and donate it to a shelter or food pantry.  A $1.25 is a small price to pay to help someone in need. 
 
Listed below is a photo of everything I purchased along with my spreadsheet that shows the price breakdown of each item along with the savings.
 
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions and happy shopping!
 

$89 Dollars of Groceries for $32 at Publix

DETAILS TO FOLLOW LATER TODAY!

Free Uncle Bens Rice

Follow this link HERE to submit a form for FREE Uncle Bens Rice!

Free Einstein Bagel on Friday before 11:00 a.m.

Go to Einstein Bros facebook page HERE and become a fan to receive a coupon for a FREE BAGEL on Fridays before 11:00 a.m. You’ll need to click on the offers tab to get this coupon and others.

Coupon can be used once per day, per week and is good until May 22, 2010.

The best part is that No Other Purchase is Necessary!

Mmmm….I’m sure I can see an Asiago cheese bagel in my future tomorrow.

Right @ Home Spring Caddy Giveaway

Johnson a Family Company is giving away 3,000 of their Spring Cleaning Caddy Givaway. 


First 3,000* to respond will receive a roomy, reusable cleaning caddy stocked with essential cleaning supplies from Pledge® and Shout®.

The reusable cleaning caddy is filled with:

• One box of Shout® Color Catcher® sheets

• One Pledge® Multi Surface Duster

• One pouch of Pledge® Natural Beauty Wipes

Go HERE to fill out the registration form to get yours!

Tropicana Juicy Rewards B1G1 Coupon Today!

Head over to Tropican Juicy Rewards HERE for the Tropicana Deal of the Day,  "Buy One Tropicana 50 carton and get one FREE" coupon.  You must be registered in Tropican's Juicy Rewards program and use one point to get the coupon.

Here are a few codes to help you get started:


LA73E-CL9W4
DOUBL-HTREW


This offer is only good for today so don't delay!

FREE NABISCO Cookies

Head over to NABISCO cookies on facebook HERE and become a fan to receive a coupon for one FREE package of NABISCO cookies when you buy one package of NABISCO cookies and one gallon of milk.  This coupon is only available for 24 Hours and has a print limit of 210,000 prints.  Coupon expires April 23, 2010.

Eight Different FREE Samples Available Now from P&G

Head over HERE to request eight different samples from Procter & Gamble Everyday Solutions. This is your one stop source for some great samples and coupons on products your family uses everyday.

It's Official - I'm a Dove Hair Premier Ambassador

I was chosen to be part of an EXCLUSIVE program, from Dove as a Premier Hair Ambassador. Check your emails to see if you've received an offer from Dove to complete a small survey. If you are chosen you will: Receive a Dove Hair Premier Ambassador Gift, including a FREE full-size bottle of NEW Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner.

Sign up HERE to receive a free sample of Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner.

Free Chavrie Goat Cheese

Go HERE to register for a coupon for free Chavrie Fresh Goat Cheese.  Goat cheese is one of those required tastes so you either love it or hate it.  I'm in the "Love It" club and being able to get it for free makes me love it even more. Hopefully we're in the same club and you'll enjoy some fresh and free Chavrie Goat Cheese.
.

Killer KOHL'S Coupon $10 Off any purchase of $20 or more & a Coupon Giveaway!

Today’s issue of The St. Petersburg Times has an incredible KOHL’S “sticky note” coupon on the front page today. The coupon is for $10 OFF any purchase of $20 or more and is good between
March 24-April 3, 2010.

The coupon is valid for sale merchandise as well as clearance items in store purchases only, and is valid only in CO, FL, GA, NC and TN. Only one coupon per customer is allowed. All valid coupons have a scan bar code on the back.
The coupon was distributed by The St. Petersburg Times on all home delivery and single copy circulation in the greater Tampa Bay area. If you don’t have home delivery you might want to think about signing up for a subscription as this is the second “sticky note” KOHL’S coupon that has been distributed by the Times.

I also have a great giveaway for you. I have five of the coupons that I’m going to give away to my lucky readers!

Three Great Ways to Enter:

1. Leave a comment about why you love KOHL’S.

2. Tweet about this giveaway – include me http://twitter.com/MariNapoli in the twitter so I can see it.

3. Subscribe to my blog

I’ll select the winners on Thursday night, March 25th, between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. via Random.org.

Good Luck!

2010 Entertainment Book on Sale at CVS!

CVS has the 2010 Big Coupon Book (Entertainment Book) on sale this week when you use your CVS Extra Care card. 

A co-worker bought the St.Petersburg, Pinellas County and West Pasco version of the book today for only $15!  I bought several in the fall for $20.

The book has $25 in Save a Lot Food Store coupons and $20 in GFS Marketplace coupons inside.  If your Publix considers these stores competitors you'll be able to use them to add to your savings.

If you're in the Tampa Bay area go HERE to find out more details and to see the store circular.

NRG Organic Supermarkets March Coupons

If you shop at NRG Organic Supermarkets you might want to go HERE  and check out the March coupons they have up.  Some Publix Supermarkets consider them a competitor  and you might be able to use them at your store.

NRG has ten locations in Florida and two are conveniently located in Palm Harbor and St. Petersburg!

Savings of 85% & A Firsthand Account of Publix's Superior Customer Service!

This week I saved over 85% off of my grocery bill at Publix. I'd like to be able to take full credit for this personal triumph but this success must be shared equally with some good old fashioned elbow grease from me and human error from my poor cashier.

Unable to sleep, I awoke at 5:00 a.m. and decided to get my coupons together for my grocery shopping at Publix. At the store everything went smoothly until checkout. I don't know what it is but I've just a streak of bad luck recently when it comes to check out time. This occurrence was no different because I soon reached the limit of coupons where the cashier needed the managers "override" to continue. Instead of just calling the manager for the override, the cashier decided to tell me that I had reached the limit of coupons allowed and that I wasn't allowed to use any more. When I informed her that was incorrect she told me no and that I just couldn't use them and that was that. NO, I told her, I purchased these items and I had the right to use the coupons for them and she just needed to call a manager. After a minute or two of this back and forth she final consented and called a manager who of course let me use the coupons and apologized. Long story short is I went from $159.76 before coupons to $24.72 after coupons. Elated, I paid and was home lickety split. It wasn't until I was home and had time to take a closer examination of my receipt that I discovered that the cashier has shorted me several of my coupons, I keep a detailed list so I know what I'm saving, and that she has taken a $2.69 cent coupon for free napkins and rung it in for $29.36!

I knew this was a huge mistake that was in my favor. I also knew that I needed to do something about it. Coupons, like money, have to balance to the penny or the cashier is considered out of balance. Being an honest person and not wanting to have the cashier get in trouble for her mistake I headed back to the store to pay the money back and talk to the manager.

Since I had called ahead the manager was waiting for me when I arrived. This was the same manager who had given me the override on my coupons so she was familiar with who I was. I explained to her what happened with the coupons and that I was there to pay back the overage. I told her that I'm an honest person and besides being the right thing to do I want the store to know that I'm honest and that I use coupons honestly and accurately. Since I'm going to continue to shop there it's important for me to have them know that.

The manager was very apologetic about the cashier’s behavior and with the issues I’ve been experiencing at the store with my coupons. I had a bad experience a few weeks ago that I’d written to corporate about and apparently corporate had forwarded a copy of my email to the store. She wanted to let me know that I was considered a valued customer to the store and because of that and my honesty she said not to worry about the $30.00. I stressed that I didn't want to the cashier to get in trouble or her drawer to be out of balance and she it wouldn't be a problem what-so-ever. She told me that she knows I have the choice to shop elsewhere and they didn’t want to see that happen since I visit the store two to three times per week.

My mood, which had deflated, skyrocketed to an astronomical status. Not only do I feel that Publix has the best deals  and sales but I now have firsthand experience on their superior customer service and I’m happy to share this story with everyone I know because of it. I also know that it’s true what my mother always told me, “Honesty is the best policy”.

Spreadsheet:

Groceries:

Dannon to Reimburse Consumers up to $100 on Activia and DanActive Yogurt Purchases

I just read at CBCNews that Dannon will reimburse consumers for up to $100 US of Activia and DanActive yogurt purchases made anytime up until April 23, 2010. 

For claims under $30 you do not need to send proof of purchase, any claim $30 and over will be required to send the receipt or other proof of purchase.  You can read more about the settlement HERE, and you can file a claim by clicking HERE.

If this is a product you normally buy you might want to find out more about the terms of the settlement.

Half-Off our Grocery Bill this week at Publix!

Even though I should be ecstatic about saving over 50% this week on groceries I only feel ho-hum about it. My favorite trips are the ones that I save over 65% on.  Good Lord, you know I'm getting to be a serious couponer when 50% just isn't good enough!  I really shouldn’t beat myself up though, out of the 27 items that I purchased I didn’t have coupons for 12 of thoes items and most of that was fresh produce and meat.

I did get an awesome buy that I wanted to share. I found Gillette Deodorant in the clearance section at Publix for $2.88. I used one, $4/2 Gillette Deodorant coupon from the February 21st Procter Gamble ad and two coupons from the February 7th, Procter Gamble ad for two free Gillette Body Wash when you buy two Gillette Deodorants. I scored 2 Deodorants and 2 Body Washes for $0.88, or $0.22 cents each. Even my mom who went shopping with me was impressed with that buy.

Here’s what we purchased:

and my spreadsheet:

More shopping adventures t come later in the week!

Free Sugardale Ready Bacon

Submit your favorite bacon or pepperoni recipe HERE for a free package of Sugardale Fully Cooked Ready Bacon.

I'm not sure if Publix carries it but I believe that Walmart does.

There's also a link on the same page to enter to win a free personal chef for a year. What mother wouldn't love that!

FREE Sunchips on facebook

SunChips® is giving away 100,000 FREE bags of delicious SunChips. Get yours now before they disappear.......

Click HERE to directly to facebook and click on the Bag Giveaway tab.




Good Luck!

Singing in the Shower Savings!

Oil of Olay has a fantastic rebate going on right now that I wanted to share. Purchase 3 qualifying Olay products, complete the mail in rebate form and they in return will send you a check for $15.



Big Lots currently has the Olay Body Wash price at $2.50 ea. Complete the $15 REBATE, mail in and you end up netting a profit of $7.50!

Remember that prices can vary by store so you may find it for more or less in your area.

Another Great Shopping Trip at Publix

After last weeks Publix shopping trip I felt a little disappointed. Not with the prices that I paid for my purchases but with the fact that most of my items were non-edible. My sister was kind and quick to point this out to me. So this week I tried to focus more on grocery items for family meals. That's not to say that I didn't purchase other household or personal items if there was a good sale that I could combine with a coupon.

Here's a look at what I purchased:

A top view to show more detail:

And of course my spreadsheet:

Click on the spreadsheet and pictures to enlarge and show more details on my purchases.

My total before coupons was $142.57. I then presented the cashier with a stack of coupons that totaled over $105 ! That, along with my BOGO deals, brought my total down to $37.18 with tax. That's a savings of over 74%! You can't complain when Publix pays you (takes money off of your other items) to purchase products because your manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and competitor coupons, equal more in savings than the price of the product you are purchasing. I scored such a deal with my purchase of Sundown Vitamin D, Right Guard Deodorant, and EAS Advantage Bar and Dannon Yogurt. I also was able to get free Sure deodorant and Jennie-O Sweet Turkey Sausage with two mail-in rebate offers. I'm really starting to see that it makes "cents" to use coupons! Sorry but I couldn't resist.

Coupon Links

My friend Jenny who has been following my posts has asked for some links and websites to help her find coupons. Here are a few that I know of to help her along her path:

Smartsource.com

Coupons.com

redplum.com

Kraft Foods

Allyou.com

Target

Bargain Blessings

Bettycrocker.com

Pillsbury.com

Some websites will ask for a zip code to help you find offers in your area or may require you to subscribe to their newsletter programs to receive coupons in your email in box.

Looking for a a specific coupon? Check one of the links below to see if you can purchase the coupon you need for a small handling fee.

Mycouponhunter.com

The Coupon Carry-Out

The Coupon Clippers

I personally have used the Coupon Clippers and have been quite happy with them.

And just for my friend Jenny I've found the following blog, My Frugal Adventures, that offers specials at Raley's/Nobhill which is a grocery store located in northern California.

I hope this helps!

A Coupon Quest

Lately I've been following several coupon blogs, at least that's what I'm calling them anyway, to see the impact that coupons can have on a budget. These are blogs that deal with using MQ's, manufacture coupons, and store coupons to save money for mostly food purchases but also restaurants and clothing, etc. The women who author these blogs normally see a savings of 75% or greater off of their grocery shopping trips. After several weeks of studious reviewing I too wanted to see if I could save as much on one of my shopping trips. I set out by scouring our local grocery store ad, Publix, to see what was on sale and matching up any corresponding manufactures coupons and store coupons. I’ll be honest and tell you this actually took me about 2 hours on Saturday night to compose my list and match up coupons to the sale items. Along with checking my own coupon stash, I also checked company websites for any additional coupons, savings or rebate offers. It’s not enough just to see what you have but you need to actively pursue offers that exist in the cyber world.

With list in hand on Sunday my family and I went to our local Publix. To do this properly I made sure that we each had our own cart, my husband's cart for our normal family food shopping, and my cart designated only for items in my coupon quest. While I had a good stack of coupons for each cart the lion’s share of coupons belonged to me for my coupon quest. Below you’ll find a picture of all the items that I purchased along with my spreadsheet showing the items, quantity purchased, price, coupon savings, final price after coupons, coupon details and finally the cost of each item after any coupons and deals.



My total bill before coupons was $82.78. the total due after coupons, drum roll please, was $21.10. I saved a total of $69.98 in vendor coupons, store coupons and buy one get one deals. That equals a total savings of 75%. If you look at my spreadsheet you'll see that Publix actually PAID ME $0.93to purchase six deodorants, and $0.50 for six Bayer aspirin medications. Now, what does one actually do with six boxes of aspirin and deodorant? Well, if this is a normal product for your family and household you just shop from your own pantry for free instead of paying for these items at the store. If these are not items you would normally buy or use you can donate them. My husband is very skeptical of the deodorant as he is an Old Spice Red Zone kind of man and that's OK. Our church is always collecting personal items for missions in other countries and I know that there are many local shelters in the Tampa Bay area who would be happy to have these items as a donation. Either way, it's a win-win situation for our family. Publix payed me to purchase these items so my family comes out ahead if we use them for ourselves and if we don't we also were paid to purchase them and donate them to others.



If you look at my spreadsheet you'll see that I have a rebate to mail in for a free Schick Quattro Trimmer. I'll circle the purchase of $8.25, this was the most expensive purchase of my trip, mail off the receipt and UPC bar code and wait 6-8 weeks for a check in the mail. I'm actually making $4 on these purchase as there was a $4 instant coupon on the package. Bonus! Once you calculate the rebate money back to me off of my purchase I really only spent a total of $12.85 OOP (out of pocket). That brings my total savings to 84% for this shopping trip.

While I think that I was truly victorious in my quest I don't think that shopping like this can take care of a normal family's food necessities. A prime example of this would be my husband's shopping cart in which we placed our normal food purchases for the week. Before coupons that ordered totaled $113.70. After coupons were presented the new total was $87.12. I only saved $24.78 on this order, or about 22%. Yes, I realize that is still decent but you'll have to admit it seems kind of puny compared to my savings of 86%.

The only cons that I can speak of for utilizing coupons this way is that it is time consuming. Two hours spent clipping and organizing coupons on Saturday night, and two hours on Sunday afternoon perusing the grocery store. My husband was patient but a word to the wise, "Ladies leave your man at home"! Shopping like this is best done solo or with a couponing buddy. I also have to say that I have a new found appreciation on the time that is required for blogging. Who knew?

My bottom line and take-away feelings from this quest is this; I do think it is worth it to try to save money on items your family uses or you know that you can donate. Laundry soap is a staple that won't ever go bad and if your dog is like our lab, dog food doesn't last long in the house. It's always great to save money and occasionally get paid to purchase products.

Adventures in Grocery Shopping

I'm trying my hand at being a good steward of what God gave us and that means trying to manage our money more responsibly. To do this we are trying to keep a budget and cut expenses where possible. Let's face it the economy stinks and we are all feeling the effects. Food shopping is a great place for us to cut some fat out of our budget and save a little money. I went to Publix today and here is what I purchased:

Product Quantity
Deli Drinks 1
Bread 1
Hostess Shortcake 1
Strawberries 2
Broccoli/Cauliflower Melody 1
Eggplant 1
Old El Paso Taco Kit 1
Frozen Onions 1
Ginger Ale 1
Trop OJ Singles 2
Super Pretzel 2
Knox Gelatin 1
Plum Tomatoes 1
Green Giant Mushrooms 2
Progresso Bread Crumbs 2
Coffee Mate Creamer 4
Crisco Olive Oil 2
Progresso Chicken Broth 2
Mahatma Rice 1
Purina One Dog Food 2
Frost Honey Turkey Lunch Meat 1
Frost Honey Ham Lunch Meat 1
Smuckers Uncrustable 2
Purex Laundry Soap 6
Pillsbury Sweet Rolls 1

The grand total before coupons was $97.74. I then presented the cashier with my coupons. Total after coupons was $44.37. I saved a total of $53.37 in manufacturers coupons, Publix store coupons and competitor store coupons. Total saved at Publix with coupons and BOGOs was $104.84.

I saved a total percentage of 54% on this shopping trip. Amazing!

As this adventure continues I'll try to post my savings and pictures of my purchases. It's a little time consuming to cut coupons, learn to stack and check websites for specials and deals but if we can continue to save money like this it will be worth it in the long run.