How to Have Good Coupon Karma
Using coupons is a great way to save money on the items you use most often, but some people take couponing to a whole new level and implement some bad tactics and cheat the system in order to get the best deal. Coupon fraud is actually punishable by law, so it is not smart to use coupons in a fraudulent manner. If you want to coupon, you need to use coupons only on the items designated on the coupon and you need to use them on or before their expiration date. You also need to use coupons according to the store’s policy, and you should not hoard all of the items on a shelf simply because you have enough coupons to do so. Instead of trying to cheat the system, you should try and opt for good coupon karma. Doing a good deed has never hurt anyone before, and having good coupon karma can do wonders for another person as well as for your self esteem.
Good Karma Rule #1: Don’t Cause a Scene
Sometimes a coupon will not scan. If this happens, re-read over the coupon, make sure it’s not expired and make sure you bought the correct item. Sometimes the coupon may not have scanned because you accidentally picked up the wrong item or because you accidentally gave the cashier a coupon for an item you didn’t purchase.
If it turns out that the register should have recognized the coupon, politely tell the cashier. They may be able to override the system by manually entering it in. The last thing you should do is cause a huge scene and yell or throw a fit because a coupon was rejected. Not only is it not the end of the world, but now you are making the people behind you in line suffer through your tantrum.
If you have multiple coupons for the same item, but you only need to purchase one of them, set your extras on the shelf next to the item. This way, other people who are shopping for that item can come across your coupons and use them with their purchase. You will be helping others save money, and they will be happy to save a few bucks from a secret stranger.
Just because you have four coupons for one item doesn’t mean that you have to buy four of them. Instead of keeping them to yourself, leave them behind for others.
Good Karma Rule #3: Share with Your Line Mates
If the person in front of you is about to purchase an item that you have a coupon for and are not using, offer it to them. Most people will not shy away from saving a few dollars, and they will be very appreciative of your generosity.
This karma rule works the same way as #2, but instead of leaving it behind for a stranger, you are giving it directly to a person in line with you.
Coupons are meant to help you save money. They’re not made for you to hoard or use to cheat the system out of money. If you possess good coupon karma, you will be able to save money the smart way, and you will be able to share your coupons with others to help them share.
Ashley Cole is a stay at home mom with 3 daughters who is an expert at finding great deals and savings with the help of coupons. She loves to take advantage of Eco Tools coupons and save money on her cosmetic brushes.
