Review: Finally, a Realistic Guide to Couponing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 4, 2014
After reading a number of other books about couponing that claim all sorts of unrealistic results, I am happy to finally find one that lives in the real world with the rest of us. If you think that the couponing shows you've seen on your television are reality, think again.This book covers the basics of different types of coupons, where to find them, and how to organize them for use in the stores. One of the things I really admire about this treatment of the subject is the reminder to follow the rules and why this is important. Those rules are there to protect both the store and the consumer, and it's good to remember that when standing at the checkout counter. Common courtesy is also stressed by the author with small things like not planning your mega couponing visit to the store during their busiest time of day or trying to use out-of-date coupons.Advanced topics are covered too such as stacking coupons for maximum savings and writing letters to manufacturers for additional coupons. While I wouldn't purchase extra newspapers just to get extra coupon inserts that may or may not be for things I need, I wholly support the author's idea of picking up newspapers whenever traveling out of town. Not only can this get you additional regional coupons, it's a great way to compare prices on all types of consumer goods, even cars and houses, for comparison with your home area. It can be quite illuminating to see that what you think are good prices in your area aren't so great when compared to others based on local preferences or different store chains.The final chapter contains all sorts of useful links to websites with more information on couponing, coupon sources, and most importantly corporate rules for the use of coupons by stores and manufacturers.Recommended.