I have been getting many e-mails about “FREE” product coupons as seen by the young boy on TLCs “Extreme Couponing” this Wednesday. There have also been many posts that it cost him a lot of money to purchase those coupons. I have no idea what he spent on those coupons, but I can tell you my experiences with “FREE” product coupons. Here are some of the questions I have received.
1) Do manufacturer’s really send you “FREE” Coupons? Yes, manufacturer’s do send “FREE” product coupons to their consumers. You all have probably received them. From the Jif peanut butter to the Pantene shampoo. The manufacturer does this as a way to hope the consumer likes their product and will continue to purchase their products. They usually have a very long expiration date.
2) When is the best time to get these “FREE” Coupons? I have found from my experience usually in January through March. It is a new year, the marketing budget is new for each manufacturer so they really push their coupons/products then. I have received numerous “FREE” coupons from diapers, to formula, toilet paper, etc. Like anything else towards the end of the year, the budget is usually capped out so you do not see as many coupons as you do at the beginning to middle of the year.
3) Where else can I get “FREE” coupons? Many doctor’s office and hospitals have “FREE” coupons for baby items i.e. diapers, formula, or at least very high-value coupons, veterinary doctors also have “FREE” coupons for cat litter, dog/cat food, etc. There are many places that you can get “FREE” coupons.
4) Are the “FREE” coupons really that expensive? This is a two-part answer. Normally, the “FREE” coupons via e-bay (but you are taking a chance of them not being LEGIT, you will want to verify this) are for 2 of the same products. For example, if you are purchasing “FREE” Huggie coupons and the value of the coupon is $24.99, you will get 2 coupons for $24.99, so a savings of 50%. BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER. . . if the “FREE” coupon is about to expire you can grab a steal on these coupons usually at a savings of at least 80% off. I have gotten numerous coupons for toilet paper coupons for $2 for a 12-pack double roll of the heavy duty TP. That is $0.17 a roll. AWESOME PRICE!!! I do search for these coupons often because if I can get them for more than 80-90% off retail price then I am saving a ton of money.
Again it is totally whatever you are comfortable doing. I personally do search for them and have used them on several of my trips to the store. I suggest if you are going to purchase them, to make sure you purchase them when they are about to expire so you are not paying very much for them and you need to make sure that they are 100% LEGIT!! I hope this answers everyone’s questions.
**UPDATE**
QUESTION: WHERE CAN I CHECK TO SEE IF MY COUPONS ARE LEGIT? CouponInformationCenter! They are updated as they are notified of counterfeit coupons!! If you find one that is counterfeit that you purchased, be sure to contact the CIC with the person’s name and/or other information to whom you received them from so these coupons can be stopped!
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My name is Joni Meyer-Crothers and I run this couponing/money-saving blog along with my husband, Jamie. We love to show others how to save money in a BIG way! We do all the work for you. . we do the matchups and show you where to get the coupons, many FREE printable coupons. Sit back and follow the blog and watch your savings increase! Couponing is a ministry for our family as we we love to show others how to save and share from their couponing harvest!
Thanks for that info! I have read serveral people dogging u about how and where u get these coupons…I do buy them on ebay as well..But I did not realize to get them when they were going to expire! I admire what u do! I do this as well but not at such a big compasity! I donate locally here in cincinnati…Coupons are a gift from god to help those of us who are having hard times and to teach us it is possible to make it! Thanks
Yea for whatever reason they focused on my “FREE” product coupons, but Chris had more than me so I find that quite humerous, but it is all good. God sent me to Vegas for a much bigger reason and I will continue to try to glorify him daily:)
When you’re buying coupons on ebay, which I do alot, how do you know that the “free” product ones are legit? I really need to stock up on diapers for my 1 year old! 🙂
You can check the coupong clearinghouse site and see if they are listed as counterfeit. . hope that helps!
Joni,
What’s the website I can’t find it, Thanks!
what website??
i think this is the site she was talking about.
http://www.couponinformationcenter.com/coupon-fraud-list.php?st=84bc3
I can’t seem to find a store that will let me use a “free” coupon??
Where did you try to use them?
When you write to the companies and ask for the coupons what do you say? I feel awkward no matter what I write and I don’t want them to think I am pathetic! HELP!
Lisa,
Don’t feel bad, I felt the exact same way. When I wrote my first letter I kept in mind to make it short and sweet.
“My family and I love your products and want to keep using your products. However, in my area we don’t always get your coupons or can find coupons on line, could you please send me some coupons to continue the use of your product.”
Or something along that line. Hope it helped.
Joni,
Thank you so much for your help and posting this blog!
I cannot wait to see what you do next season on Extreme Couponing (hope they still follow you)!!
Keep up your amazing work.
God Bless!