Extreme Couponing on TLC

[RicheemXX]

Did anyone catch the show tonight? Its insane the amount of money these people save doing what they do even more insane is the time they dedicate to doing it and the amount of stuff they buy

Extreme Couponing: TLC

[Wayne]

I saw the show. That is some EXTREME shopping. There's no way they would allow that to happen in my area with the limits and guidelines the store imposes. If that happened in NY or NJ, you will get some attitude. Imagine being stuck behind one of those shoppers before those coupons come out and you unloaded your groceries on the belt. Shoot me please!.
Anyway, kudos to them.

[RicheemXX]

Yeah after looking at some of the details I noticed there is no way you could do that out here in Cali either. Not just do almost all our stores places pretty low limits but not one of those people were charged taxes. Taxes alone would kill most of their deals.

The second thing was most all their shopping was done on double and triple coupon days. Not to many stores out here even run those and if they do I don't think its all that often.

[Wayne]

Another thing I find so amusing is that you see store managers and cashiers smiling and helping out and clapping. I think its only because they're being filmed and on TV. I'm more likely to get a mean stare and ' are you kidding me look? '.
I can't wait to see if anyone in my area appears on the show.

[RicheemXX]

LOL yeah I guarantee all of that part is staged. We get bad looks from the cashiers at our local store when we buy a couple hundred dollars in goods and you know management is cringing. I don't think they necessarily take a hit to their books since coupons are reimbursed (when they are doubled though I'm not sure how that would work out??) but they def take a hit to their stock.

[naze]

Another observation i have , They never show store name ...... for sure its a TV Show Gimmick.

coupon says 1 per transaction how come thee people by 70-80 items with same coupons in same transaction.

[razerraj]

i Watched the show totally agree with wayne impossible to reproduce and find supporting store managers

[RicheemXX]

Here's an nteresting email I just got about some of the retailers and changes they are making because of the show

A recent article on The Consumerist found the TLC show, Extreme Couponing, has sparked a trend of out-of-control couponers who ransack stores with little regard for fellow shoppers. Merchants have taken notice and many major retailers are starting to change their policies. Here are some of the big ones.

Rite Aid
Rite Aid has taken the same steps as Target to crack down on shoppers looking to exploit BOGO coupon offers. The drug store chain has also made other changes including limiting the number of coupons per item to four. If inventory is running low, managers may limit the numbers further.

Target
The biggest change at Target comes to their buy one, get one (BOGO) policy. They now only allow one BOGO coupon per purchase. Previously, customers could "stack" Target printable coupons, combining store and manufacturer BOGO coupons to get both items for free.

Walgreens
Many high tech shoppers have even started to crack coupon barcodes, allowing them to use coupons on products they're not intended for. Walgreens is working to combat this fraud by adopting a new type of barcode. New barcodes will be able to hold more data and can better make sure Walgreens coupons are used for the right product.

Publix
At Publix stores throughout the country they're also limiting the number of coupons that can be used on one product. Their new policy limits couponers to one manufacturers coupon and one store coupon per item.

Shopping with coupons is certainly a smart way to save, but there are right and wrong ways to do it. Here are some basic do's and dont's to help you coupon with class.

[RicheemXX]

DO play by the rules. Couponing isn't too complicated and common sense should get you by in most cases. Rules vary store to store, so if you're planning to use a large amount of coupons, it helps to brush up on coupon policies before you shop. This includes making sure you're buying the item the coupon is intended for and checking to see if they'll accept expired coupons or not.

DON'T clear the shelf. In the eyes of casual shoppers, clearing entire shelves of popular sale items crosses the line between couponing and hoarding. If you really want to stock up on certain products, try making multiple trips or call ahead and ask a manager if they'll set aside an order for you.

DO be organized before you check out. It's a nightmare for cashiers and people waiting in line when you hand over a haphazard pile of miscellaneous coupons. It'll be much appreciated if you clip them before hand and make sure they're all facing the same direction. Also, remember to remove coupons for products you didn't end up buying. If you are using mobile coupons, have them ready on your smartphone for the cashier to scan.

DON'T shop during the busiest times. The stress level of those waiting in line during peak times is high enough. Using dozens of coupons takes time and will only irritate other shoppers. Instead, go shopping when business is slow. It takes the pressure off to complete the transaction as quickly as possible for both you and the cashier.

DO be polite to the cashier and fellow customers. Sure, you might have some knowledge other customers and even clerks don't, but it's no excuse to treat others like they're beneath you. If a cashier isn't familiar with coupon policies, stay calm and ask to speak with a supervisor. They're much more helpful if you don't lose your cool. When your cart is overflowing, give those behind you a heads up that you'll be using coupons. If someone is waiting with just a loaf of bread and gallon of milk, let them cut ahead.

DON'T steal coupons! A growing trend turning the tide against couponers is theft. Newspapers and newspaper subscribers are increasingly finding coupon inserts stolen. This is a big no-no and can get you into some serious trouble. Many people will willingly part with their unused inserts if you ask nicely.

[Zachor]

I have seen those shows as well, and I thought I was really good in my shopping! But I don't know really how they do it, I saw one where the lady ran up at something like $300, and walked away paying only a few dollars. I know it can be done, I used to do crazy things like that at Albertsons, when they accepted competitor coupons. But it is really mind blowing to see how crazy those people are. People call me crazy for the time I put into finding deals, but those EXTREME coupon people are truly amazing or quite possibly crazy.