Are coupons necessary?

Christy · **Are coupons necessary?**

I am an avid coupon clipper! I love saving money. Isn't that why we're all here? But I have to say: if manufacturers are willing to give us $1.00 their product, than why not just make the retail price a $1.00 cheaper? Why go to the bother of making and creating coupons?

I can understand it if they are promoting a new product and want people to try it out, so they offer some INCREDIBLE deal to get you to go and buy it the first time, and hopefully fall in love with it and buy it again. I get that. But WHY make us cut out coupons on a weekly basis (every Sunday morning) to save a measly 50 cents?

I guess I am just overanalyzing this....but it does make me upset sometimes!

Happymom · 10-18-2007, 07:32 AM

Personally, I don't think coupons are necessary at all. Just shop smart and use off brands and you save a ton.

Christy · 10-18-2007, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happymom

Personally, I don't think coupons are necessary at all. Just shop smart and use off brands and you save a ton.

True enough. But this question was more about why the manufacturers go to such lengths each week, helping us to "save" some money by clipping out coupons, when they can just reduce their retail price from the get go! See what I mean? I mean seriously, think about that? Each week there are printed flyers going out to millions of people.....that just seems ridiculous to me...why not just reduce your price if you care so much, you know what I mean?

faerieflr · 10-18-2007, 07:47 AM

I think it's a continuing effort to try and make it that "thing we can't live without" If the deal is good enough we'll switch from what we usually buy, be it off brand or other brand, and try theirs. Honestly, sometimes it works for me. Maybe I don't love it but will make due because it's cheaper. It rarely happens but sometimes.

Mandy · 10-18-2007, 07:52 AM

I think the reason is because so many people refuse to see that coupons are the way to do it...and that stockpiling is an essential part of saving money. if they are willing to pay the 1.00 more, why would a company not let them?

and for off brands...yes you can use them and yes you can save money...but I'd be willing to bet a small fortune that if the time and effort were put forth to coupon properly that you'd save more to buy the name brand with a coupon then you would to buy the off brand.

as of april this year, I have only bought generic/store brand for cat litter and baby wipes/diapers (and those only because they were clearanced and I needed them RIGHT THEN.) and trust me when I say that I am paying HALF the cost of store brand or less....

Proud Mommy · 10-18-2007, 07:57 AM

hmmm... good thought..maybe the reason they offer the coupons instead of dropping the products price a dollar or two is because they know not everyone will clip the coupons...so those who don't will have to pay full price. They want you to, in a sense, "work for your money" LOL. Ya know by clipping the coupons. LOL.

mezzchick · 10-18-2007, 08:05 AM

While a lot of people look at coupons, most don't use them. But they are a form of advertising. say you look at the coupons on Sun., go shopping on Mon., looking at the different options, you will see a product that rings a bell (because although you haven't clipped the coupon...you've seen it recently and remember it) So, because it's familiar, you will buy it even without the coupon. That's what I think.

Bucsnpats · 10-18-2007, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mezzchick

While a lot of people look at coupons, most don't use them. But they are a form of advertising. say you look at the coupons on Sun., go shopping on Mon., looking at the different options, you will see a product that rings a bell (because although you haven't clipped the coupon...you've seen it recently and remember it) So, because it's familiar, you will buy it even without the coupon. That's what I think.

Just an old marketing trick...they are counting on you NOT using them.

momof2boys · 10-18-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mezzchick

While a lot of people look at coupons, most don't use them. But they are a form of advertising. say you look at the coupons on Sun., go shopping on Mon., looking at the different options, you will see a product that rings a bell (because although you haven't clipped the coupon...you've seen it recently and remember it) So, because it's familiar, you will buy it even without the coupon. That's what I think.

LuvMySoldier · 10-18-2007, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mezzchick

While a lot of people look at coupons, most don't use them. But they are a form of advertising. say you look at the coupons on Sun., go shopping on Mon., looking at the different options, you will see a product that rings a bell (because although you haven't clipped the coupon...you've seen it recently and remember it) So, because it's familiar, you will buy it even without the coupon. That's what I think.

GOOD ANSWER!!