Does anyone actually use coupons any more?

If you enjoyed the film Queen Pins, you will be very familiar with the concept of coupons. The film’s plot revolves around two friends who are desperately trying to find ways of sorting out their finances. One in particular already uses coupons extensively to save money on her shopping, and gradually realises that obtaining and selling coupons could become a thriving business.

But in real life, does anyone actually use coupons any more? Is it really worth the hassle?

In this article we take a quick look at the world of coupons:

What are they and where did they start?
Five ways to save money by using coupons.

What are coupons and where did they start?

A coupon was originally a slip of paper, often cut out of a newspaper or magazine, that entitled the bearer to a discount on a product or some other kind of free or discounted offer.

The first coupon ever created was by Coca-Cola in 1887. It offered a free sample of the drink, which had been launched the year before. By 1895, the drink – selling for 5 cents – was being sold all across the United States.

Coupons then grew rapidly in popularity, and by 1906 were described by the New York Daily Tribune as having a great future.

What the Daily Tribune could not have predicted is that in the 21st century, many coupons are now in the form of app discounts, online codes and cashback. But the principle is the same. If you learn to do “couponing” well, you can quickly begin to save money on a great deal of your shopping.

Five ways to save money by using coupons.

If you follow the tips below, you will quickly become an expert at couponing and can begin to save money.

Know where to find the best coupons

Coupons and discounts are everywhere! You just need to keep your eyes open.

Here are a few places to look:

Newspapers
Magazines
Free supermarket magazines
Company mailings
Leaflets
Online eg company websites and voucher sites such as Groupon, Wowcher, and My Voucher Codes

A final word: never be tempted to buy coupons, for example on eBay or Facebook marketplace. They may well be fake, and you could find yourself having them refused, or even – in extreme cases – being prosecuted! Watch the Queen Pins movie to find out more!

Interact with the brands you love

One very effective way to obtain coupons and vouchers is to interact with the brands you love.

You will often get a discount – either on your first purchase or regularly – ust by signing up to their email lists. Also follow them on social media for flash sales and discounts.

But another very simple thing you can do is to contact a brand just to say how much you like it. You may get samples or coupons back just for doing that, or it can be worth being a bit cheeky and actually asking them. After all, if it will lead to a further purchase and also retain your loyalty it is worth it for them.

So be proactive about getting coupons and discounts from your favourite brands, and you are likely to succeed.

Use cashback apps

One of the 21st century equivalents of coupons is cashback. There are many different cashback websites around apps and it really is worth signing up for them.

The way most cashback schemes work is that you pay in full for your shopping but then scan in your shopping receipts to the cashback website/app afterwards. You then receive a percentage of your cash back into your Paypal account, plus any special offers or discounts on specific products.

Some of the most popular apps currently available are:

More apps are being developed regularly so keep an eye on Apple’s App Store and Google Play to see what’s new.

You may also still be able to get cashback even if you also use a physical coupon for a particular product, leading to even more savings.

Learn the art of “coupon stacking”

Coupon stacking is the art of combining offers for maximum savings. For example, we have just looked at using a physical coupon along with a cashback website.

But you may also be able to use a physical coupon on a product combined with either a store sale or deal, or a manufacturer’s offer. So if you had a coupon for £1 off a product, and that product is already reduced from £5 to £3 through some other offer, in theory you should be able to get it for £2.

Always check the small print, as sometimes only one discount or offer can be applied, but you can often use both if you plan carefully, which is a great way to save money.

Sign up for store loyalty schemes

It is also definitely worth signing up for loyalty schemes at any store you use regularly. Schemes vary, but you will gain either points, rewards or special offers every time you shop. This is an easy way to save money.

Also make sure you keep an eye open for extra offers. For example large supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s may offer special prices on certain items for their loyalty card holders. You may also receive vouchers either when you checkout or through the post. It can be easy just to throw these away without really looking at them, but they could bring you further savings.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can save money by using coupons, vouchers, and cashback. We hope that they help you to find ways of building them into your regular shopping routines and begin to save money fast.

Do visit us here again soon for more financial and lifestyle tips from Loans 2 Go.