Monday, August 29, 2011

~~~News~~~

I decided to post a little news posting about recent comments and changes that I have heard while out and about this week. Granted, some of the observations from Wal Mart are opinions and wishes from the cashiers I have spoke to lately. However, the easier that we make it on them, the more likely that it will be that we can keep them saving us more money.

~~~~Kroger News~~~~

While at Kroger today, I learned that they had decided to implement a limit of 5 like coupons per day. Guiltily, I asked as to why they had done this. I, myself, am guilty of taking advantage of the Mega 10 events. Since I buy my Sunday papers 10 at a time, I usually have 10 coupons for my Mega 10. This keeps me from messing up and shorting myself and missing that additional 3 or 5 dollars off the items to get the sale price.

Seems that my conscious is clear this time. After inquiring further as to why the change had come about, I learned that the restriction had come from their corporate office, not from the store manager. The assistant manager I talked to often comes over to me and my mom-in-law-to-be and watches our tally, so she knew who I was. She let me know that my shopping style (LOL) wasn't the problem. There had been several instances in several of the stores where shoppers would literally "clean" the shelves, leaving no product for fellow shoppers. And most of these were doubled coupons, which some seem to forget, double coupons are not fully reimbursed by the manufacturer. What portion of the amount is not covered by the coupon is a cost to the store. Also, there had been complaints about the shelves being "stripped" of particular items.

This is why I always promote couponing within limits. If you got a great deal, go a couple days in the week rather than all in one trip. Get more than one variety of an item (ex. different scents of your shampoo or conditioner). And knowing when the stock truck runs so you can shop just before the shelves are restocked, or being stocked, is another way to keep from leaving gaping holes that flat out tick some shoppers off. This reduces complaints.

~~~~Wal Mart~~~~

Over all, there has been very little negative feedback from Wally World cashiers about the store's new coupon policy. Some cashiers enjoy seeing the awesome savings that are possible when using coupons to their maximum potential. There have been a few that I have spoke to who did ask questions that I thought were really valid when it comes to good old fashioned manners.

Then some who just ask that if you have a substantial amount of coupons, to please not try to go through an express lane. This is common sense to me, but we all see the shoppers with a buggy full of items go to the express lanes that clearly read "20 items or less". The part that gets me is when they see you only have 2 or 3 items and still go right on ahead and cut you off. Can some people not count? Or do they not care that it is just flat out rude? How about the cashier who has to muscle all that stuff through? I worked for Wal Mart before and I can tell you that I hated working express because it made the job 10x more stressful. Even if you do have to wait longer, just remember that when you go to be checked out you are going to take longer than others to start with. May as well get in line with people who already expect to wait rather than those who want to get out of there with their couple of items as fast as possible.

Another cashier I spoke to had a quarrel with some shoppers who didn't understand that they have to ring out every variety of an item. If you have 5 different scents of body wash, they have to ring out all 5 separately. If you put like items together, it makes it much easier on both of you, not to mention faster, and you have time to make it a positive experience. Many want to know where you get them from or if you have a group that you belong to. Many have to support their family on close-to minimum wage jobs. If they have spare brain waves to learn about your coupon skills, that makes them happier too!

Finally, anyone who wishes to get a copy of my sheet I use when doubling at Wal Mart should let me know. I can send you a document that you can save and print when you need it, or if you live close by, I will print them out for you. It is an easy way to make check out a breeze for the cashier. I have enclosed a screen shot of my list below for you to view. Earlier I posted a picture of it, but the settings would not allow a large enough one for you to see the layout.

Prepared using Microsoft Office*

 I feel that using this sheet was pretty much self-explanatory. You list your item, the original or comp price, mark if it is a double or not, then the coupon amount. Next is where you do your math to figure out the amount of the price override in order to take off any doubled amount. Finally, in the last block you put the price, prior to taxes that you will pay on the item or any overages you may earn. 
This sheet kind of can do double duty as well. Because not only can you have the math done and ready for your cashier, but you can also determine exactly how much you are going to need to allot yourself for your trip. Just remember that sometime you can't get all of an item, and of course going into Wal Mart comes with the hazard of buying things you didn't intend on. At least you can keep track of any adjustments that you may need to make.

Monday, August 22, 2011

August 21-27

This week is going to be fairly slow. The Mega 10 at Kroger is basically the same as the last week. However, I did find a few goodies at Wal Mart that you will be fairly interested in. Remember, they are everyday prices so you don't have to worry about being in a huge rush to get your coupons.

Kroger

Sunny D 64 oz... .99c*
     .25/1 coupons found on Ebay=.49ea

Lunchables ... 10/$10
     I did find a few coupons on Ebay for any lunchable item. They were .55/1 which would make them free, but Wal Mart has then 2/$2 everyday and you would actually make .10 off each one. Just take into account how much you give for them.
Keebler Cookies... $1.99
     $1/2 coupons = $1.49ea
     Can be found on Ebay and Dede

Dial Liquid Hand Soap.... 88C
     Dede $1/3 = .55 ea
     Ebay .35/1 = .18 ea

Dial Body Wash ... $2.49
     Dede and Ebay
     $1/2 = $1.99ea.

Caress Body Wash ... $2.49
     .75/1 = $1.74 @ Kroger 
     .75/1 = .99 @ Wal Mart w/ Price comp.
     Coupons on Dede and Ebay

Wal Mart (everyday prices)
Reach Floss ... .88 
     .50/1 = 12c profit to you!

Gain Dish detergent ... 98c
     .50/1 = 2c profit to you!

Gain dryer sheets ... $1.88
     .50/1 = .88 c ea.


Monday, August 15, 2011

Aug. 14-20

OK.... It is the 3rd week of the month, which means we are going to have a pretty decent week for our coupon shopping. There are several price matches which you can use at Wal Mart that may or may not be in your area. I know in Logan County we do not have a CVS store. There are a couple deals to be found that we can get at our local Wally World since they match their prices...

DONT FORGET!!!! Wal Mart will double up to 99c coupons.

Weigh your options carefully though. The registers are not set up for doubles yet, which means that your check out is much slower than if you could go to a store that doubles daily like Foodland or Kroger. Sometimes, it is much simpler just to go to those stores to get your doubles. You save time, both at the check out and, let's face it, you get in and do your business without being distracted. Keep these in mind when planning your method of attack... (lol).

That much being said, please do not forget to use your coupon etiquette when shopping. If you are doubling, make a note of the price. It helps to have the numbers all figured out and ready when you go to the register. The cashiers appreciate your few minutes of preparation. It makes the transaction much smoother for them and you. If the item is 1.64 (Scotchbrite wipes) then you could make a chart resembling this:

This image is an example of my personal printout I take when doubling at Wal Mart. 
Having the math done and prepared for the cashier 
helps the entire process for both you and them.

Prepared using Microsoft Office 2007.
CVS
Huggies Easy Ons.... $8.99
     $3 off any one pkg makes then $5.99
     These were in the Sunday Gazette. You can also find them on Ebay

Gain Dish Liquid... 10.3-11 oz ... .99
     .50/1 coupon (Sunday Gazette) = overage of .01c



Kroger

Sunny D 64 oz... .99c*
     .25/1 coupons found on Ebay=.49ea

Eggo Waffles....$1.99
     Too many variable coupons to list. Check Gazette
     Dede, and Ebay. Final Price varies greatly.

Pop Tarts... 1.59ea
     Most are $1/3 = $1.26 ea

Kraft or Sargento Cheese ... 2.50 
     I found $1/1 Sargento on Ebay = $1.50 ea

Wal Mart

Scotchbrite wipes (IMO better than Lysol) ... 1.64 ea
     .50/1 (Ebay, Gazette, Dede) = .64ea

Reach floss ... .88ea
     .50/1 (ebay) = overage to you of .12 ea.

Tresemme Shampoo & Conditioner ... 2.87
     $1/1 (Ebay, Dede, Gazette) = 1.87 ea

Jimmy D's ...2.28
     .75/1 (Ebay) = .78 ea

*Price when you buy any 10... you receive an additional $5 off at the register. Buy in multiples of 10 to receive this price.

I used CouponMom.com to get the prices on the Wal Mart comps. After checking several items, I am reasonable certain that the prices will match to what is in our region. You can also get CVS, Rite Aid, Family Dollar, Dollar General, Target, and Kroger prices there as well. AWESOME resource for the savings that are not advertised in the circular. 

Best of luck and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Monday, August 8, 2011

July 7-13

OK....

This week there were an abnormally large amount of food coupons in the Sunday paper. Many of them apply to sales happening this week, so check your inserts before you purchase your coupons. Don't forget, your deadline for ordering coupons off Ebay and/or Dede should be tomorrow afternoon to ensure that your coupons will be in your mailbox by Saturday morning at the latest.

Kroger

Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna Helper... $1
     Coupons can be found on both Ebay and Dede
     for the following amounts:
          .75/3 = .75 per box
           $1/5 = .80 per box

Ragu Sauce ...$1.79
     Coupons can be found on both sites with varying
     amounts.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls or Grands Biscuits, Pillsbury Cresent Rolls ...$1.25
     Check your Sunday paper for SEVERAL Pillsbury coupons.

Yoplait Yogurt ... $1.88
     Coupons can be found on both sites for .40/1 =$1.08

Colgate Toothpaste & Toothbrushes .... .88 ea.
     Coupons for .35 and .40 off = .08-.18 ea.

Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner ... $2.49
     $1.00 off 1 = $1.49 ea.

Combos Snacks ... 10/$10
     Ebay- $1 off 2 = .50 per bag.

Oscar Mayer Carving Board Lunch Meat ... $3.50
     Coupons can be found on both sites.
          $1.00 off one = $2.50 ea

Monday, August 1, 2011

July 31-Aug 6

OK... so here is my final opinion on this week.


The sales pretty much suck for us couponers. Let's face it, the stores know that everyone gets their retirement, Social Security, pensions, and other income on or around the 1st of the month. They do not have to make great or even good sales to get business because everyone goes shopping because their supply has been depleted. Totally understandable.

Now here is my tactic I suggest.....

Put off buying your major shopping. Buy what you need for a week, but don't do your major shopping just yet. Shop like you would have 2 weeks ago if you are one of these households. There are some pretty decent meat sales going on, get in on those. But hold off getting your month's stock for a week. The 3rd and 4th weeks are the absolute best weeks to shop because the money has got low for these families. THEREFORE, the store put on the good sales to bring in customers.

By doing this, I know of 2 households who trimmed a tidy sum off their bills last month. Not a huge amount, but 100-200 bucks. The cereal deal from Kroger last week, the Wisk deal from 2 weeks ago, and so on... really helped out a lot to stretch a dollar. Start small and put aside 40-50 bucks for your 3rd and 4th week's coupon trips. You would be amazed what you can do with 25 bucks for 2 weeks!