Using Coupons the Right Way

I just thought I would share some more insight that I have learned from my couponing experiences lately.

There have been some concerns about using coupons fraudulently, either by accident or on purpose.  ( I have noticed this from some of my trading groups).  I would like to address my opinion on this.

1.  To use a coupon for anything other than its intended purpose is fraud.  I have seen blogs promote underhanded and sneaky "it's ok to misuse a coupon" attitudes.  frankly, this gives all of us a bad rep.  MY rule of thumb is: If it goes against my Christian sensibilities and morals, then, don't do it.  I broke my own code late last year when I was convinced a certain coupon could be used to get a product for free.  Even though I felt it was a misuse of the coupon I got caught up in the sheer number of people who were able to get the deal so I figured "It must be ok".  In hindsight, I realize that just because I could, that didn't mean I should. I believe that there is so much coupon misuse out there that it has become the reason for so many stringent restrictions out there on coupons.  For example: a recent Tide Stain release coupon for $2.00/1

As you can see, there are restrictions on this coupon as far as product size.  Specifically, I am referring to the restriction "36-68 oz liquid"

Seems, pretty cut and dry, right?  Apparently not, because some people used this coupon for the 20 oz liquid and were able to get this product for free and even receive overage. Now, the case that I know of in which this coupon was used fraudulently was by accident, and the person involved apologized as soon as she found her mistake. (sometimes it IS a case of not reading all the fine print) Point of fact, READ YOUR COUPON!

There is a big difference between this:  20 oz

and this: 36 oz

The difference is not only in size, but also in price. 

Now, accidents happen, I'll admit we ALL have misinterpreted a coupon at one time or another, but the point is to be as well-informed and responsible as possible.  Please READ the coupon and KNOW the coupon policy of each store you shop.  It seems like a lot of preparation for a thing as simple as using a coupon, but it will benefit you in the long run. 

2.  THERE ARE FAKES OUT THERE
Be very careful when trading/purchasing/bidding on coupons, there are people that WILL take your hard-earned money to turn a profit on worthless strips of paper that merely LOOK like coupons.  On one episode of TLC's Extreme Couponing a shopper was shown to use MANY coupons for free toilet paper.  Later, these coupons (I believe 48 were used) were found to be fake and the store lost HUNDREDS of dollars, the shopper (whether he knew it or not) shoplifted carts-full of toilet paper.
Yes, it IS shoplifting, because the store was not reimbursed for the use of these fake coupons.
Here is an example of one fake coupon circulating now:

You can find the list of fake coupons out there by visiting http://www.couponinformationcenter.com/coupon-fraud-list.php

3. Be Informed! The only person that can keep you honest is YOU.  Use your good judgment and don't fall for scams, fakes, or other couponers' "claims" that it is okay to misuse a coupon.  Most of us are responsible couponers, but there are some who will bend and even break the rules to get a "good deal"

If you make a mistake, don't stress to harshly, mistakes happen.  It is what we learn and how we act AFTER a mistake that determines how we grow as people.
Remember, couponing is not as difficult as it seems at first, take your time, figure out your own system and you will find your own groove.  The long-term benefits will outweigh the early stress.

God Bless and Happy Couponing!