The use of coupons has gained quite a bit of attention in recent months. Some smart shoppers report a saving of 10% on their weekly grocery purchases, while others boast a staggering 90% savings. These Brilliant Shoppers have prompted many to question, “What am I doing wrong?” Or the better question may be, “What are they doing right?” We have identified three lifestyle types of couponers seen in grocery stores throughout the US.
Coupon Shopper #1: A Smart Shopper. This shopper is a 10% off shopper! A majority of coupon shoppers fall into this category. These consumers simply cut out coupons, put them in their purse or wallet, and use them when you are at the grocery store. This method typically saves the consumer 25% off each item.
Rarely does this consumer see over 10% off their total grocery bill, yet this shopper will save $10-15 at the register, and use around 12 coupons on average at the store. If they clip and use all the Sunday paper coupons, this shopper will indeed save money on groceries on an annual basis. Smart!
Coupon Shopper #2: Intelligent Shopper. This shopper adds an extra step to their coupon clipping. This shopper both Cuts and collects coupons. They keep all coupons that they encounter. They clip from the Sunday paper, pick up tear pads at the grocery store, and print free coupons online. Then this shopper reviews the weekly sales circulars to match up any Manufacturer coupons with already store discounted merchandise.
This generally provides a discount of 50% off each item-or TWICE as much as shopper #1. This shopper buys items when on sale only. They often buy multiples of that item to save for later while it is offered at a discounted price. If this shopper is out of Milk-they do buy milk, otherwise they stick to the sales. This shopper typically sees 30-50% discounts on their receipts when checking out. Definately SMART!
Coupon Shopper #3: The Cream of the Coupon Shoppers! This shopper is Brilliant! Pure Genius shopping! This shopper performs three steps. Both steps as shopper #2, but adds in the buy One Get One Free offers, Catalina rewards, and rebates. The BOGO deals are items that are already 50% discounted, and you can still use a coupon.
This strategy often yields a 75% savings. These are items that make sense to stockpile while on sale, and can make a huge difference in the annual expenditure of the household. This shopper also follows the Catalina rewards and offers that give money back on grocery purchases for brand loyalty.
These glamorous little machines print coupons at the check out register when you purchase multiples from one company. To find out current offers, this shopper must check blogs and message boards to know which products will trigger the Catalina offering.
This shopper is the smartest and most elusive shopper in the jungle! This shopper can save up to 90% each and every time they check out at the grocery store. They find reward dollars to buy items that coupons are not offered, and combine basic coupons for multiple and layered savings. Pure Brilliance!
These shoppers all save money on their groceries, but some save more than others. To start saving money, start with one step. Then as you master each category, add a step to save more money on your food and grocery needs. All savings are good savings, and its easy to get frustrated as you learn to master the steps.
Most shoppers in category 3 noted that they were able to master the tricks of level 3 shopping in less than 90 days. To help keep you motivated, keep your receipts. As you check your progress, you will see your percentage of sales increase. You can save up to 90% when you shop Brilliantly!
About the author of this article:
leann moyers helps families save hundreds of dollars on their groceries each week with america loves coupons. this free coupon delivery service saves consumers an average of 35% each week on standard grocery and food purchases. http://www.americalovescoupons.com
