TLC’s new reality show 'Extreme Couponing' premiered on April 26 at 9:30 p.m. and has earned TLC the No. 1 ad-supported cable slot on Wednesday evenings. That means millions are watching as extreme coupon users purchase products for just pennies.
One such guest on the show stockpiled a lifetime supply of toilet paper and toothpaste that they only claim to have paid a few cents for. Another episode showed twin sisters clear a store shelf of their supply dental floss, again only paying a few cents for the purchase.
Abuse and overuse inspire change
This has brought coupon use to the forefront, and in some instances caused shoppers to abuse the coupon privilege. As a result, Florida-based stores such as Publix Supermarket are cracking down on their typically lenient coupon policy. There are several hundred Publix Supermarket locations through Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and abusing coupon privileges could add up to a problems for the supermarket chain.
In the past, each store manager decided which coupons to accept. But because of the popularity of TLC’s ‘Extreme Couponing’ and the ways in which people are abusing Publix’s lax policy, corporate has stepped in to issue new, more stringent coupon rules. Publix will be posting these new rules throughout their stores today; the new rules will be effective May 23.
Each store will post a list of accepted coupons. In most cases, they will only accept coupons from other grocery stores. That means coupons from superstores like Wal-Mart and Target, which also sell grocery items, may not be accepted at your local Publix Supermarket. Check the posting in your local store for details.
Coupon cutbacks may spread to other chains
As a Cable-TV Network TLC’s ultimate goal is to produce a hit show. Bravo to TLC for succeeding. However, local stores and some national stores feel the need to protect themselves so that they too can make a profit.
At least one Target store is now limiting customers to 10 coupons per visit, according to the Sun Sentinel. More Target locations could decide to do the same.
TLC’s Extreme Couponing is typically filmed in stores that have double-coupon days. In the state of Florida, only Kmart has double-coupon days a few times a year. Regardless, wise coupon use can still save consumers a lot of cash. Education is the key, according to coupon veterans. They advise that shoppers do their homework before deciding to adopt ‘extreme couponing’ as a regular practice.
Here are a few links to help you start learning about wise coupon use:
- How to Coupon Effectively
- Grocery Coupon Guide
- Top 10 Best Ways to Use Coupons
- All About Couopns
- 5 Rules & Tools for Wise Coupon Use
- 17 Ways to Save Big at the Supermarket
Sources: Sun Sentinel, TLC, The Futon Critic
This Examiner does not agree or disagree with the coupon usage suggested in the links listed above. They are merely a guide to help you begin your research on the subject.
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