Extreme Couponing backlash
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Extreme Couponing backlash
I was in Lowes Foods today and when I handed the cashier my coupons, she asked me if I watch that awful show. I told her that I don't and explained why not...that it's staged and unrealistic, breeds more selfishness and greed, etc. (she had never seen it but had heard about it). She said, "I wish they'd take that show and shove it!" because apparently they've had a lot of customers come in wanting to save like the shoppers on the show and they try to break the store's coupon policies with the limits, complain when they can't, etc. I really hope this backlash doesn't ruin it for the rest of us...sounds like it might be heading that direction. Let's keep contacting Customer Service for your favorite store chains and let them know how much we appreciate doubling of coupons, Super Doubles, etc.
Karen Hi, my name is Karen, and I'm a Super Doublaholic...
I agree
Karen,
I'm glad you posted this. Don't get me wrong I enjoy getting things for free and at a discount. But I do agree the show is unrealistic for the average person. Most people can not spend 40-60 hours a week on couponing. I watched the show after I was stopped in Wal-Mart 6 differnt times becuase I had a coupon binder. One statement I saw was "I don't use this product but its free so I'm getting it for my stock pile" It was something random like denture cleaner. So for the next shopper the shelf if empty for the person that might actually need it. I guess I feel bad for those that have to work or have kids to get to school and can't get to the grocery store first. There were a few positives from the show. The one gentleman was sending items to the troops and he donates to his church and food pantry. Like you said it is staged so I wonder how much of the show is actually true. We only have a HT that offers doubles. I would be devestated if they stopped doubling coupons becuase of some extreme cases. For those of you "In the loop" do you see the extreme couponing hurting coupons? Nic
I haven't been affected, yet. Hope I don't get a first taste today. I'm going shopping and need to get toilet paper. I have one manufacter coupon and one Target coupon. The Target coupon says there is a limit to one store and one manufacterer per purchase. Let's hope the cashier doesn't give me headache. I have several other coupons to use for other things too, so....
I haven't seen the show nor do I want to. I have seen 2 different articles about it in the paper & my email. I really wish TLC would take that horrible show off the air. I agree w/Karen. The people on the show are greedy & selfish. What do you need 800 rolls of toilet paper for? It's ridiculous! Instead of stock piling, these people should be sending their hoard (b/c that's what it is) to places that have been affected by the recent tornadoes. They would love to have food, diapers, etc.
You can't go in a store & shop like they do b/c it's not realistic. The stores lax their policies to feed these peoples greed. Why not have a real coupon show using people like us that are couponing to save our families money in these hard economic times? (OK, I'm stepping off my soapbox now) Stephanie
They won't take it off unless the ratings are bad. Dramatic tv such as Extreme Couponing makes for good ratings. It would be hard to get an audience to just watch "normal" people clip coupons.
The show makes me sad because it gives people such an unrealistic expectation. They don't explain that they are breaking ALL the store rules and that this type of shopping (while 90% savings is not impossible but getting $5000 in one trip is) is virtually impossible here due to coupon limits in our stores!
I have had many people in my workshops and my website ask me how they can get all that for free and I have to break their hopes that it just is not really possible here the way they show on Extreme Couponing. BUT that they can still save 60+% each trip (I save more usually) but not $5,000 and five carts worth at a time. ANd who needs that much?
The show is not going away anytime soon. TLC renewed for a second season.
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/06/tlc-r ... couponing/ Mary Ellen
Working Wife, Mother of 3 & Home Keeper The Working Home Keeper - http://workinghomekeeper.blogspot.com/
I have people ask me about this show, too, because they know that I shop with coupons. I have done so for about 3 years now. My overall savings is right around 50%. I know that I don't get all of the deals, but I am realistic about using coupons. I have not seen this show either, but know from what I've been told that it must be staged. I always explain about number of coupon limits and the unrealistic picture that is painted in that show. I wonder, too, if it will ultimately affect those of us who use coupons within the correct parameters because it is bringing out the "crazies" shopping with coupons. I have seen a lot more people lately with binders. This must be why. Such a shame. I work hard to get the overall 50% savings and I would hate for the generation of so much greed to affect my ability to even do that any more. My 2 cents.
 ~Mindi
I agree, Mindi. I always tell people how much I dislike the show & how it's not realistic when they ask me. I have this feeling that some stores may change their policies due to this awful show.
Stephanie
Here is the take on this from the CIC (Coupon Information Corp.) Thanks to "OBKelly" for finding the article. http://www.couponinformationcenter.com/
CIC Position on Extreme Couponing May 5, 2011. The Coupon Information Corporation (CIC) expresses our great disappointment with TLC’s current series, Extreme Couponing, and hereby offers our expertise and other assistance to TLC and Sharp Entertainment (which produces the show) to enhance the program with more accurate and realistic information. In addition, we hope they address potentially illegal acts that appear to have been portrayed on the show. Professionals in the coupon industry believe this show creates unrealistic expectations about how coupons work and promotes the misuse of coupons. For example, the show appears to portray coupons being used in violation of the terms and conditions printed on the coupons, such as using coupons to obtain products other than those specified by the coupon offer, and focuses on consumers who have procured large quantities of coupon inserts from unknown sources, which may raise civil and/or criminal issues. In real life, individuals attempting to use such large quantities of coupons or attempting to use them in violation of the terms stated on the coupons would most likely have their coupons refused at the register or, depending on the circumstances, be investigated by law enforcement. According to media reports, TLC recently stated, “While the series documents extreme couponing strategies, we take any concerns about specific tactics seriously and are looking into the situation.” We look forward to hearing what TLC discovers. The CIC’s and other industry experts’ previous offers of assistance to the producers to make this an educational show were previously turned down. Nevertheless, we stand ready to help in the event the producers or TLC reconsider their path and seek to turn this into a show that accurately reflects appropriate coupon strategies and use, which would result in real benefits for TLC’s viewing audience.
Backlash
I think the show gives people unreal expectations about coupons and savings. Unless your willing to make it a full time job it's not going to be like on the show.
Cashiers are always surly when it comes to coupons. I find that I just have to be direct but polite and stand my group when it comes to coupons and the policies of the store, which cashiers often do not seem to know.
Yes, Eric. It is unrealistic and I had the same thought about these people making couponing a full-time job. I cannot imagine wanting to spend that much time just to save money. Life is not ALL about saving money. There needs to be a balance. It's completely unhealthy to devote that much time and energy on something. I wonder how those people are doing psychologically. I wanna see then visit a dr and talk out their problems because I am sure they have some. Anything done to the extreme like that is unhealthy and has underlying issues. For instance, hoarding -- accumulating TOO much. Or being an OVER saver. I read a story not long ago about a couple who were really young during the great depression and being witness to what happened to their folks, they tighted the belt TOO tight and the kids thought they were poor growing up because they never had enough food or clothes. When the kid was ready for college, he was FLOORED when he found out that his parents had tons of money saved up. He stopped talking to his parents after they refused to pay for any of his college, even though the parents could afford to pay the full tuition. The damage done to that child under those extreme conditions. What do these kids of extreme couponers come away with? Will it hurt them, too?
As I can see it, the reality TV has resulted in “extreme couponing turning into a growing trend It's just like normal coupon clipping, but taken to an extreme. Consumers clip an enormous number of coupons and conserve large amounts on large purchases. Retail organizations are taking notice, and they are not amused. There is an increasing backlash against the extreme use of coupons. I found this here: Retail firms begin backlash against extreme couponing.
Quote from article: "Target no longer allows “coupon stacking” where customers use a manufacturer’s coupon and store coupon for the same item."
When did that start because I always use Target coupons with manufacturer coupons and no one has stopped me here in Minot, ND. 
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