I recently conducted a Facebook survey to find out just how many people are using coupons. With grocery prices rising and shows like TLC's "Extreme Couponing" becoming increasingly popular, I really thought that coupons were the new rage. Of the 24 responses I received, only four people admitted to frequently using coupons obtained from multiple sources. None of the four admitted to getting carts of groceries for almost nothing. It seems to be more of a way to save a little money that to a way to get free groceries.
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| graph by Charlotte Madsen |
Nine people said that they do not use coupons at all. Two had no reason and one even said she should start using coupons. The most common reason not to use coupons was a lack of time. Most of those who responded have young children and many of them also have full time jobs. Clipping coupons can be like a full time job itself and most did not think that the savings was worth their time.
"I don't use coupons. Mostly because I end up buying stuff I don't need just because I have a coupon," said Lisa Harding, a full time school teacher with a teenage daughter. Most agreed with Harding that it is hard to find coupons for products they normally purchase.
Mandy Fisher said she refuses to use coupons because she finds them embarrassing. "I don't want to be that lady holding up the line because the checker didn't take a whole 20 cents off my bag of sugar," said Fisher.
Three people said they use coupons occasionally, but only if they happen to come across one for a product they use. One person said she does not use coupons but does take advantage of Walmart's ad matching program. Seven people who use coupons said they used mostly ones that a store they frequent sends to them in the mail or by email. Costco and Smith's were the most popular stores mentioned for these types of coupons and ads.
People are finding coupons everywhere!
- junk mail
- newspapers
- fliers from restaurants
- in-store ads
- online
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