Rabu, 19 Oktober 2011

Beware the Coupon Trap

By Robert Mann


On the surface, coupons seem like a great idea that every consumer should love. When used appropriately, this is true. But there are some errors that are easily made which can turn potentially valuable savings into a big waste of money. When choosing which coupons to use, a shopper should be very careful to avoid these common pitfalls that can turn a buyer's paradise into a sinking money pit.

A common error people make when using coupons is purchasing a product that they don't really desire or need. The temptation to obtain savings on something can be powerful. Nevertheless, if the purchaser has not bought an item before, and doesn't have a powerful desire to test it out, he or she shouldn't purchase the product, no matter how much money he or she will save.

Purchasing an excess amount of product may be a similar dilemma, even when it's something one regularly utilizes. When the buyer's supply is completely stocked already, one shouldn't buy it. If a coupon states that more than 1 thing may be purchased, carefully think if the required amount is necessary. Coupon expiration dates are partly there to persuade a purchaser into making a quick purchasing choice. The purchaser needs to remember that if he or she has an adequate amount of something already, he or she needs to fight the temptation to purchase more.

Another pitfall is when you waste money because you're trying to save money and don't get the brand you usually know and like. It can be fine to try a different brand, but you don't want to compromise on quality or the features of a product just because you have a coupon for something you don't normally buy.

One last thing to keep in mind is that having a coupon for a product does not automatically make it the best deal. Sale papers and ads from local merchants should be checked to see if an equivalent or preferred product might be on sale at a cheaper price. Even regular prices might be lower in some cases, so it is important to be familiar with the prices normally paid.

Shoppers must remember that although coupons aren't bad, they are a tool used by manufacturers to promote their product. The purpose of these discounts is to get the buyer to buy the brand that is advertised, not save the consumer money. The buyer must choose wisely to make sure their goals are met as opposed to the goals of the seller.




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