Someone posted a comment earlier today asking why I have so many coupons. No, I do not buy multiple papers, that would cut into my savings. Every once in a while, maybe once a year or so, the coupon inserts are so good it warrants buying several papers, but that doesn’t happen often. If you would like more than one set of inserts, here are some ideas:
Parents/family & Neighbors: I get my dad’s set and sometimes he gets me his neighbors’ sets too. Or if you have grown kids or other relatives near you, ask them to save them for you. In return I give them free goodies every once in a while.
Workplace/schools: Many times a workplace or school will get numerous newspaper subscriptions. Also, at my old job, I posted a sign in the breakroom that said, “hey, if you’re not going to use your Sunday coupons, please stick them in this box” and I provided a small box. I always got at least 5-6 inserts a week that way. Again, as free candy rolls your way, take it and put it in the break room for your coworkers to say thanks.
Newsstands/stores: Go to your local newsstand or market and see if you can have their leftover inserts on Mondays. Newsstands get a credit for every paper they return on Monday, but they can remove the coupon inserts first. You could offer to buy them at a reduced rate, or do as I do and take them goodies every once in a while. Hint-don’t bother asking at Avon News, theirs are already spoken for. But there is a newsstand at Lantana Square.
Trains & Trading: Once you get more involved in couponing, if you really like to do it, there are coupon trains you can join and you can always trade coupons. Hotcouponworld is a great place to do this. Trading is just what it says, you trade with other couponers; they have coupons you want, you have coupons they want. A train is a pile of coupons that gets mailed around to households and when it gets to your house, you take out what you want and put into it the ones you have that you’re not going to use.
Dumpsters/recycling bins: If you’re really brave and enjoy excitement, you can always go to recycling bins. See a whole discussion, including photos, here.
Internet: There are many online printing sites, see buttons below. Also, if you have a product or brand that you really like, just check the website or do a search. You’d be surprised how many manufacturers are posting coupons online.
Stores: Keep your eyes peeled as you shop for tearpads in stores.
And no, even though I usually get 5-15 inserts each week, I don’t clip every coupon. Like I’ve stated in other posts, the manufacturers and marketers are not original. It’s the same coupons all the time, just on a rotation. After a while, you’ll know which ones you’ll probably use and which ones you won’t. I just keep the leftover inserts in a drawer, so that if a freebie or moneymaker deal comes up, I can go back & clip them if I want. And I can clip multiples for my coupon train when it’s due to arrive. If I had had only 1 insert, it would only be 1 free bottle. But luckily I get multiple inserts, it pays off, especially at diaper deal times.
Lastly–not all inserts are created equal! From my various sources, I end up with inserts from the Philly Inquirer, Daily Local, Wilmington News Journal, Allentown Morning Call and the Lancaster paper. I don’t know what the marketers are thinking, but no two inserts are ever alike. The coupons will be different, or it will be for the same product, but the amounts will be different. Who knows. But if you get one paper yourself on a Sunday and get excited about a particular coupon you see, don’t be surprised if you get your inserts on Monday and it’s different.
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