By Kelli B. Grant
- iStockphoto
Companies are cracking down on extreme couponing techniques that allow shoppers to leave with baskets full of free items.
Rite Aid, Target and Publix have all revised coupon policies in recent weeks (see details below) to limit the number of store and manufacturers’ coupons they accept per item or per shopping trip. Procter & Gamble now limits consumers to four of the same coupon per shopping trip, a recommendation that industry group Coupon Information Corporation is preparing to add to its best-practices page for companies issuing manufacturers coupons. Stores are also moving to a more sophisticated barcode system to prevent shoppers from using coupons meant for other items.
“It’s unfortunate that there have to be limits like this, but I think you’re going to see the whole industry moving this way,” says Bud Miller, the executive director of the Coupon Information Corporation. Previously, lenient policies let savvy shoppers stack multiple coupons and stockpile big quantities for pennies on the dollar. “These shoppers come in and clear out every last item, and there’s nothing left for the other consumers,” he says. “That’s not what coupons are for, and hopefully these new policies will help prevent some of that abuse.”
Rite Aid and Target both amended their policies to allow just one buy one, get one free (BOGO) coupon or sale per pair of items purchased. (Previously, shoppers could combine BOGO offers to get both items in a pair free.) Rite Aid also now limits shoppers to four of the same coupon, and gives managers the right to further restrict quantities if the store is running low. “We designed our policies so that all our customers can take advantage of the deals we offer,” a spokesman says. Target says it didn’t have a set policy on multiple-coupon use before, and added the details to clarify things for shoppers.
Publix let its individual stores set policy before May 23, a spokeswoman said, but now formally allows, per item, one manufacturer’s coupon and one from either Publix or a competing store. Previously, some locations had allowed “triple stacking” – i.e., one manufacturer’s coupon, one Publix coupon and one competitor’s coupon. “At the end of the day, it helps when you have extreme couponers who understand the policy,” a spokeswoman says.
The policy changes won’t hurt most shoppers — and are more likely to benefit them as extreme couponers are forced to buy just four of something instead of 40, says Teri Gault, the founder of The Grocery Game. “Being tighter about coupon redemption is fine for the average shopper buying two or three of something,” she says. “You can still save a ton of money using coupons.”
But will the new restrictions stop extreme couponers? “Not in any way, shape or form,” says J’aime Kirlew, the avid couponer hit with allegations of fraud after her experience on the TLC series Extreme Couponing. Couponers often call out deals as YMMV — which stands for “your miles may vary” — to point out that deals aren’t always available at your local store and may require some legwork. The restrictions will just make that term more common, she says. “I’ll take more trips to more stores more frequently,” Kirlew says. “It’s always worth it for me to drive for a deal.”
Her likely next stop: Wal-Mart, which is bucking the trend with its new broader policy on matching competitors’ prices. The chain also recently eliminated per-transaction coupon limits and even offers a credit if the coupon value eclipses the item price.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with “extreme couponing” especially since food is being donated to food pantries!!!!!!
Of course the stores and manufacturers are upset because they were betting that 75% of consumers would not take the time to clip and use coupons so they were making killer profits ,now the consumer has gotten smart and learned how to save and afford to feed their families.
Hollywood is notoriously tough on older females, but as Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon have proved, there is absolutely nothing at all to fear about getting seasoned.
Sarandon, 65, has watched herself mature on the massive screen for decades. Now starring alongside Jason Segel, Ed Helms and Judy Greer in this month’s comedy “Jeff, Who Lives At Home,” the actress reveals what she’s learned about aging gracefully inside thebusin
“The point that I ultimately told my daughter, which dawned on me at a single point, was which you have to enjoy your imperfections, due to the fact that is what tends to make you you,” Sarandon says. “Not that I would be so eager to jump about with my clothes off at this point in my life, but understanding that your face is you, and whatever your anxieties are, do not take it out on your body.” This is not to say that she’s opposed to cosmetic enhancements – inside reason.
If a single goes that route, Sarandon says, “Try to maintain who you will be…You do not would like to appear like you’re 20 when you happen to be 60. That is why you have function on what’s on the inside, because that’s what is going to produce the difference.”
5 days prior to the meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White Property with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has the power, have the potential to self-defense, ought to determine the fate of. Obama mentioned it has usually supported Israel in the exact same time, urged the parties to maintain patience, waiting for the sanctions and diplomatic means to be powerful.
Netanyahu behind closed doors with Obama on the 5th meeting, how to stop Iran from creating nuclear weapons is really a crucial concern.Ahead of the start from the meet, Netanyahu reiterated to the media’s position, that “in the face of any threat, Israel need to constantly have the potential to defend themselves”. He said that as Prime Minister, my main responsibility is to make certain that Israel is nevertheless the masters of their own destiny “. Netanyahu believes that involving national survival, Israel can not afford. He told a pro on the 5th to lobby group: “We do not have the capability longer. As prime minister, I can not let men and women reside inside the shadow of extermination.” Iran has repeatedly declared that you just would like to wipe Israel from the planet map, in square thus finds Iraq to acquire nuclear weapons to threaten one’s survival.
The identical day, the meeting lasted three hours. The sources told Reuters reporters, Netanyahu to Obama eating “assurance”, said on military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities to make a decision towards the parties. The Usa worried that Israel’s unilateral use of force will make the Middle East unrest, pull the U.S. in to the quagmire. Concern for the United states, Netanyahu, Obama acknowledged that, with diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions, Iran face growing pressure, but much less and less time that may be left to military strikes.
The relationship amongst Obama and Netanyahu once nervous, because Obama was on the Palestinian-Israeli peace procedure to place pressure on the Israeli side. It is noteworthy that, compared with Could last year, when the two meet, the two sides of the “body language” eased considerably to meet the atmosphere was good.
Reuters interpretation of surface harmony can not hide the positions from the parties can not properly be reconciled.
Obama stated prior to the meeting, the United states has often supported Israel, does not exclude any signifies of resolving the crisis and, if required, may implement a military strike. He also urged the party to keep the patience to wait for sanctions and diplomatic indicates to be efficient. “I think that a diplomatic answer for the (role), the window is nevertheless open,” he mentioned, “I understand that the (Israeli) Prime Minister and I are hoping to diplomatic channels.” Some analysts say the U.S. and Israel don’t accept that Iran has nuclear weapons, just distinct coping techniques. The U.S. side hopes that the timetable for the long response, and would favor rapid decision.
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What is the problem with coupons? It’s kinda good to get free stuff right? With the expensive things and all.
Boston Market Coupons