GRASPED Extreme Couponing Playbook – Module 11

BONUS: Ethical Couponing

Coupons

You will learn that there are some coupons that may work a bit differently than the way they are worded.
For example, a coupon may state that it is for toothpaste that is at least 5 oz., but you might accidentally use it on the 4.2 oz sized tube. Neither you nor the cashier noticed it, and the register accepts it. What will you do with that knowledge—will you deliberately use the coupon in this fashion again?
Sometimes this type of use of coupons can place a store in the position where they will not get reimbursed by the manufacturer for the coupon; it is clearly best to always use coupons in the manner in which they are intended to be used.

Store Policies

Another thing you might accidentally find, is that a store’s coupon policy might state one thing, but their registers might permit another.
For example, if a store policy only allows you to use a single coupon on two items that are “buy one get one free” but the register allows two, will you use two?
Again, keep in mind that, even if you are comfortable doing this, the store may not get reimbursed for the coupon.

Conscience, Reputation—and Jail

Using questionable couponing practices, even if you are initially comfortable with it, might eventually begin to bother your conscience; coupon misuse is not worth your peace of mind.
Using questionable practices also gives you a bad reputation at the stores where you shop.
Couponers who misuse coupons also make it difficult for other couponers who are actually using coupons ethically; stores start looking warily at all couponers.
In some extreme cases, coupon fraud has even led to jail time.