Manipulation and waste: why discount coupons don't help you save money

Discount coupons are synonymous with saving money. The mere mention of a frugal lifestyle brings to mind the long hours spent clipping coupons from numerous newspapers in order to save money on purchases, recalls Money Talks News.

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But what if you give up coupons? Surprisingly, you can save on a wide variety of products just as noticeably, eat healthier foods and make purchases easily without being tied to product groups and individual products for which the coupon offers a discount. Here are the reasons why many Americans no longer use coupons.

1. Low Effort / Benefit Ratio

In exchange for small savings, traditional coupons are demanding. By the time you've bought the newspaper, clipped new coupons, organized them, tracked expiration dates, and found stores that will accept them, you might think that as a reward for all that effort, they could just give you the product for free.

2. Coupons manipulate our choices

It's no secret that manufacturers and retailers want us to use coupons for one reason only: to introduce us to products we wouldn't normally buy. They further expect that demand will remain and the price may gradually increase. Most coupons are distractions that add new expenses.

3. Coupons distract us from the best deals

In practice, it is easier and more profitable to simply buy familiar brands, find out which generic products to buy, or wait for sales at the store. Store brands typically offer better deals than coupons—without the hassle. Try comparing unit prices. You will give up clipping coupons forever.

On the subject: Best Low Cost Products to Buy at Costco

4. Coupons promote prepackaged and processed foods

Coupons are often sold for more expensive and less useful semi-finished products, refined, pre-packaged and processed foods in every possible way. Looking for coupons for fresh produce like broccoli or apples? If they exist, they are as rare as coupons with no expiration date.

5. Coupons encourage you to buy more

To take advantage of the savings, coupons often require the purchase of more than one item (for example, “$1 off any three items”). This can be good for products you know and love, but otherwise it's risky. Think about whether you will save money by buying more than you really need? Especially if you don’t really like them, even though they are sold at a discount.

6. Coupons increase brand loyalty

Part of the purpose of coupons is to establish purchasing patterns and increase brand loyalty. When it comes to shopping, a little cheating can go a long way. Blindly sticking to one brand of yogurt, spaghetti sauce or toothpaste means you're likely missing out on better deals or products you'll enjoy more. Brand loyalty can speed up the purchasing process, but that's where the benefits end.

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7. Coupons cost money

Don't assume that those “free” coupons you get with your grocery check are actually free. Most are created through elaborate loyalty programs that track dozens of data points, such as what time of day you shop, how much you spend on average, what in-store services you use, and whether you have kids.

Many shops sell your information at high margins. In exchange for these discounts, you transfer most of your sensitive information.

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