TORONTO – From workouts to makeovers, it seems everything is going “extreme.” Now that list includes couponing. Practiced by savvy shoppers, extreme couponing is the art of going to great lengths to find deals that could save you hundreds of dollars when you go shopping.
But it’s not easy. Global News caught up with expert couponer Cassie Howard to find learn her top secrets for saving big bucks.
TOP 5 TIPS FROM AN EXTREME COUPONER:
1) PRICE MATCHING
It’s the easiest thing you can do – and you don’t even need a coupon! Save yourself the hassle of driving between various retailers by arming yourself with the latest flyers advertising current sale prices.
Walmart, Loblaws, Zellers, London Drugs, Price Chopper, Freshco, Superstore and No Frills will price match the lowest advertised price on the same item. Note: bring the flyer with you – they need to see it. Walmart will even price match the price of a competitor’s generic brand (e.g. “no name” at Superstore for Walmart’s “great value” brand).
2) OVERAGE
They pay you to take home the goods!
According to the new Walmart and Giant Tiger coupon policies, you can get cash back when the coupon value is more than the product being purchased, which means some items can actually “make you money.”
3) SMALLER IS BETTER
Extreme couponers love travel sizes. If travel sizes are exempt, they will purchase the smallest possible size the coupon will allow – family size is a big no-no in the couponing world as you get less bang for your buck.
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4) BUY 1, GET 1 FREE
Did you know that if a retailer is advertising a buy 1, get 1 free special, you can use your “Buy 1, get 1 free” coupon at the same time and end up with 2 for free!
5) STACKING COUPONS
London Drugs on the West Coast allows you to stack coupons – which means you can use more than 1 manufacturer coupon at the same time – just like our American counterparts!
Expert extreme couponer Cassie Howard has more tips, tricks and deals on her website: www.mrsjanuary.com. Head there to find out everything you need to know to become an expert extreme couponer!
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