If you have ever watched “Extreme Couponing” on TV, you know that shoppers on the program demonstrate how they received hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of merchandise for only a few dollars (if that) by using coupons. They will buy dozens of the same item, using dozens of identical high value coupons (often doubled in value by the store) to accomplish this feat.
Now some manufacturers and retailers are fighting back. Look what P&G is now printing on its manufacturers coupons.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Here the manufacturer is imposing a limit of four identical coupons that can be used when buying the same product. But now some retailers are getting in on the action too.
*MOUSE PRINT:
“Rite Aid may accept up to 4 identical coupons for the same number of qualifying items as long as there is sufficient stock to satisfy other customers within the store manager’s sole discretion.” – Rite Aid Coupon Acceptance Policy, May 2011
“You may double a maximum of 4 identical manufacturers’ coupons. For example: if a customer purchased five boxes of Cheerios and presented 5 manufacturers’ coupons for 50¢, the first four coupons would be doubled to $1. The fifth coupon would only be redeemed for 50¢. Up to an additional 12 identical manufacturers’ coupons/items will be redeemed at face value for a total of 16 identical manufacturers’ coupons.” — Stop & Shop and Giant coupon acceptance policy.
If these practices are actually enforced, and other companies jump on the bandwagon, extreme couponing may become a thing of the past.
Since Mouse Print* began in 2006, we have featured product after product that has been downsized. Manufacturers remove an ounce here and there, and for paper products, they shave off fractions of an inch in width or length, or reduce the number of sheets provided.