The Pros and Cons of Using a Coupon Clipping Service
Does Using a Coupon Clipping Service Make Sense?
Extreme couponers know that using a coupon clipping service can help save tons of money. But, what about the rest of us--does it make sense to use a coupon clipping service and if so, when should you use one?
An overview of coupon clipping services
In a nutshell, a coupon clipping service is a company that clips manufacturers coupons from the Sunday inserts for a fee. These companies do not sell the coupons, they are charging you to clip, sort and mail you coupons. An Internet search on the term "coupon clipping service" will bring up a vast number of services.
Pros
Coupon clipping services are actually cheaper than purchasing the Sunday paper if you use them correctly. In Northwest Arkansas, the Sunday paper is $1.25. In order to get home delivery, you have to purchase a weekend subscription of Friday through Sunday for $15.00 a month. That makes the Sunday paper very expensive.
When a killer deal comes up at a local supermarket, coupon clipping services can supply you with all of the coupons you will need. Most have overnight delivery as an option so if you place the order on Sunday you should have the coupons by Tuesday.
Using a coupon clipping service allows you to pick and choose exactly which coupons you want. This is a great time saver. The exact coupons you need arrive preclipped and sorted. All you have to do is put them in your coupon holder.
Cons
There is a cost associated with using a coupon clipping service. The fees vary and they depend on how high in demand a particular coupon is and the face value of the coupon. Most coupon clipping services assess a separate shipping charge. If you are not careful about the coupons you order, you may actually lose money using the service.
Coupons are shipped through the mail. Sometimes unforeseen events slow down mail delivery. Every once in a while, the U.S. Post Office misplaces a piece of mail. They almost never lose mail, but sometimes postal machines eat envelopes.
Some coupon clipping services are more reputable and reliable than others. It pays to perform some research before you decide on a particular service.
Legality
The terms of use printed on the manufacturers coupons always contain the following statement:
"...void if altered, reproduced, transferred, sold or auctioned. Any other use constitutes fraud..."
The transferred part is open to interpretation. Although it is stated that you cannot transfer or sell the coupons, it is almost impossible to enforce.
It is legal to use a coupon clipping service to obtain your coupons. There are no laws in place at a federal level to prevent it. Whether or not it violates the terms of use stated on the coupon is another story.
Using a coupon clipping service can help you save money on your groceries. The key is to use the services wisely. When you need a large quantity of coupons in a hurry, a coupon clipping service is the way to go.
Other Content You May Enjoy from Associated Content:
Extreme Couponing at Walmart
How to Choose the Best RV for Your Family
How to Refresh Old Potting Soil
An overview of coupon clipping services
In a nutshell, a coupon clipping service is a company that clips manufacturers coupons from the Sunday inserts for a fee. These companies do not sell the coupons, they are charging you to clip, sort and mail you coupons. An Internet search on the term "coupon clipping service" will bring up a vast number of services.
Pros
Coupon clipping services are actually cheaper than purchasing the Sunday paper if you use them correctly. In Northwest Arkansas, the Sunday paper is $1.25. In order to get home delivery, you have to purchase a weekend subscription of Friday through Sunday for $15.00 a month. That makes the Sunday paper very expensive.
When a killer deal comes up at a local supermarket, coupon clipping services can supply you with all of the coupons you will need. Most have overnight delivery as an option so if you place the order on Sunday you should have the coupons by Tuesday.
Using a coupon clipping service allows you to pick and choose exactly which coupons you want. This is a great time saver. The exact coupons you need arrive preclipped and sorted. All you have to do is put them in your coupon holder.
Cons
There is a cost associated with using a coupon clipping service. The fees vary and they depend on how high in demand a particular coupon is and the face value of the coupon. Most coupon clipping services assess a separate shipping charge. If you are not careful about the coupons you order, you may actually lose money using the service.
Coupons are shipped through the mail. Sometimes unforeseen events slow down mail delivery. Every once in a while, the U.S. Post Office misplaces a piece of mail. They almost never lose mail, but sometimes postal machines eat envelopes.
Some coupon clipping services are more reputable and reliable than others. It pays to perform some research before you decide on a particular service.
Legality
The terms of use printed on the manufacturers coupons always contain the following statement:
"...void if altered, reproduced, transferred, sold or auctioned. Any other use constitutes fraud..."
The transferred part is open to interpretation. Although it is stated that you cannot transfer or sell the coupons, it is almost impossible to enforce.
It is legal to use a coupon clipping service to obtain your coupons. There are no laws in place at a federal level to prevent it. Whether or not it violates the terms of use stated on the coupon is another story.
Using a coupon clipping service can help you save money on your groceries. The key is to use the services wisely. When you need a large quantity of coupons in a hurry, a coupon clipping service is the way to go.
Other Content You May Enjoy from Associated Content:
Extreme Couponing at Walmart
How to Choose the Best RV for Your Family
How to Refresh Old Potting Soil
Published by Lynda Altman
Lynda Altman is a freelance writer, blogger and researcher. Her experience includes published print articles in Family Chronicle Magazine, writing and researching for private clients, and writing online cont... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentGreat info, we tried this once and it paid for itself and more. However, since we get the paper anyway, and our grocery store doen't like computer printouts, we're sticking to coupon inserts.
Great article!
Excellent research! Thanks for the tips