Getting extra coupons is one of the best ways to really maximize your savings! Of course, this isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Certain television shows have made it look surprising easy to get your hands on loads of valuable coupons. However, this isn’t usually the case and some methods of obtaining extra coupons are actually unethical or even illegal. To get extra coupons, you need to know where to look and get a little creative.
Here are a few ideas to help you get extra coupons ethically and legally.
Sunday Papers
Everyone knows that coupons come in Sunday papers, so that’s no big surprise. You can get extra coupons, though, if you get extra Sunday papers. With the cost of Sunday papers on the rise, though, this might cost you more than it’s worth. Instead of buying them at full-price, do a little research. Call the newspaper and see if you can get some extra coupon inserts for free or cheap, or ask them about a bulk discount on extra Sunday paper deliveries. Oftentimes, stores will also sell Sunday papers at a deep discount much later at night or the next day.
Magazines
If you regularly pick up magazines or have a magazine subscription, start paying attention to the ads. You can often get valuable extra coupons from magazines. One of the best magazines to get extra coupons from is All You, which can be found at Walmart. You can also get an All You magazine subscription, which usually pays for itself from all of the coupon savings inside.
Local Businesses
Many businesses get newspaper subscriptions for themselves and their customers. Ask managers and owners if you could have any unused coupon inserts in their Sunday papers. You might be able to get extra coupons and inserts from businesses like coffee shops, doctor’s offices, and restaurants. Some libraries might also be willing to part with their Sunday paper coupon inserts.
Recycling Centers
Head to your local recycling center and ask if you can rifle through their bins to get extra coupons. Most centers shouldn’t have a problem with this, as long as you ask first. I don’t recommend dumpster diving or recycle bin diving, where you go around the neighborhood removing coupon inserts, unless you’ve checked your local laws about this. In some areas, it’s actually illegal to remove anything from marked recycle bins.
Schools
You might not realize it, but schools can be great places to get extra coupons! Most schools have recycling programs, and it’s not uncommon for unused newspapers and coupon inserts to end up there. Contact your local school’s principal or your child’s teacher and ask if you can look through their recycle bins to get extra coupons.
Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Not everyone uses coupons, so it doesn’t hurt to ask your family members, friends, and neighbors to send any unused coupons your way. If you have any like-minded coupon buddies, you could consider starting a coupon group or coupon train. Gather together once a week and trade coupons. This way you can get rid of coupons you don’t need and receive coupons that you do need from your coupon buddies. Win, Win!
Directly From Manufacturers
Many manufacturers are more than happy to try and keep their current customers happy and coming back for more. You can try contacting a manufacturer of a product you use frequently and compliment their products, or you could simply ask for coupons. You can sometimes get some nice high value coupons for products you use frequently using this method.
The Internet
Lots of coupons can be found on the Internet, and it’s an excellent tool for getting extra coupons. You can print a variety of coupons from websites like Red Plum, Smart Source, and Coupons.com. Couponing blogs – like this one – are also a great source for printable coupons. You can also look for extra coupons on manufacturer websites and social media pages.
