Coupons are one of the most popular marketing strategies for attracting new shoppers and building loyalty among existing ones. But putting coupons to work requires planning and strategy.
Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot. Remember: Brand loyalty can stand in the way of a great deal, so be willing to try different brands.
Don’t be afraid to shop around.
Grocery stores constantly compete for consumers’ business, meaning prices change from store to store. Take advantage of this by shopping around and following the cheapest prices. This will save you money in the long run.
Make sure to mine the coupon inserts tucked into your Sunday newspaper, and check out the grocery stores’ loyalty apps for deals and sales on staple items. You can also use web browser add-ons to track the price of products.
Consumer Reports recently reported that most store brands measure up to name-brand counterparts in quality and taste—and often cost 20-25% less! Try switching out some of your favorite brand name items for the generic version and see what you think.
Many grocery stores offer email newsletters with upcoming sales, and these are a great way to keep your eyes peeled for coupons. In addition, social media and TikTok promotions effectively reach younger demographics, and these can be a great way to distribute personalized coupons. By spreading your coupons across multiple channels, you’ll be able to get as many people as possible and increase the effectiveness of your promotion.
Invest in a coupon scanner.
Feeding your family can be expensive, and using coupons may save some money on the products you need. Saving a few dollars or cents here and there doesn’t seem like much, but it can add up over time.
Some shoppers are extreme couponers, slashing 90% or more off their grocery bills. While this may seem impressive, getting the best deals takes time, energy, and planning.
Even if you aren’t into coupon clipping, you can still lower your costs using apps and websites offering digital coupons. These are available through your favorite store’s website or app and third-party programs.
These apps let you browse the weekly ad and select items to bring up in the checkout line. Then, the app scans your groceries at the register to automatically apply your coupons and discounts, which can help you save on your shopping bill. You can also use online shopping options for regular deliveries of your most-used grocery items at discounted prices.
For exclusive discounts and promotions on a wide range of products at online stores, visit https://www.retailmenot.com/view/walmart.com to explore savings opportunities and enhance your shopping experience.
Create a small stockpile.
It’s essential to set aside money for building a stockpile and only buy items when they are on sale. Making a good-sized stockpile can take months and even years, but it is well worth the effort. A small stockpile means you always have food or household products on hand. If you cannot go grocery shopping for whatever reason – illness, tiredness, or disaster – you cannot go grocery shopping.
According to a frugal-living expert, a small stockpile also insulates you from price increases. It’s a great strategy that can save you big.
You can store food and household products in a pantry, the back of your closet, or a dresser. The key is to find a place where the items won’t be tampered with or forgotten. You can also purchase food storage bins to keep the items organized and out of sight. This way, you don’t end up with expired or spoiled products at the bottom of your stash. It’s essential to rotate your stockpile constantly. That will ensure you use older items first before they expire.
Make a meal plan.
Even if you don’t want to spend time sifting through paper circulars or scanning receipts to get cash back, there are still steps you can take to reduce your grocery bill. One way is to make a meal plan before you shop and stick to it at the store. This will help you avoid the temptation to buy more than you need and to say no to impulse purchases that end up in the trash.
Knowing how much your family eats in a week or month is also helpful. This can help you determine how much food to purchase and whether or not coupons are worth the effort for you and your family.
Lastly, try to plan your shopping around the sales cycle of your local stores. Stores often put their new deals out on a particular day of the week, like Sunday. This may save you a little extra money as well. Also, remember to cut your produce. That saves a lot of money in the long run!
Use cash-back apps
Most grocery store and gas purchases are consistent, so using cash-back apps that reward frequent expenditures makes sense. Here are a few to try: to let you earn passive money by adding offers and scanning a receipt. They can add up to some excellent savings, especially if you stack them with manufacturer coupons and in-store promotions.
These apps can also be used with store-branded loyalty cards, often offering point-of-sale discounts. Some grocery stores even double or triple coupon values, increasing your savings potential.
Another option, which pay you directly when you earn rebates on groceries and other shopping. It also has low minimum redemption amounts so you can access your earnings sooner rather than later. With the rising cost of groceries, finding a strategy that maximizes your savings is essential. Fortunately, the best grocery coupons can help stretch your dollars further without wasting too much free time. And with some planning, you can be well on your way to cutting costs and getting the most bang for your buck.
