Extreme Couponing Isn't as Extreme in Canada
Filed under: Bargains & Freebies, Buyer Beware, Bargains, Saving, Store Flyers, Television, New Year New Start
All us deal hunters and freebie hounds have heard the stories: There are people out there who can walk into a grocery store and walk out with hundreds of dollars worth of food using nothing but coupons and their own penchant for organization. The rest of us are left to wallow in resentment, since we know deep down we don't have the discipline for those rewards. Then that resentment is followed by a certain brand of consummerist backlash. "These people are going too far. Do they really need two hundred deoderants?"Shows like TLC's Extreme Couponing seem to do nothing but fan those flames among us average shoppers. Yet, when you see stay at home mom Joanie Demer of McKinleyville, CA buy $638.64 worth of groceries for $2.64, there's a skeptiscm that doesn't really believe that this 98% savings is possible. Still, we all want a piece of that don't we? We all would be extreme couponers if it didn't take such dedication.
Still, is it really possible to pull it off? The show only answers that question in the affirmative for the American audience, but you hardly ever hear of extreme couponers hauling wheelbarrels full of product out of a Safeway or a Loblaws. Walletpop wanted to find out why that was and what we discovered is that there are still tricks to saving with coupons in this country, but not to a degree that's going to allow the neighbours to shop out of your garage.
Coupon Stacking
There are many reasons why the potential savings are steeper for American customers. "They have a lot more promotions in American stores and they will print coupons on the back of receipts," says Steven Zussino, a Victoria resident who manages the coupon blog Grocery Alerts with his wife Lina. "We don't have coupons for fresh produce, chicken, ground beef or ribs and it also comes down to the difference in population. With 350 million people there are many more grocery chains, so there are many more incentives to get people into the store."
But the number one reason that extreme couponing isn't really possible in Canada is because only one store in the entire country, with locations that extend from B.C. to Manitoba, is confirmed to allow coupon stacking -- London Drugs. If you're lucky to have one in your area, you can take as many coupons as you want and put them towards one product. This applies as long as the coupons have different UPC codes and do not exceed an item's value. Coupon stacking is the key contributor to those unbelievable savings chronicled and without that key piece of the puzzle, Canadian coupon mavens enjoy savings that are modest by comparison.
The 12-Week Cycle
Just because Canadians can't save as much, doesn't mean they can't save at all. The weekly grocery flyers are a great place to start, but one mustn't jump at every deal. "What people don't realize is, it's not the store, but the manufacturer who pays for space in those flyers," says Zussino, "So sometimes a so-called 'sale' is only 30 cents above regular price." This is why astute deal seekers use spreadsheets to keep track of prices on items they buy most often.
"Items go on sale an average of every 12 weeks and some items have shorter cycles," says Zussino. When you can keep track of an item's cycle, you can predict when it will go on sale and then match the sale with a coupon for the same product. "My wife and I keep our coupons sorted by category, breakfast, housewares and personal hygiene so we always know what we have," says Zussino.
After that, it's simply a matter of stocking up until the next sale. The day of holidays are also the best time for stocking up on related items. "Super Bowl Sunday was the best time to buy chips and salsa," Zussino continues.
Coupon Cautionary Tales
There are lots of ways to get manufacturer's coupons in Canada. Various websites such as Save.ca, P&G BrandSaver, WebSaver and others, allow you to select coupons online and have them mailed to you the next business day. There are also printable coupons available from manufacturer's websites or Facebook pages, but Ottawa-native Jennifer Levac, proprietor of the Canadian Coupon Mom blog, says you need to be careful. "Some of the printables, they don't take them and some of the teenage checkout people don't understand the difference between per purchase and per transaction."
Printable coupons are easily susceptible to fraud and in order for the store to get the discounted money back, the coupon must include a Canadian mailing address. In many cases it's difficult to tell whether a printable coupon is from the U.S. or Canada. Per transaction means one item per shopping trip, but per purchase means if you buy a certain number of the same product, you can redeem one coupon for each one. It's better to redeem coupons at the customer service checkout because they are more use to seeing coupons and if there's a problem, they have easy access to a phone to call head office.
Levac also says consumer surveys can be a decent source of coupons. "I fill out the Diane Simon Shopper's Voice Survey every year. They send out coupons here and there for things that you check off." The final way to get product coupons is to write to the manufacturer directly. "Writing to companies gets you lots of high value coupons," says Zussino. "My wife and I received at least ten coupons from Dole for free canned pineapple."
Rainchecks & Price Matching
When a sale item is out of stock, or a shipment doesn't come in, all is not lost, often you can request a raincheck, which will give you the same discount for the item the next time it's available, but sometimes there's a limit to how long you can wait before you have to use your raincheck. "Some stores have a limit that's usually 30 days," says Levac. "Some stores will call you when it's over $20, like Canadian Tire, but some won't. It usually says on the form you get." Price matching is also possible at some stores like Wal-Mart, but it's always a good idea to bring the competitor's flyer with you as proof. Sometimes stores will only match the advertised price."
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I get free cleaning when ever I want.
June 04 2012 at 5:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI get free stuff every time I shop. You just need to have the same dedication the people in the US have. Not all stores in the US double coupons, yes they get weekly inserts but we get about 2 a month here in Canada as well. Know your coupon policies, know who will allow overages, know what is on sale and use the coupons accordingly. Last night I got dish soap at 29 cents a bottle NOT trial sized, I got my paper towels FREE with overage that went to the rest of my purchase, in total I got 2 boxes of hand towels, 2 bags of crispers crackers, 1 double sized chocolate bar (my personal treat) a childrens liquid advil (expensive stuff) and a trial sized tooth paste all for $4.03 with taxes. I am a "professional" couponer. I donate hundreds of items to charity, keep my shelves full, when I use to have to go to the food bank, and now I teach others to do it to. Tomorrow's trip should have tonnes of free stuff in it all because I plan ahead and make sure I know what I am getting and stick to it. These extreme couponers do spend HOURS a week and so do I to get the best deals. Do not think you can walk into a store and just crab a coupon and save tonnes of money, it takes time and planning and you have to stick to that. In time you will have plenty of everything if you plan properly.
February 11 2012 at 5:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyummm this article is so uninformed! I get free stuff everyday
just yesterday I was at PharmaPlus and bought 6 packages paper towels (2 rolls per pack) for $0.80
At Christmas Walmart paid me to buy coffee so much so that I could get a free all in one desktop for only taxes.
Tomorrow with pricematching and coupon stacking at one of the many many stores that stack I will get 10 free crisco vegetable oils.
I am not a hoarder and donate food items to local charities. My stockpile room looks just like they do on the American show....why? because I put the effort into it. Many will try most will give up, due to a lack of coupon devotion.
I have tried hard to create a great Coupons and Savings all-in-one database website. Its completely free and has over 20+ FREE MAIL TO YOU COUPONS, FREE PRINTABLE COUPONS, and FREE PRODUCT SAMPLES:
www.extremecouponsandsavings.ca
Check my site out and let me know your thoughts, we are always growing and expanding and in change.
Kind Regards,
Chaz S
chaz.admin@extremecouponsandsavings.ca
www.extremecouponsandsavings.ca
You are correct, it's not as 'extreme' up here in Canada, but you can still save a ton of money if you use coupons! Hey, every bit counts right? Great article--keep up the coupon shopping tips! :D
Check out my blog for more coupons and freebies just for Canadians:
Coupons Canada
http://www.coupons-canada.net
HEres the thing, America is absolutely cheaper than Canada no doubt about that, out housing is more expensive and get less land (smaller more expensive houses), food here is more expensive, soaring taxes and not to mention this HST crap now, it's ridiculous. But PLEASE lets keep it real, your army has done NOTHING for Canada or the rest of the world other than cause destruction and hatred. WHile we agree with the cheaper part (and sadly more boring part), thats about it, oh and dont forget our awesome universal health care, no matter what your social status is you can expect the best treatment, the same as the person making million dollars a year. So thats food for though for you Roy
October 13 2011 at 12:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLol, quit complaining.
You were unhappy in Canada & you left, good for you. I find it funny that someone makes one comment about obesity in America and you go on a long tirade. I also find it funny that your comment is so typically American, thinking that your country is oh so amazing. Where I understand patriotism, Americans get so into it that it just ends up being creepy...almost cult like.
Also, the USA is one of the most hated countries in the world...your comment makes me understand why.
Lol, quit complaining.
You were unhappy in Canada & you left, good for you. I find it funny that someone makes one comment about obesity in America and you go on a long tirade. I also find it funny that your comment is so typically American, thinking that your country is oh so amazing. Where I understand patriotism, Americans get so into it that it just ends up being creepy...almost cult like.
Also, the USA is one of the most hated countries in the world...your comment makes me understand why.
Roy you are being very rude....nobody here is bashing the US they are simply stateing that Extreme Couponing is very very difficult to do...and now for your ignorant comment "lets just say you stay right where we put you and your country in the security we built for you over land, sea and air and we allow you to live in peace so you can buy over priced food and visit boring parks and lousy bland restaurant food." Last I checked when the USA needs something done our army is the one called upon...whos troops are in afghanastan right now??? the USA has given us no security....the reason US citezens feel they have given us security is becasue have a they sense of entiltelment...you have obviousley just came on to this site to cause s**t last I checked this is about CANADIAN Couponing....as for everyone else Save On Foods stacks as well.
October 06 2011 at 2:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySorry Roy, while I do agree that Canadians on here are passing judgement, you might be shocked to know that we have our own military here in Canada, and we do not DEPEND on you for security, we do it ourselves, I know because it is what I do for a living,
September 20 2011 at 12:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2-15-2011 @ 9:42AM
Ed said...
I've been complaining for 40 years about Canadian grocers and manufacturers of being so cheap in promoting their products. Compared to the U.S., I feel embarrased and insulted when a manufacturer offers you a 25 cent coupon on a 10 dollar item. When are Canadians offered a 2 for 1 deal or a free trial product? Never! One other thing.... Why are we paying 40% more for the same products at Wal-Mart or others compared to the U.S. when the Canadian dollar is at par?
Reply
4-21-2011 @ 2:41PM
Chris said...
Here Here!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sick of it too. I feel like we don't count as a consumer~! Where's our turn!
6-20-2011 @ 2:03PM
Ferocia said...
It has to do with difference in population. Manufacturers get more value in numbers in the US- that's why its cheaper. Also all of the major manufacturers head offices are based in the US- so there isn't as much cost for shipping of products.
2-24-2011 @ 2:25AM
macw1960 said...
As far as I am concerned a coupon savings is money in my pocket. All those coupons add up. Manufactors in Canada do offer B1G1F(Buy 1 Get 1 Free) and FPC's(Free Product coupons) often but you just do not know where to look and you are obviously are not a member of www.smartcanucks.ca. Granted we do not get as many great deals as the U.S. but we do okay.
Reply
5-12-2011 @ 2:54AM
Collin said...
I dont get it..
Why wait for a deal.... When you can save everyday with the Key to the City savings card... lol
Let me introduce you to a little secret of mine !
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So for anyone who is really serious about saving money, Check this out !
ALSO be sure Enter the following fundraising Code: 2568 when registering for the program !
http://www.KeytotheCity.Ca
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5-18-2011 @ 3:34PM
Robert the Bruce said...
I find it interesting - and a bit sad - that the majority of the families shown on the TLC show about Extreme Couponing are morbidly obese. It is bad enough that the US public are overweight with bad fast-food diets, but a lot of the coupons that are used are for wonderful products like canned pasta, "soda" pop, candy, dry pasta, etc. You never see them buy good food like frozen vegetables. What good is saving $400 on a $450 shopping trip when you are just storing tons of empty calories.
The diet combined with the lifestyle if the wife spending 6-8 hours a day clipping coupons or sitting on the computer does nothing to address this either.
Fuimus
Reply
5-22-2011 @ 12:21AM
Joscelene said...
I totally agree with you...just said that to my husband tonight after watching an episode...I have NEVER seen coupons on fruits and vegi's...that is were the MOST of my money goes..not fair for people like us who don't eat processed food...why should we be penilized for eating properly?? we here in Canada have those great words on our coupons...One coupon per purchase..WTF is that...I don't have a passport right now..but I think I may reconcider...
5-21-2011 @ 1:15PM
Kassi Nova said...
I have lived in conditions where I relied heavily on food bank programs most of my life. Most of the food you get there is canned, dried or prepackaged- if not instant. On occasion, you'll get milk, eggs or yogurt that is near turning, With coupon regulations like they have in the US, I could contribute donations to these programs instead of having to turn to them every week for help. I wouldn't have to feel guilty for passing donation bins every Christmas without donating a thing. With the money I could save on clothes, hygiene products, vitamins, medication, cleaning products, pet food, canned food, jarred food, makeup, drinks, etc, etc, I could afford to eat a lot healthier than I do now.
I have seen the aired episodes of Extreme Couponing and I have to disagree when I see people say that all of the families featured are morbidly obese. Is everyone a waif? No. But I also see people who are morbidly obese every single day here in Canada and they are without shame, and they dump their money not just on instant, canned crap that is nuke-and-serve, they dump their money on corner store comestibles that are overpriced, greasy and loaded with sugar.
Besides, as a wife who works full time, if I could save an entire paycheque worth of spending on groceries in a single shopping trip, I could work half the hours I do right now and save the $500 a month it costs for childcare.
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5-29-2011 @ 12:52AM
Karen said...
Since the increase in popularity in couponing stores are taking note and changing some policies...my husband is in retail grocery management in BC...so just recently the Overwaitea food group and Shoppers drug mart both allow coupon stacking...as long as each coupon is different...
Reply
5-30-2011 @ 11:04AM
CLBROCHU said...
So when you say they allow stacking, but have to be different. I am just alittle unsure. I thought stacking was technically multiple coupons for the same product, thus recieving it for close to free. Correct me if I am wrong! Cause any thing to get a deal I am in.! THanks Colleen
11-14-2011 @ 8:08AM
Lee said...
FYI, if your not aware of it,most stores have a policy that if they charge u a higher price at checkout than what the shelf states, u get that item for free..this has been in practice for years however. there never used to be a limit...there is now,most have a $10 limit and it only applies to first item ,therefore if u bought 6 cans of soup,u wouldonly get the first 1 free
Reply
5-30-2011 @ 9:33PM
Tamera said...
By different coupons they mean that the coupons have a different UPC code on them. Many will look the same and have different UPC codes. As long as the codes are different and you are shopping somewhere like London Drugs where they let you stack coupons you can use them. So if you a 3 coupons for venus razors and the each have a different UPC you can use all 3 coupons as long as they do not add up to more than the product costs.
Reply
6-01-2011 @ 1:54PM
Larry Melanson said...
This show drives me crazy! The people look like hoarders or survivalists at times. I'd like to be able to get some huge bargains too. Too often in Canada it feels like retailers despise ever having to let you in the store at all. ESPECIALLY Superstore! Their stores in my area rarely have "sale' items in stock, or very few, or they're damaged. Their veggies are a disgrace and I now buy from a local chain instead. Good luck complaining to management too. Anyways I think Canadian store owners would prefer you to simply put your monthly grocery money in an envelope and quietly leave the store without bothering them. Customer service in this country is a joke. Every major retailer treats you like a pest instead of the source of their revenue, and that is why you'll never see extreme couponing in such a greedy miserable retail environment.
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6-05-2011 @ 6:30PM
Bulbous said...
This extreme couponing thing is American consumerism at it's worst. Most Canadians realize that most of these people are mentally ill. The parallels between this show and "Hoarders" are eerie.
Reply
6-11-2011 @ 6:50PM
Martha White said...
I have found a very useful software - couponsavingsoftware.With this
Search coupon data like you search in Google.
You can edit and delete data manually.
Auto-delete option for expired coupons.
No cutting and clipping of coupons required.
And for more, visit couponsavingsoftware(search in google) or you can just simply search in google for couponsavingsoftware.
Reply
6-13-2011 @ 12:36PM
Christina said...
There are lots of coupons for fresh produce and meat out there- even for healthy things like tofu, soy milk, salmon, whole grain nice etc.
Reply
6-16-2011 @ 3:16AM
Peter Lesperance said...
If I could I would but here in Canada being in a small town as I am savings are near impossible to find.The small amount of coupons I have been able to use here got to an amount of a few dollars a year at best even in the paper here the fliers don't ever have coupons in them.
Reply
6-25-2011 @ 11:37PM
Mark Wallace said...
My wife tried to use couponing like that and got a whole shopping cart full of groceries for only $14!!!!
The only trouble was that we couldn't put a meal together out of the odds and ends that she got, and we have a lifetime supply of condiments.
We live in the states.
Reply
7-22-2011 @ 10:07AM
Jack said...
Hey! I was browsing the web today and I found a great TORONTO daily deal coupons website. It's really great, up to 99% off on all prodcuts. Though I'd share:
http://www.WAYTWOGOOD.com
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8-03-2011 @ 3:18PM
Roy said...
I came into this site to see what coupons are actually saving anyone in Canada and I see none. Why put down the States for the same type of food they sell in Canada? Seeing those of you that are mad at the truth of the matter and yet instead of boycotting or standing up for the shopper in general to get great deals from what I see is more of a selfish food chain stores than any I have ever visited in the States. You want to complain about people's bad habits why don't you start with yourself and then move up the food chain. United States I know is not perfect but quit comparing your system to a system that isn't your's to follow. The day you can walk through my neighborhood and ruffle your feathers about the way we live and eat well lets just say you stay right where we put you and your country in the security we built for you over land, sea and air and we allow you to live in peace so you can buy over priced food and visit boring parks and lousy bland restaurant food.
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