1) Don't pay for coupons, other than your newspaper subscription - you should never have to buy coupons! Ask around to friends, family, and businesses to see if they will give you their extra coupons! I also have a group of friends that trades coupons, just costs us the stamp and envelope!
2) Don't buy more than a reasonable amount of a product - probably under 10 items per visit.
3) Related to #2 - don't clear shelves! Always try to leave some for the next person.
4) Don't "trick" the system - meaning, 18 seperate transactions in 1 day is rediculous. 3 or 4, depending on how busy the store was, would be my limit.
5) Don't EVER use coupons on the wrong product. Unintentional mistakes happen - but doing it intentionally is fraud, and hurts those of us doing it the right way!!
Above all - pay it forward. Share your wisdom, share your stock pile and deals when you can, and be kind to those in the stores with you! A cashier who looks forward to what you save vs. one who hates to see you walk through the door makes a big difference in enjoying your shopping!
(Can you tell I am watching 'Extreme Couponing' and getting frustrated at some of these practices?!)
