Coupon forgery (Copy)- Why you shouldn't do it.
Couponing etitiquet
Most of the couponers that I have met have some qualities in common. They want a win win situation. They would like to save their families money by couponing. They choose to donate some of their stockpile to food banks and such. They also like to help the stores they shop at earn more by using coupons in their locations. Many people are not aware of it, but using manufacturer coupons means that a store is able to make an additional handling fee on the item purchased. It is not a lot, but it does add up quickly. They are paid for the balance of the item plus the handling fee. So lets say that you had a dollar off coupon, the store is able to get that dollar from the manufacturer plus an additional 8 cents. See, it is a win win situation for everyone involved.
Once in a while, you do find a coupon user who is only interested in saving no matter what. These types of couponers may hurt both themselves and the location by making bad coupon choices. Some may not even be aware that what they are doing is wrong. That is the reason that I am writing this hub.
The two most common ways of getting coupons are through the sunday paper and through the internet. The internet coupons are called printable coupons. These coupons are linked to your computers IP address. Typically, a printable coupon will have a limit of 2 prints per printer. The coupon recognizes your printer and computer and will tell you when you have reached your print limit. Some people have decided to make copies of these coupons to save more in the store. This is one form of coupon forgery! Their are some consequences for this action. First, it hurts the store. They are not able to collect the value of the coupon or the handling fee on these coupons. If a store receives too many of these, you may notice an increase in prices to cover the losses. You may also notice a change in the coupon policy that can prohibit the use of printable coupons. This would be bad for everyone.
This is the reason that we do not recommend that you share, trade, or exchange your printable coupons with anyone. If someone else decides to make copies, sell, or trade these coupons, the manufacturers can trace it to you and your computer. If there are going to be any individual consequences they will be paid by you.
I choose to donate my printable coupons to an organization that I trust, but otherwise I do not share them.
Here are some other things that you should not do.
Altering a coupon in any way is considered forgery. If the expiration date is not visible or altered, don't even bother with it. Just throw it away.
Copying any type of coupon is a no no.
You can use as many coupons as you like as long as you are acquiring them legally. "Borrowing" the inserts of un-purchased newspapers is stealing. The store is responsible and charged for these newspapers.
Borrowing paper from other homes with out permission is something you should avoid.
If you live in the Central Florida area and you would like to receive multiple newspapers check out this Orlando Sentinel deal. You can get up to 6 papers.
You can also get a free copy of El Sentinel, which comes on saturdays and has some coupons, by calling Orlando Sentinel's customer service line.
Be sure you recycle all the extra paper!
All You magazine offers coupons as well as great articles too!
Need help saving money? Try a couponing site like Couponers United. Search coupon on FaceBook for more couponing site.
Many Blessings and Happy Saving!
