Let me first say that I have only seen short clips and commercials of TLC's new show, Extreme Couponing. I don't have cable or satellite television, so even if I really wanted to watch it, I just don't have the access. That said, it caused quite the explosion of commentary on many of the major couponing websites, which definitely caught my attention.
From what I've read and gathered, it sounds like the show lived up to it's title (and then some). I know that "extreme" is a relative concept, and that some people might call my level of couponing "extreme." I get that. But I'd venture to say that 99% of the couponing community, including myself, would refrain from and rebuke the following conduct:
1) Unethical couponing.
2) Shelf-clearing. (I'm talking about buying all 60+ bottles of mustard on a sale and leaving none for fellow customers and couponers. I think it is a different story altogether if you're buying the last bottle or two on the shelf.)
3) Hoarding. (I encourage prudent stockpiling, which can save you tons of money over time. I'll try to write more about stockpiling later this week.)
Fellow couponer Becky kindly sent me this post from A Full Cup, where she is a contributor. I think it provides a great commentary on the show, and I especially agree with this point:
7. Donating Instead of Hoarding
Some people extreme coupon to help others. While the TLC show has yet to highlight this (it focuses on the hoarding side) there are some extreme couponers that do it for the good of friends or charities. A generous extreme couponer will get 100 boxes of cereal for free then keep 20 for their family and donate 80 to a homeless shelter.
I would definitely welcome your thoughts on the show, or just couponing in general! The purpose of this website is to make couponing as easy as possible. You don't have to be extreme to save your family tons of money!
Thanks for the recommendation, Becky! And thanks for good commentary, Rasha!
(Image source)
No comments :
Post a Comment
Leave a comment!