In recent years, extreme couponing has become a well-known term, thanks largely to television shows and media coverage. But as we move further into the digital age, many people are asking: is extreme couponing still a thing? With the rise of new shopping tools and methods, it’s important to understand if this once-popular practice is still relevant or if it has been replaced by more modern approaches.
What is Couponing?
Couponing is a method used to save money on purchases by applying discounts through various types of coupons. Here’s a closer look at what couponing involves:
- Paper Coupons: These are traditional coupons that you might find in newspapers, magazines, or sent through the mail. They often require you to clip them out and present them at the store checkout.
- Digital Coupons: These are electronic coupons that can be accessed via smartphone apps, email, or retailer websites. They’re convenient as they don’t require any physical clipping or carrying.
- Store Loyalty Coupons: Many stores issue loyalty cards that offer exclusive discounts and coupons to frequent shoppers. These can be scanned or applied automatically during checkout.
- Manufacturer Coupons: These coupons are provided by product manufacturers and can often be used at multiple retailers. They usually come with a specific discount amount or percentage off.
The goal of couponing is to reduce the cost of products and services, making it a popular practice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Is Extreme Couponing Still a Thing?
Extreme couponing, a practice where shoppers use multiple coupons and promotions to achieve significant savings, has become less prominent in recent years. Here’s what’s happening with extreme couponing today:
- Decline in Popularity: Extreme couponing has seen a decline due to changes in shopping habits and the rise of digital alternatives. According to a Nielsen survey, coupon use in the U.S. dropped from 90% in 2010 to 78% in 2020. This suggests that while couponing is still used, the extreme practices of the past are less common.
- Shift to Digital Methods: As technology advances, many people have moved away from traditional paper coupons. Digital coupons and shopping apps offer a more convenient way to save money. The transition to digital has led some to question if extreme couponing as it was once known still exists.
- Television Influence: Extreme couponing gained massive popularity through TV shows like “Extreme Couponing,” which highlighted extreme savings and stockpiling. However, the popularity of these shows has waned, with viewership dropping by 40% since 2015. This decline reflects a shift in consumer interest.
- Coupon Redemption Rates: The redemption rate for paper coupons has decreased significantly. Only about 0.2% of paper coupons are redeemed today, compared to 1% a decade ago. This drop indicates that while some people still use coupons, the intense couponing methods are less effective and popular.
What is Digital Couponing?
Digital couponing refers to the use of electronic methods to apply coupons and discounts. This modern approach to saving money has become more popular due to its convenience and accessibility. Here’s what you need to know about digital couponing:
- Mobile Apps: Many retailers and brands offer their own mobile apps where users can find and use digital coupons. These apps often include features like barcode scanning and automatic discount application.
- Email Subscriptions: Signing up for emails from brands and stores can provide you with digital coupons and promotional codes directly in your inbox. These are often exclusive deals available only to subscribers.
- Retailer Websites: Online stores frequently offer digital coupons or promo codes that can be entered at checkout to receive discounts. These can include site-wide discounts or specific product deals.
- Social Media and Websites: Some coupons are shared through social media platforms and coupon websites. These can be accessed and used for additional savings.
Digital couponing offers a more streamlined and efficient way to save money compared to traditional methods.
Benefits of Digital Couponing
Digital couponing has several advantages over paper couponing, making it a preferred choice for many shoppers:
- Convenience: With digital coupons, there’s no need to carry physical coupons. You can access and use them directly from your smartphone or computer.
- Instant Savings: Digital coupons are often applied automatically at checkout or can be easily entered online, saving time and reducing the chance of forgetting to use them.
- Wide Selection: There are many digital coupons available from a variety of retailers and brands, providing a broader range of discounts.
- Eco-Friendly: Using digital coupons helps reduce paper waste, contributing to a more sustainable shopping practice.
- Real-Time Updates: Digital coupons can be updated or changed quickly, allowing you to access the latest deals and promotions.
How to Extreme Coupon the Digital Way
Although traditional extreme couponing practices might be less common, you can still achieve significant savings with digital couponing. Here’s how to maximize your savings:
- Use Multiple Apps: Download and use several coupon apps to access a wide range of discounts. Popular apps include Honey, Rakuten, and Coupons.com.
- Sign Up for Notifications:Subscribe to email lists and enable notifications for your favorite stores and brands to receive timely updates on new deals and promotions.
- Stack Discounts: Combine digital coupons with store promotions, loyalty rewards, and cashback offers to maximize your savings. Many apps and websites allow you to stack multiple discounts.
- Track Expiration Dates: Keep an eye on the expiration dates of your digital coupons to ensure you use them before they expire. Many apps will alert you when a coupon is about to expire.
- Follow Couponing Blogs and Forums: Stay informed about new digital couponing strategies and exclusive offers by following couponing blogs and online forums.
Is Digital Couponing Still Worth It?
Given the shift from paper to digital, you might wonder if digital couponing is still worth your time. Here’s why it remains a valuable practice:
- Cost Savings: Digital coupons can still provide substantial discounts, making them worthwhile for regular shopping.
- Ease of Use: The convenience of accessing and using digital coupons directly from your phone or computer makes the process simpler and more integrated into your shopping routine.
- Accessibility: With most retailers and brands offering digital coupons, it’s easier than ever to find and use these discounts, even if extreme couponing is less common.
Embracing Digital Couponing
While traditional extreme couponing may have declined, digital couponing offers a modern and effective way to save money. By adapting to these new methods, you can still achieve impressive savings without the need for paper coupons. Whether you’re asking, “Are coupons still a thing?” or “Can you still extreme coupon?” the answer is yes—just in a more digital format. Embracing these changes ensures you stay current with shopping trends and make the most of available discounts.