Extreme couponing may become an obsession

We are all seeking to conserve cash in these difficult times. Coupon cutting is one method to conserve cash on food and other products. But coupons have an ugly side, too. "Extreme Couponing," popularized by a cable TV show, can, for many, become a scary obsession. Source for this article: Coupon clipping can help but it has a dark side

Began with reality show

"Extreme couponing" is a phrase made popular by The Learning Channel's reality show of the same name. TLC states that the show is about "the world of bargain shoppers who have mastered the art of saving. Get tips to help you save Big." TLC first previewed the show in December, 2010. Then, the show began airing in 2011. This was done in April. It is now into a second season. This began this month.

Can couponing lead to hoarding?

The show is, according to MNSBC’s Allison Linn, about "bargain-obsessed people coupon-clipping for hours, and in some cases even Dumpster diving for more coupons." We see these people clearing out shelves in grocery stores and presenting enormous stacks of coupons to the register clerk, as reported by Linn. Afterward, they're seen bragging about the pantry stuffed with several years' supply of household goods.

Began lots of controversy

Recently, the show has sparked a backlash from retailers and manufacturers, who see increasingly more people taking bargain hunting to the extreme.

Bud Miller, executive director of Coupon Information Corp., said “a fairly large number of people are going into stores with really unrealistic expectations.”

There are more and more coupon users starting to commit fraud, the Good Marketing Institute warned retailers last month. Behaviors cited included intimidating cashiers and attempting to redeem coupons for products other than what they were intended for.

An increase in Sunday newspaper theft reported

Sunday newspapers, in just the last year or so, have begun to be stolen much more frequently across the country, in part due to couponers, as reported by Linn.

Dan Schaub, a marketing executive for The Sacramento Bee, said many newspapers are taking measures to guard against these thefts. The papers are being used by couponers. This was clear to him. Wed and Sunday newspapers — the days that feature coupon inserts — have been selling quickly.

Coupon fraud

Jill Cataldo posted an article in April that pointed out issues with the “Extreme Couponing” individuals. She said that one shopper on the show, J’Aime Kirlew” showed lots of unethical and illegal couponing practices

This matter is taken seriously by TLC, it said in a statement. It plans to look into the concerns. The end of the statement said: "We look forward to sharing the tips and shopping savvy from all the couponers featuring in upcoming episodes."

Articles cited

Jill Cataldo

Tags: extreme couponing, dark side of couponing, tlc, the learning channel, msnbc, allison linn, coupon fraud, newspaper thefts