A Frugal Life: 9/1/09

Friday, September 11, 2009

How To Get Coupons Directly From Companies

With food prices going up and your pay staying the same, how do you save on groceries??

Most people use coupons,but what is so aggravating is the lack of coupons for the items we use in our household or eat! I really disliked the coupons in the Sunday paper. Why? They hardly had coupons for what we use/eat!

I knew there had to be away to getting coupons for the products we used so,after researching, I found one of the best ways to get coupons for the things you use in your home, your kids may like, or you and your husband love, is by contacting the companies and restaurants and giving them feedback.

You'd be surprised at how many companies appreciate some kind of feedback from their customers. In return, most companies are more than happy to send you coupons for telling them you like/dislike a product, asking questions, making suggestions or requesting additional information about their products.

There is no need to pay for stamps or envelopes. Just go to your favorite companies web site find their 'contact' link and shoot them an email! The contact link can usually be found at the top or bottom of the companies web page.

Another way is by calling them. On most product packages there is a toll free number you can call and give them your opinion over the phone. (This is particularly good with complaints)

What should you write?

You can start out by sharing something that happened regarding their product (make is short though). Ex: I just contacted Horizon Dairy I told them my family and I love their milk. How I was introduced to their milk (during Katrina evacuation to Texas by my sister) and that their milk was not watery like some whole milks are. I loved that the expiration dates are pushed back and then I thanked them for making my life and my families life a little more healthier.

Tell them how their product or service has improved your life.

What you like or dislike about their service or a product.

Did you have problems with opening the package

If the product has a new design, tell them your thoughts on it.

If you are writing because something was wrong with the product, let them know the UPC number and give them as much detail as possible so they can research and find out what the problem was.

If you are disappointed in their product, do not be rude about it – just tell them why.

Also, remember if you are writing (not emailing) a company include your name and address or they won’t be able to send you coupons.

Don't forget to thank them for making the product.

Remember to thank them for taking the time to read your letter.

Here are a few tips:
I have been told that writing to major companies like Kraft, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Chef Boyardee won't get you any coupons even upon request. Reason: They often have coupons for their products in the Sunday inserts.

When contacting restaurants, write or call the local place of business. Restaurant managers who run each individual business seem to be a lot nicer than the main headquarters.

In addition, organic companies are very nice and generous about sending coupons. They often don’t do any major advertising and they love hearing from their customers.

I've already emailed 10 companies between the weekend and today. I have my fingers crossed that I'll have some valuable coupons in the next few weeks.

If you do this and get results, please leave a comment letting us know what company and what they did for you? I love to know when my readers get something good!

Thanks for visiting my blog,

FREE True North Nut Snacks & Profit @ Walgreens

Starting Sunday 9/13 and thru 9/19, Walgreens will have the True North Nut Crisps or Clusters snacks on sale for $3, and they will generate a $3 Register Reward making them FREE!

Plus, you can use this $1/1 coupon or the $1/1 coupon from the 2/8 SmartSource insert to make $1 purchasing these!

I've tried these and they are very good! Getting them for FREE and making some money back sounds like a FANTASTIC Deal to me!

Thanks Hip2save!

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Fashion Bug Has $4 Shoes & Tops!!

Fashion Bug has a few pairs of shoes and tops for $4.00. Add $25 to your cart, enter coupon code 776281008 or 776286007 for $10 off any $25 purchase.

Shipping is $4.95, so your total should be $20 including shipping!!!

Thanks Swaggraber!

Head on over to Fashion Bug then click on "Sale" and select "$4 shoes" to see all the shoes that are included.

Thanks for visiting my blog,

Winn Dixie BOGO Deals 9/9-9/15

Swaggrabber has listed the Winn Dixie deals for this week! Her prices are for Florida Stores.

Please check with your area store for prices and for info on the BOGO. You may need to purchase 2 instead of 1 for the BOGO. Also if the price is 2/$5 or something like, you do not need to buy 2, you can buy one and still get the sale price.

Buy One Get Deals:
Edy's Ice Cream BOGO $6.69
- Use two $1/1 coupons found in the 08-23-09 RP insert
$2.34 each after coupons

Eckrich Meat Franks BOGO $3.29
- Use the $1/2 coupon found in the 08-30-09 SS insert
$1.14 each after coupon

Smart Balance Spread or Spray BOGO $3.59
- Use the $1/2 coupon found in the 08-16-09 RP insert
$1.29 each after coupon

***Deal Scenerio
Buy 2 Smart Balance Spreads $3.59
Buy 2 Smart Balance Popcorns $4.99
Total = $8.58
- use the $1/2 coupon in the 08-16-09 RP insert
- use two buy spread get popcorn free coupons in the 06-28-09 RP insert
$2.59 for everything ($.64 each)

Totino Pizza Rolls BOGO $2.99
- Use the $1/2 coupon found in the 08-09-09 SS insert
$.99 each after coupon

Pompeian Olive Oil BOGO $5.79
- Use two $1/1 PRINTABLE coupons
$1.89 each after coupons

Thanks Swaggrabber!

Thanks for visiting my blog,