What is coupon Etiquette

When I first started couponing about 2 short years ago, I was overwhelmed with everything there is to learn.  I didn't know there was a "right" and "wrong" way to coupon.  In fact I new little on the subject at all. It's a lot to take in when you are first starting out, and it scares some people off.  With all the hype on the new TV series  "Extreme Couponers" I thought this would be a great time to go over some of the "rules" of couponing.  As I do NOT condone what some of the women on that show have done.

1- Shelf clearing.  Personally,  It's not something I agree with unless there is only 3-4 items left.  Taking 50-100 of one item and clearing the shelf is not only selfish, but greedy.  When the shelf is cleared, nobody else can buy that item until it is restocked(if they even have more) and besides do you really need 100 mustard?deodorant?shampoo?  Take some, and leave some for the rest.  If you need 100 of one item, try going to different stores, or calling ahead to the manager and asking if they have extra stock to accommodate your purchase.  There is nothing I hate more than knowing about a good sale, getting to the store and seeing the shelf empty.

2- Tear pads.  Throughout stores, you may notice tear pads of coupons hanging on shelves.  These are available to any customers who wish to take some.  Key word there is SOME.  There are people who take entire pads, which leaves nothing for the next shopper was looking to get a deal.  You should only take as many as you can use before they expire.  And in some cases, a few extra if you trade or give to family/friends.  Under no circumstance should you take an entire pad unless the store TELLS you to take it.  Sometimes they do this if they are close to expiry or if they have a new batch coming in.

3- Organization.  It's simple, if you plan to be a couponer, you HAVE to be organized.  Nobody wants to stand behind someone in line who is fumbling through there purse looking for their coupons, points cards, money etc.  It's best to plan your shopping trips ahead of time, so you can have everything you need organized before you go.  It makes shopping trips a lot more tolerable and will be beneficial to you, the cashier and others customers in the long run.  Scour the weekly flyers, make a list, gather any coupons you plan on using and have them separate.  I always bring my whole folder just in case I see something not advertised, but I have all my coupons and items organized once they are on the belt.

4- Coupon fraud.  This is a topic very much in the lime light at the moment, in regards to TLC's "Extreme couponer" and one of the women using coupons fraudulently on national television.  There are a lot of ways a coupon can be misused, and most coupons state in writing " misuse of this coupon constitutes as fraud" That being said, if you knowingly misuse a coupon you ARE breaking the law.  It's not any different than stealing. Don't print a million copies of an online coupon, or photo copy them. If a coupon is expired, or for a specific brand/size, PLEASE don't try and pull a fast one on the cashier.  Stores are not reimbursed for coupons accepted on wrong products.  Therefor they lose money, and in turn change there policies which hurt all couponers in the end. There are plenty of deals and coupons out there to get substantial discounts.  So there is no need to try and cheat the system.

5- Coupon Fairy. If you are in a store, and see something on sale that you have a coupon for but will never use.  Feel free to leave it in a noticeable location near the item.  Someone is bound to take advantage of the savings, and you get the benefit of knowing you helped someone.
So there you have it, a few tips and my opinions on what you SHOULD and SHOULDN'T do as a couponer.