We are all seeking to conserve money in these troubled times. Coupon clipping is one method to save money on food and other items. But there is a bad side to couponing. "Extreme Couponing," made popular by a cable Television show, can, for many, become a dark obsession.
Popularized by reality show
"Extreme couponing" is a phrase popularized by The Learning Channel's reality show of the same name. According to TLC, it is a show 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. In April 2011, the show began airing. A second season starts this month.
Can couponing lead to hoarding?
The show is not just about individuals who conserve cash though. As Allison Linn of MSNBC points out, it is more about "bargain-obsessed people coupon-clipping for hours, and in some cases even Dumpster diving for more coupons." Linn said that whenever we see individuals clearing the grocery store shelves and then giving a ton of coupons to the register clerk, this is seen. These people start to show their pantry off. They show that they have a years' supply of household goods from the couponing.
Controversy over Television shows
Recently, the show has sparked a backlash from retailers and manufacturers, who see more and 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."
The trade group Food Marketing Institute warned retailers last month of a rise in fraudulent behavior among coupon users. Behaviors cited integrated intimidating cashiers and attempting to redeem coupons for items other than what they were intended for.
An increase in Sunday newspaper theft reported
Linn explained that newspapers started to be stolen more often on Sunday. This is because of couponers, many believe.
The Sacramento Bee is doing things to prevent theft from taking place, according to Dan Schaub. 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 easily.
Deception being committed
Jill Cataldo posted an article in April that pointed out troubles with the "Extreme Couponing" individuals. She said that one shopper on the show, J'Aime Kirlew" showed lots of unethical and illegal couponing practices
TLC responded to the controversy in a statement, saying the company takes the concerns seriously and will look to the matter. The end of the statement said: "We look forward to sharing the tips and shopping savvy from all the couponers featuring in upcoming episodes."
Popularized by reality show
"Extreme couponing" is a phrase popularized by The Learning Channel's reality show of the same name. According to TLC, it is a show 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. In April 2011, the show began airing. A second season starts this month.
Can couponing lead to hoarding?
The show is not just about individuals who conserve cash though. As Allison Linn of MSNBC points out, it is more about "bargain-obsessed people coupon-clipping for hours, and in some cases even Dumpster diving for more coupons." Linn said that whenever we see individuals clearing the grocery store shelves and then giving a ton of coupons to the register clerk, this is seen. These people start to show their pantry off. They show that they have a years' supply of household goods from the couponing.
Controversy over Television shows
Recently, the show has sparked a backlash from retailers and manufacturers, who see more and 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."
The trade group Food Marketing Institute warned retailers last month of a rise in fraudulent behavior among coupon users. Behaviors cited integrated intimidating cashiers and attempting to redeem coupons for items other than what they were intended for.
An increase in Sunday newspaper theft reported
Linn explained that newspapers started to be stolen more often on Sunday. This is because of couponers, many believe.
The Sacramento Bee is doing things to prevent theft from taking place, according to Dan Schaub. 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 easily.
Deception being committed
Jill Cataldo posted an article in April that pointed out troubles with the "Extreme Couponing" individuals. She said that one shopper on the show, J'Aime Kirlew" showed lots of unethical and illegal couponing practices
TLC responded to the controversy in a statement, saying the company takes the concerns seriously and will look to the matter. The end of the statement said: "We look forward to sharing the tips and shopping savvy from all the couponers featuring in upcoming episodes."
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