Why This Couponer isn't "Extreme"
Have you seen the new show on TLC about "Extreme Couponers?" I watched the hour long special a few months ago and have watched a few of the new episodes as well. I have to say that the show is disappointing to me. As someone who enjoys using coupons and sees the benefits of using them to save your family money, it's annoying to see the "extreme" side of using coupons glorified or exploited.
If you haven't seen the show, the basic premise is that they profile "extreme" couponers. The people they choose for the show aren't just using coupons to save money on the things their families need and building a small stockpile. These people are hoarding thousands and thousands of products that they have gotten for free or for pennies. Most of them have converted their garages into storage rooms for all of this stuff, and many store it all over their home (from their kids rooms to the guest shower).
They get the stuff by taking advantages of sales and coupons that will get them items for free or extremely cheap. I am ALL for that. It's really one of the best couponing tips I give...look for sales that you can stack with coupons then stock up! However, what most people will do is buy just what they will need for the next few months. Because most things will go on sale again within 3 months, so there is no need to buy for 2 years out. (Not to mention the fact that you will eventually have to trash things when they hit their expiration date). But the couponers on this show are filling carts with 200 toothbrushes, 50 bottles of Maalox, and 76 jars of pasta sauce. Just because you CAN get 500 of something for free (after buying 499 extra coupons online), doesn't mean you SHOULD.
It's frustrating to me to watch because this is not normal couponing behavior. But so many people watch that show and assume that everyone who uses coupons is a crazy hoarder trying to rip off stores. These people are greedy and hooked on the thrill of getting a deal. I have to admit that I know how much of a rush it can be to get something for free. It's awesome! But the difference between most couponers and these folks is that they have just taken it too far. They have an addiction and TLC is glorifying their behavior. It makes all couponers look bad and does those individuals no good, either.
So while I love coupons and getting something for free as much as the next lady, you won't see me "extreme" couponing anytime soon. I'm not perfect and I have had moments of over-buying because it was just so exciting to get something for free. But I've learned from those mistakes (which usually end in me having to throw away boxes of cereal past their expiration) and for now I'll enjoy my small stockpile and modest coupon stash and call it good.
What do you think? Are the extreme couponers just savvy business people or are they hoarding and exploiting the system?