Normally I only share the positive rules about using coupons and stockpiling.  But to be fair, I want to share what I call the “Couponer’s Golden Rule.”

Do Unto Other Shoppers as You’d Have Shoppers Do Unto You.

1.  Do not clear shelves. While I may talk about buying 20 packages of oatmeal in a sale, I don’t buy them all at once.  I make sure my store has plenty in stock for other shoppers by making multiple trips or special ordering through the store manager.  Being fair to the stores and other shoppers means that other shoppers won’t get mad at the store.  Yes, they make money on the one item either way, but unhappy shoppers tend to not buy other products, and spend their money at other stores.  That’s not the way to engender good feelings from your store.

2.  Do not block aisles or race other shoppers and then fill two or three carts full. This is simply greed, and greed is not good.  And yes, there are some rather infamous shoppers in this area who do just this, angering hundreds of other shoppers who are there at the same time for the same deals.

3.  Do not use coupons for products they are not intended for. If it says $1 off 2, you must buy 2.  If its a coupon for 12 oz only, you must buy the 12 oz, not the 8 oz, even if it doesn’t ‘beep.’  Don’t use Swiffer coupons on diapers.  All of those are a form of misredemption and coupon fraud, which costs manufacturers and stores millions of dollars every year.  In essence, if you know the coupon you are using is not being redeemed properly, its the same as shoplifiting from the store.